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John Piper

Born: January 11, 1946 (age 77, turning 78 in 2025)
Occupation: Theologian, Pastor, Author, Chancellor
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Spouse: Noel Piper (married 55+ years)

Background​

American theologian, pastor, and prolific author best known for his emphasis on "Christian hedonism" - the concept that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

Professional History​

  • Pastor: Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis (1980-2013, 33 years)
  • Current Role: Chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis
  • Ministry: Founder and senior teacher of Desiring God ministry
  • Council Member: The Gospel Coalition

Key Contributions​

Literary Work​

  • Author of 50+ books including:
    • Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (1986)
    • Don't Waste Your Life
    • The Passion of Jesus Christ
    • Multiple Christian Book Award winners

Media & Teaching​

  • Host of long-running Ask Pastor John podcast
  • Extensive library of sermons, articles, and books available through Desiring God
  • Regular conference speaker

Theological Position​

  • Tradition: Reformed Baptist
  • Focus: Biblical exegesis, sovereignty of God
  • Mission: "A passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ"

Personal Testimony​

Life-Changing Moment (1966)​

At age 20, while hospitalized with mononucleosis, Piper experienced a dramatic calling shift from pre-med to ministry after listening to Chapel messages on college radio. This led him to abandon medical school and pursue theological education.

Marriage Philosophy​

Met Noel Henry during this transformative period. When he told her about his career change from medicine to ministry, she responded: "I fell in love with you not your vocation" - a statement that has defined their 55+ year marriage.

Core Teachings​

Christian Hedonism​

  • Central discovery made in fall 1968
  • Reconciles human desire for happiness with God's call for His glory
  • "My highest and longest happiness and God's glory are never at odds ever"

God's Sovereignty​

  • Emphasis on "all-pervasive sovereignty of God"
  • "You don't plan your life, God plans your life"
  • Advocates for complete surrender: "I'll go anywhere and do anything"

Local Church Necessity​

  • Strong advocate for embedding in local church community
  • Believes church involvement saves marriages, reveals gifts, and provides spouse-finding opportunities

Suffering and Trials​

  • Teaches concept of "sifting by Satan"
  • Emphasizes God's sovereignty as "ballast" against life's storms
  • Restoration through God's repeated question: "Do you love me?"

Current Status (2025)​

At 77 (turning 78), continues active ministry through Desiring God, writes poetry for his wife, and maintains ambitious schedule for Gospel advancement. Known for writing anniversary and birthday poems for Noel.

Legacy Focus​

Passionate about raising up "goers" - individuals called to cross-cultural missions. His prayer for conferences is that "a thousand of these 10,000 students feeling I believe God is leading me to be a goer."

Known for his deep love for his wife Noel, unwavering commitment to Reformed theology, and the revolutionary concept that pursuing joy in God is not only permissible but commanded.