Bruce Wilkinson

Here’s a profile of Bruce Wilkinson — life, work, themes, and memorable quotes — along with a sample citation you can use.

Bruce Wilkinson – Life, Work & Influence

Early Life & Education

Bruce H. Wilkinson is an American Christian teacher, preacher, and prolific author. He was born in New Jersey (circa 1940) to Joan and James Wilkinson. In terms of education, he earned degrees from:

• Northeastern Bible College (B.A. & Th.B.)

• Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.)

• Western Conservative Baptist Seminary (D.D.)

Early in his career, he taught at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon.

Major Works & Ministry

Walk Thru the Bible & Global Initiatives

In 1976, Wilkinson launched Walk Thru the Bible, a ministry focused on making Scripture accessible through seminars, training, and curriculum. He also founded other initiatives such as WorldTeach and Teach Every Nation (TEN) to train Bible teachers and leaders globally. In southern Africa, he started Dream For Africa, a humanitarian effort addressing AIDS, orphans, and hunger.

Writing & orial Work

Wilkinson has authored over 60 books, many of which have been translated into more than 30 languages. His best-known work is The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, which became a major bestseller. Other popular works include Secrets of the Vine, The Dream Giver, A Life God Rewards, Beyond Jabez, and more. He has also served in editorial roles for Bible editions (e.g. Open Bible) and as executive editor for multiple biblical and devotional works.

Themes, Philosophy & Influence

• Dream & Purpose
  A recurring theme in Wilkinson’s teaching is that every person has a “dream” — a God-given purpose — and that the journey toward fulfilling it shapes growth and character.

• Spiritual Breakthroughs & Growth
  He emphasizes spiritual maturity, personal holiness, and overcoming obstacles (fear, doubt, complacency) as central to living out one’s calling.

• Leadership Development
  Wilkinson often speaks of stretching people beyond comfort zones to develop dynamic leaders.

• Integration of Ministry and Social Concern
  Through Dream For Africa and other humanitarian efforts, he connects faith, social responsibility, and practical action in communities.

Memorable Quotes

Here are some well-known quotes by Bruce Wilkinson:

“Not surprisingly, the place we’re most likely to experience testing is exactly where we struggle most to trust God.” “The single best way to develop leaders … is to take people out of their safe environment … and throw them into a new arena they know little about.” “God didn’t want me to do more for Him. He wanted me to be more with Him.” “The journey toward your Big Dream changes you … until you decide to pursue the Dream, you are never going to love life the way you were meant to.” “In my experience, God rarely makes our fear disappear. Instead, He asks us to be strong and take courage.” “It’s never too late to act on your dream.”

Legacy & Impact

Bruce Wilkinson’s influence is seen in multiple arenas:

• Christian Literature & Popular Devotion
  His books, especially The Prayer of Jabez, have been widely read by Christians across different denominations, influencing devotional practices.

• Global Leadership Training
  Through Walk Thru the Bible, TEN, and other programs, his methodologies have been applied in many nations, especially in the Global South.

• Holistic Ministry Model
  By combining teaching, writing, and humanitarian engagement, he models a ministry that seeks both spiritual transformation and social impact.

• Cultural Reach & Media
  His keynote speaking events (often in stadiums) and editorial work expanded his reach beyond the purely religious sphere.

Sample Citation

If you need to cite the information above, here’s an example in a common style:

“Bruce Wilkinson.” Penguin Random House. Accessed [date].
OR
Wilkinson, Bruce. The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life. etc.

Or in MLA:

“Bruce Wilkinson.” Penguin Random House, Accessed 7 October 2025.