Picture an American author who’s shaking up the Christian world with fresh takes on faith and church—meet Frank Viola! Born in 1964, Viola is a bestselling writer, speaker, and blogger whose books, like Pagan Christianity and God’s Favorite Place on Earth, challenge traditional church practices while drawing readers closer to Jesus. With a knack for blending theology, storytelling, and practical wisdom, he’s become a beacon for those craving a deeper spiritual journey.
Through his top-rated blog, Beyond Evangelical, and his chart-topping podcast, Christ is All, Viola invites believers to rethink faith beyond the usual left-right divides. His mission? To help Christians live vibrantly by the indwelling life of Christ. Ready to dive into his story?
The Making of Frank Viola
Born in New Jersey and raised in upstate New York, Frank Viola was a baseball-loving kid with a taste for NY-style pizza. At 16, he began following Jesus, a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for faith. Without formal theological training, Viola chose the path of an autodidact, much like A.W. Tozer or Charles Spurgeon. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, he dove into ministry, planting a church in 1998 and writing prolifically to share his vision of authentic Christianity.
Frank Viola’s Unforgettable Works
Viola’s books are a dynamic mix of theology, narrative, and bold calls to rethink church life. His 2008 bestseller, Pagan Christianity, co-authored with George Barna, rocked the Christian world by tracing modern church practices to their historical roots, urging a return to New Testament simplicity. Its companion, Reimagining Church, offers a constructive vision of organic, community-driven faith.
In God’s Favorite Place on Earth (2013), Viola crafts a vivid narrative about Bethany, weaving Jesus’ story with practical insights for modern believers. His collaboration with Leonard Sweet, Jesus: A Theography (2012), reimagines the Bible as a grand story of Christ, earning praise for its depth and accessibility. Then there’s Insurgence (2018), his signature work on the gospel of the kingdom, challenging readers to embrace a radical allegiance to Jesus. Viola’s style—clear, provocative, and deeply scriptural—speaks to those hungry for authentic faith.
With over 20 books, translated into multiple languages, and a blog ranked among the top Christian sites, Viola’s reach is global. His podcast, Christ is All, has topped charts in Canada and the USA, offering bite-sized wisdom for spiritual growth.
Why Frank Viola Matters
Frank Viola’s impact lies in his ability to bridge theology and everyday life, inspiring Christians to move beyond shallow faith. His emphasis on organic church, the supremacy of Jesus, and helping the poor (a cause he champions, citing Luke 4:18–19) has reshaped how many view church and ministry. Scholars like N.T. Wright and Michael Heiser endorse his work, while readers worldwide credit him with reviving their spiritual lives.
Through initiatives like the Deeper Christian Life Network and mastermind events like SCRIBE for authors, Viola equips believers and writers to thrive. His message of a “deeper journey” resonates in a world craving authentic spirituality, making him a vital voice in contemporary Christianity.
- Born: October 12, 1964, New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: Pagan Christianity, Reimagining Church, God’s Favorite Place on Earth, Insurgence
- Notable: Top-ranked blog, Beyond Evangelical, and #1 Christian podcast in Canada
Snag Insurgence or visit Viola’s blog to dive into his revolutionary take on faith—it’s a journey worth taking!