Early Faith and Ministry Formation
David Platt was born into a Christian family in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was introduced to the gospel from an early age. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared, 'By God's grace, I was born into a home where I heard the gospel pretty much every day since I was born.' He was baptized at the age of six, marking the beginning of his faith journey.
As he pursued higher education, Platt attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His early ministry was marked by a notable event when the parsonage he lived in flooded during Hurricane Katrina, a moment that would later shape his perspective on faith and resilience.
David Platt's Radical Awakening Begins
While pastoring The Church at Brook Hills, Platt experienced a profound transformation. He began questioning the 'American dream' within the context of Christianity, leading to the creation of his influential book *Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream*. This period marked a shift in his ministry towards global missions and costly discipleship.
God's Calling to Global Missions
A pivotal moment in Platt's journey occurred during a trip to the Himalayan mountains, where he was confronted with extreme hardship and need. This experience solidified his commitment to global missions. In 2014, despite having no prior field experience, Platt was elected president of the International Mission Board (IMB). He saw this as a divine appointment to lead and mobilize efforts for the Great Commission.
Life Transformed by Radical Discipleship
During his tenure at the IMB, Platt implemented significant changes, focusing on financial restructuring and emphasizing the role of local churches in global missions. He articulated five core desires for the IMB: to exalt Christ, mobilize Christians, equip the church, facilitate church planting, and contribute to the Great Commission.
Even after stepping down from the IMB, Platt's passion for radical discipleship continued through his leadership at McLean Bible Church and the founding of Radical, an organization dedicated to making Jesus known among the nations. His life and ministry serve as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus, inspiring many to pursue a deeper commitment to their faith and the global mission.
