Do you think your prayers would be better heard if you prayed backwards? Dr. Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Theological Seminary, thinks so. On today’s broadcast, Bryan explains to Dennis Rainey how praying in Jesus’ name before you start your petitions may keep you from requesting things not in line with God’s will.
Dr. Bryan Chapell is highly regarded in the evangelical community as a preacher, teacher, and author.
He began his ministry pastoring in churches that include Glen Ridge Presbyterian Church in St. Louis (1976), Woodburn Presbyterian Church in Woodburn, Ill. (1976-80), and Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church in Sparta, Ill. (1980-1986). Bryan then joined the Covenant faculty fulltime in 1986 and has since served as a professor, Department Chair, Seminary Dean, and Executive Vice President. From 1994-2012, he served as the institution’s President. He has also served as President of Christ College in Taiwan. From 2012-2013, he served as Chancellor of Covenant Seminary, representing the school both nationally and internationally through leadership and speaking responsibilities in organizations throughout the world.
Bryan became the Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013.
Bryan’s academic expertise is in homiletics (i.e., preaching). In fact, his book, Christ-Centered Preaching, is a standard text in seminaries worldwide. Other award-winning books of his include: Christ-centered Worship, The Wonder of it All, The Promises of Grace, Each for the Other, Holiness by Grace and Praying Backwards. In addition to works written for theological purposes, he also is the author of a children’s book, I'll Love You Anyway and Always.
Bryan is married to his wife of 34 years, Kathy, who is a flautist, music director, and choir master. Bryan and Kathy have three married children (Colin, Jordan, and Corinne Mather), and a daughter (Kaitlin) who is a high school senior.