He is the preaching and vision pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After studying at Wheaton College, he earned degrees at Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Munich.

He taught at Bethel College in St. Paul for six years, and then in 1980 became the pastor at Bethlehem Baptist

Church where he has served for 30 years as a pastor. That alone is worth applauding.

Thank you, Lord.

He and his wife, Noel, have four grown sons, one daughter, and 12 grandchildren.

Dr. Piper has authored more than 30 books, has served on a number of boards, and is in much demand, I'm sure, as a conference speaker.

All of this would make him being here today an honor, and I'm sure you would agree with that.

But there's more reason why we are grateful to have Dr. Piper this morning.

Dr. Piper has been a dear friend of Sovereign Grace Ministries,

and as I mentioned, that is a family of churches that we're a part of.

And yet I can say that his life, his ministry, his counsel have had a profound effect

on Sovereign Grace Ministries, on Crossway Community Church, and on my life in particular.

I think there are a few men who have had a greater impact on the body of Christ,

increasing our vision and our passion for the Savior than Dr. Piper.

And so this morning, in realizing his schedule,

and the conference schedule he's had just this past week,

we were fortunate to attend the Desiring God conference

at Willington just the last two days.

By all rights, he should have been flying home yesterday,

and he stayed to be here with us.

Dr. Piper, we are grateful.

...