Bible teacher John Piper has no plans to slow down his ministry efforts — at least, not while he’s still able to breathe, think or love.
“He’s going to be preaching. He’s going to be writing. He’s going to be looking at the book and he’s going to be telling people the glorious things that he’s seen,” Piper said in a recent video update. “But that’s not going to last forever. It is appointed unto man to die. And for me, that’s going to be gain, right? Total gain. More of Jesus.”
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The longtime pastor and founder of Desiring God ministry made it clear that while his physical time on earth is finite, the mission will not end with him.
“We made the decision over five years ago, happy decision, that we’re not going to turn Desiring God into a legacy, a library of inert John Piper materials,” he said. “Instead, while I’m still living and then beyond, we’re going to gather around me a team of teachers… who would continue the big God theology.”
Piper emphasized that the work ahead far exceeds the ability of any one person.
“Each day, 30 new emails arrive in the APJ inbox, over 200 per week, and we can answer two of them. The spiritual needs dwarf what Pastor John has time to address,” he explained. “While the last 30 years have been a wonderful beginning, it’s only that — a beginning with much more work to be done.”
The transition, Piper explained, is about grounding future ministry in the same biblical vision that has shaped Desiring God for decades.
“We want to show you from the text of Scripture the glory,” he said. “There is more glories, unsearchable riches in the Scriptures. More than one man or one generation can unfold.”
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As the new team carries the torch, Piper remains confident: “I love these men. And I love laboring with them for the joy of all peoples and the glory of God.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
