Brian McLaren

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with "Learning How to See." He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of "Southern Lights." His newest books are "Faith After Doubt", and "Do I Stay Christian?". His newest release, "Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart," was released in 2024.

McLaren graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English. He was later awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal).

McLaren taught college English in the DC area, and he helped form Cedar Ridge Community Church, an innovative, nondenominational church. He left higher education to serve as the church’s founding pastor and served in that capacity until 2006.

McLaren has been active in networking and mentoring church planters and pastors, and has assisted in the development of several new churches. He is a popular conference speaker and a frequent guest lecturer for denominational and ecumenical leadership gatherings – across the US and Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. His public speaking covers a broad range of topics including postmodern thought and culture, Biblical studies, church leadership and spiritual formation, pastoral survival and burnout, inter-religious dialogue, and global crises.

He is primarily known as a thinker and writer. McLaren’s books have been translated into many languages, including Korean, Chinese, French, Swedish, Norwegian, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. He has written for or contributed interviews to many periodicals, including Leadership, Sojourners, Tikkun, Worship Leader, and Conversations. He is an active and popular blogger, a musician, and a songwriter, offering a variety of resources through his website.

A frequent guest on television, radio, and news media programs, he has appeared on "All Things Considered," "Larry King Live," "Nightline," "On Being," and "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly." His work has also been covered in Time, New York Times, Christianity Today, Christian Century, the Washington Post, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and many other print and online media.

He has taught or lectured at many seminaries and at denominational and interfaith gatherings.

McLaren is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature.