Shai Linne (born 1974) is an American evangelical pastor, author, and spoken‑word musician who is prominently associated with the Reformed theological tradition. He serves as the lead pastor of Grace Church Houston, a Reformed Baptist congregation in Texas, and is the host of the “We Believe” podcast, a weekly program that features interviews with scholars, pastors, and cultural commentators on topics related to Christian doctrine and contemporary issues.
Early life and education
Details about Linne’s early life are limited in publicly available sources. He has reported that he grew up in the United States and later pursued theological education, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Seminary. These credentials are cited in his ministry’s biographical materials.
Ministry
Linne founded Grace Church Houston in 2008, positioning the congregation within a Calvinist‑Reformed framework while adhering to a complementarian view of gender roles. Under his leadership, the church emphasizes expository preaching, missionary outreach, and theological education. Linne also conducts conferences and seminars, often focusing on biblical exegesis, systematic theology, and apologetics.
Publications and media
Linne is the author of several books and booklets, including The Gospel and the Church (2011) and Gospel Truths about Human Sexuality (2015). He has contributed articles to evangelical periodicals such as The Gospel Coalition and Ligonier Ministries. His “We Believe” podcast, launched in 2014, has garnered a wide audience for its interviews with prominent evangelical scholars and its discussions of doctrinal and cultural topics.
Music
In addition to his pastoral and literary work, Linne produces spoken‑word and rap recordings that convey theological themes. Albums such as Gospel Rap (2009) and The Gospel & the G‑Spot (2012) have been distributed primarily through digital platforms and have been used in youth ministries and evangelistic outreach.
Theological stance
Linne identifies with Reformed Baptist theology, affirming the doctrines of grace (often summarized by the acronym TULIP) and a high view of Scripture. He upholds a complementarian perspective on gender, asserting distinct but complementary roles for men and women in the church and family. Linne is also known for his advocacy of biblical sexuality, publicly opposing same‑sex marriage and affirming traditional Christian sexual ethics.
Influence and reception
Linne’s combined role as pastor, author, podcaster, and musician has positioned him as a notable voice within contemporary American evangelicalism, particularly among circles that emphasize Reformed theology. His work is frequently cited in discussions on doctrinal fidelity, cultural engagement, and the use of contemporary media for evangelism. Critics from more liberal Christian traditions have challenged his positions on gender and sexuality, while supporters credit him with articulating a clear, Scripture‑centered worldview.
Personal life
Shai Linne is married to a fellow minister, and the couple has children. The family resides in the Houston metropolitan area.
Note: Information in this entry is drawn from publicly available biographical data, ministry publications, and media appearances. No speculative or unverified details are included.