Brian McLaren, Bio, Age, Wife, Podcast, Net Worth

Brian McLaren, Biography

Brian McLaren is an influential American author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. He has been a leading figure in the emerging church movement that is often associated with postmodern Christianity. McLaren, who was raised within the conservative Open Brethren tradition in Rockville, Maryland, became attracted to the countercultural Jesus Movement in the 1970s.

He earned both his B.A. (1978) and M.A. (1981) in English from the University of Maryland. From 1978 to 1986, he taught English before founding Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, Maryland, in 1982, where he served as a pastor until 2006. McLaren is a passionate advocate for a new kind of Christianity, one that is just, generous, and works with people of all faiths for the common good.

He has authored many books, including A New Kind of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy, and Faith After Doubt. In 2005, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals in America. Currently, he serves as the dean of faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation and continues to engage in public discourse on faith and spirituality.

Brian McLaren, Age

The prominent voice in progressive Christianity, Brian D. McLaren, was born in 1956 and, as of 2025, is 69 years old. With nearly seven decades of life experience, McLaren has evolved from a literature professor to a founding pastor and now a widely respected author and theologian.

Brian McLaren, Education

His educational background laid a strong foundation for his later work as a writer and theologian. he earned both his Bachelor of Arts in English in 1978 and his Master of Arts in English in 1981 from the University of Maryland, College Park. The Virginia Theological Seminary awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2010. Brian also holds, from Carey Theological Seminary Vancouver, an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Brian McLaren, Career

McLaren’s career is a tapestry woven with threads of teaching, pastoring, writing,, and spiritual activism. Initially immersed in literature and academia ,McLaren taught college English for eight years, sharpening the communication skills that would later define his influential writing and speaking career. In 1982, he shifted paths and founded Cedar Ridge Community Church in Maryland, serving as its pastor until 2006. Under his leadership, the church grew into a progressive Christian community known for inclusivity and social engagement. Simultaneously, Brian emerged as a powerful voice in the emerging church movement, challenging rigid doctrines and advocating for a more generous,s justice-oriented Christianity.

He authored over a dozen influential books, including A New Kind of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy, and Do I Stay Christian?, sparking deep reflection within faith circles.

Currently, he serves as Dean of Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation, collaborating with Christian leaders like Richard Rohr.

Brian McLaren, Wife, and Children

Brian has had an enduring partnership with his wife, Grace. The couple met during their college years through campus ministry and have been married for over four decades. Grace, raised in the Roman Catholic tradition and educated in Catholic schools, has been a steadfast companion in both life and ministry. She worked alongside Brian in pastoral ministry for 24 years, contributing significantly to their shared mission.

Together, they have raised four adult children and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Their family life is enriched by shared interests in wildlife, ecology, and outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking. Residing in Florida, the McLarens continue to embody a life of faith, service, and familial devotion.

Brian McLaren, Podcast

McLaren extends his transformative vision through his podcast, Learning How to See, produced by the Center for Action and Contemplation. In the series, McLaren delves into ways our perceptions are shaped by biases, culture, and spiritual traditions, guiding listeners toward a more compassionate and contemplative worldview.

Season 3, co-hosted with Dr. Carmen Avecedo Butcher, focuses on Seeing Through Eyes of Love, weaving together personal storytelling, embodied spiritual practices, and reflections on how love can transform our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world.

The podcast features conversations with various guests, including theologians and activists. It explores themes such as grace, nature, and the power of poetry. Learning How to See is available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offering listeners a space to explore the intersection of spirituality and social consequences.