There is great benefit in learning how God worked in the lives of those who came before us. They are often called “giants of the faith,” and hearing about their sufferings gives us consolation in our own sufferings. We take joy in their joy. We reap the fruits of their labor—sometimes centuries after their time here on Earth. As Hebrews states:

For a great resource of biographies about inspiring Christians, turn to 50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Spiritual Giants of the Faith by Warren W. Wiersbe. But what about the modern giants in the making? We took a tour through the archives of Haven’s Great Stories Podcast—which features past and present conversations with Charles Morris and David Wollen—and selected five incredible episodes that have made a profound impact on the hearts of our listeners.

Wherever you are in your current walk with Christ, we pray at least one of the following conversations will minister to your soul in a uniquely personal way. 

1. Chuck Colson 

Chuck Colson (1931-2012) was the founder of Prison Fellowship, starting the nonprofit that ministers to those in prison, after he himself served time. Colson was part of the group that worked for President Nixon and committed the crimes behind Watergate. Soon after, he became a believer in Jesus Christ. Prison Fellowship visits hundreds of prisons each year, delivering thousands of Bibles to prisoners. In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris returns to a classic conversation he had with the late Chuck Colson about how he went from a Watergate felon to born again Christian.

2. Keith & Kristyn Getty

Our church’s hymnals are filled with songs written by our brothers and sisters from past ages, songs that have now become our own. Two of today’s modern songwriters, Keith & Kristyn Getty (1974- and 1980-), may be writing hymns that will make it into future hymnals, if the popularity of “In Christ Alone” and “Power of the Cross” are any prediction.

3. Joni Eareckson Tada 

Where is Jesus when you need Him most? Whether it’s a chronic condition or a tragic accident, even believers find themselves ill-equipped to handle the myriad of afflictions that often catch us by surprise. That’s why it’s so important to learn now from those who have come before us, people like Joni Eareckson Tada (1949- ) who discovered just how essential it is to practice daily closeness with Christ. In this conversation with Charles Morris and David Wollen, Joni discusses the many ways she experiences the presence of Jesus in her own daily life—even when overwhelmed with pain and fatigue. For more, turn to her book: The Practice of the Presence of Jesus.

4. Andraé Crouch

You may not know his name but you’ve definitely heard and sung along to his music. Known as the father of modern gospel, Andraé Crouch (1942-2015) won seven grammies and wrote songs covered by Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard. He worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna, and arranged music for The Lion King and The Color Purple. But more than all of these accolades, Andraé Crouch loved Jesus. He went home to be with the Lord in 2015, but you can get to know him today when you listen to this musical episode.

5. Tim & Kathy Keller

This pair has had a whirlwind of influence, as Tim Keller (1950-2023) helped found Redeemer Presbyterian Church, a church that now has multiple locations in New York City and serves as a model for engaging people in large cities who often include affluent, educated, and skeptical hearers who encounter Jesus each week. Tim has written many books, one of them with his wife, Kathy: The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. In this conversation, Tim and Kathy argue that the Bible’s vision for marriage is far greater and more glorious than anything our modern culture would have us believe.

To hear more stories about Christians who have made a profound impact throughout history, follow this link to peruse Haven’s series featuring the testimonies of historic saints like Fanny Crosby, D.L. Moody, and more.

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50 People Every Christian Should Know gives a glimpse into the lives and ministries of such people as Charles H. Spurgeon, G. Campbell Morgan, A. W. Tozer, Fanny Crosby, Amy Carmichael, Jonathan Edwards, James Hudson Taylor, and many more. Combining the stories of fifty of these faithful men and women, beloved author Warren W. Wiersbe offers today’s readers inspiration and encouragement in life’s uncertain journey.