Over at Ben’s blog, he stole an idea for a post, and so I carry on the tradition. The premise of the post is to list the five people you would invite to a BBQ at your place.
Now before I begin, I wondered about putting Sarah and Nolan on this list. The truth is that I love living life with them and if I am having these five people over, I would want them to experience it as well, but in the end I did not put them on the list. Why? Because if it is at my house, I have no need to invite them. They would already be here!

Anyways, here is my list:

1) N.T. Wright - In my opinion, he is one of the greatest contributors to thinking and understanding in our world. Not only is he a genius, but he can relate and teach to all. He does not simply reside in a lofty academic tower somewhere. If you are looking to find out more about him, then please read this book.

2) Mark Driscoll - There are not many pastors that can say and do what Driscoll does and have his church grow and not toss him to the curb. Obviously he is doing something right, and I would love to talk to him. Plus, I would be interested to sit in a conversation with Wright and Driscoll. You can learn more about his church and if you are looking for a good read, he just released a great book on basic questions of Christianity. 

3) Pearl Jam - Hey, a BBQ needs music! Plus I really like the fact that these guys have remained true to themselves. They did not need a DVD-full of music videos to become popular. Perhaps some of their lyrics and lifestyles would not agree with the average church-goer, but then I could introduce them to Driscoll! I would get them to play tunes from my favorite album of theirs. If they could not make it, then my back-up choice would have to be Spinal Tap.  

4) Stephen Harper - At Ben’s blog, he had George Dub-yah, and I appreciated the idea of having a political leader. I personally would like to meet and talk with Harper. I like his style of quiet but assertive leadership. His face is not always on the evening news, but Canadians know that he is in charge. Plus I value a Prime Minister that can lead through a minority government. In my opinion, more positive things get done because the whole house has to work together, which in turn is better for Canadians. 

5) Jack Black - This last spot was hard to fill. In my earlier drafts of this post, I had other names in this spot. In the end, I decided I wanted to invite someone who made me laugh, and Jack Black definitely does that. Plus he is musical enough that he could jump onstage with Pearl Jam and rock out with them. 

The reason I share this list is because it identifies who are some of the most influential people in my life. When a person stops to reflect and think about their five people, it makes you realize who influences your thinking and lifestyle. Who would be on your list? Why? Should they be on your list? That is, should they be an influence in your life? Now this list would be a lot different if it could include dead people, but I limited it only to people alive. 
Now of course, Jesus should be on this list because he is alive.  However, I considered him one of those who already resides at my place, just like Sarah and Nolan. So these are the 8 people that would be at my BBQ.