WAYMAKER TOP 50
Leaders whose words, work, and presence bring strength, guidance, and hope to communities everywhere.
Faith for the Real World
Dr. A. R. Bernard has spent decades shaping a model of leadership that understands faith not as something separate from culture, but as something that must actively engage it. Born in Panama, Dr. Bernard left a decade-long banking career to answer a deeper calling in ministry. He started a Bible study in 1978 that would grow into the Christian Cultural Center today, with a congregation of more than 37,000 members on an 11.5-acre campus in Brooklyn, New York, one of the nation’s most diverse cities.
Dr. Bernard’s influence in the cultural conversation extends far beyond Sunday services. He has authored books that tighten the connection between lived experience and spiritual reflection, including “Four Things Women Want from a Man,” “Chasing Donkeys: Finding God’s Purpose at the Crossroads of Everyday Life” and “Happiness Is… Simple Steps to a Life of Joy,” offering readers accessible tools for navigating relationships, purpose, and meaning through a faith lens.
His voice has become a sought-after perspective on national platforms from CNBC to “Good Morning America.” His convening power has also translated into civic influence, including serving as president of the Council of Churches of the City of New York, representing more than 1.5 million Protestants, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians in the city.
The religious leader insists that religion must be practical: faith that helps people make sense of family life, economics, politics, and community well-being. He has continually reframed spiritual leadership as cultural leadership, pushing conversations about justice, resilience, and moral responsibility into spaces where they might otherwise be absent. Through preaching, writing, and public engagement, Dr. A. R. Bernard helps communities navigate not just belief, but lived reality.
Faith with Its
Hands In the Work
Dr. Jamal H. Bryant is a prominent voice among faith leaders, known for connecting spiritual conviction with civic responsibility. As senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, he demonstrates leadership by standing up to systems that threaten trust, fairness, and community well-being.
In 2025, Dr. Bryant stepped forward as a key leader in a national movement that called on consumers to respond when a major corporation retreated from its equity promises. Drawing inspiration from the strategies of civil rights leaders, he emphasized that boycotts have long served as disciplined and practical tools for driving change. He reminded the community that economic pressure has a proven history of advancing dignity, accountability, and meaningful progress. By connecting this movement to a broader legacy, Dr. Bryant underscored the enduring power of collective action.
Rather than seeking attention, Dr. Bryant focused on purpose and consistency, encouraging individuals and organizations to align their spending with their values. He highlighted the strength that comes when communities act in unison. Through his leadership, conversations began to grow around financial literacy, moral responsibility, and the obligations companies have to those who support them.
Dr. Bryant’s impact extends far beyond national headlines, rooted in a steady commitment to service. He has mobilized support for housing, disaster relief, voter engagement, and mental health initiatives, always centering his work on caring for the whole person. His leadership is marked by a consistent call to action, grounded in faith and history, and by the conviction that lasting change depends on the collective effort and determination of the community.
Modern Ministry
With Purpose
With 1.7 million followers on Instagram alone, Pastor Mike Jr. is more than a pastor—he is a cultural influencer who has positioned himself, through his faith, as one of the most prominent and beloved contemporary leaders of today.
As the founder and senior pastor of Rock City Church, a rapidly growing, multi-campus ministry in Birmingham, Alabama, Pastor Mike Jr. has created a space where faith meets real life, resonating especially with younger and urban audiences.
He uses social media to his advantage, consistently sharing positive messages and words of encouragement and affirmation across platforms such as X and Facebook—further demonstrating his commitment to connecting with audiences of all ages.
Outside of the pulpit, Pastor Mike Jr. is also a Grammy-nominated gospel artist and songwriter who uses music as a ministry tool, blending worship and upbeat rhythms with messages of perseverance, healing, and hope.
Community impact remains central to his leadership. Through Rock City Church, he prioritizes outreach initiatives focused on mental health awareness, economic empowerment, and social justice. He consistently challenges believers to live out their faith beyond Sunday services by actively serving their communities and addressing real-world issues.
Through preaching, music, and community leadership, Pastor Mike Jr. represents a new generation of pastors—bold, transparent, and purpose-driven. His influence continues to grow as he reimagines how faith leaders can connect, inspire, and lead in today’s evolving cultural landscape.
The Power of the Word
Priscilla Shirer is a wife and mother first, but that does not stop her from being one of the leading voices in modern Christian ministry. As the daughter of Dallas megachurch pastor Tony Evans, she may have had an early foundation in faith, but she has clearly carved out her own path. Shirer is widely respected for her ability to blend biblical teaching with cultural relevance and spiritual depth.
An author, speaker, and Bible teacher, Shirer has built a global platform rooted in faith-based leadership and intentional discipleship, reaching audiences across churches, conferences, and digital spaces.
She is the founder of Going Beyond Ministries, which she launched with her husband nearly 25 years ago. The ministry equips believers through books, Bible study resources, and conferences – all designed to deepen spiritual understanding and personal growth.
Her bestselling Bible studies, including “Discerning the Voice of God” and “The Armor of God,” have been used by millions worldwide. To date, Shirer has authored more than two dozen books and Bible studies for women and teens, exploring a wide range of biblical characters and themes.
Beyond teaching and hosting conferences for thousands, Shirer has expanded her influence through film and media. She has appeared in faith-based films such as “War Room” and “The Forge,” further amplifying her message on prayer, spiritual warfare, and faith in action.
Through her writing, speaking, and ministry leadership, Priscilla Shirer continues to redefine contemporary Christian leadership—grounded in scripture, faith, and the transformative power of prayer.