About
John Renken — The Fighting Preacher
John Renken is an American author, professional fighter, and theologian known publicly as The Fighting Preacher. He is a 6-time Mixed Martial Arts World Champion and has spent over two decades training U.S. Special Forces and allied military units in combatives, close-quarters combat, and tactical leadership.
His signature tagline — "Peaceful in a Violent Sort of Way" — frames a life spent at the intersection of the cage, the chapel, and the field. He is the founder of the Fighting Preacher ecosystem and the Warrior's Lounge community, and serves as an ordained minister teaching theology and integrity under fire.
Renken is the author of Divorce According to Sun Tzu and the memoir Peaceful In a Violent Sort of Way: A Fighting Preacher Memoir. He has been featured on Fox & Friends, ABC Nightline, The Daily Show, The Megyn Kelly Show, The New York Times, and in Lionsgate/Netflix productions.
Today John speaks worldwide on tactical leadership, integrity under fire, and faith in high-stakes environments — and is preparing the launch of Shock Therapy, a podcast and essay series translating lessons from Scripture and the cage into strategic blueprints.
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Who is John Renken?
John Renken is an American author, 6× MMA World Champion, Special Forces combatives instructor with over 20 years training U.S. and allied military units, and an ordained minister. He is publicly known as 'The Fighting Preacher.'
What is 'The Fighting Preacher'?
'The Fighting Preacher' is John Renken's public ministry and brand. It combines elite combatives training, tactical leadership coaching, and Christian theology — captured in his signature tagline, 'Peaceful in a Violent Sort of Way.'
What books has John Renken written?
John Renken is the author of 'Divorce According to Sun Tzu' and the memoir 'Peaceful In a Violent Sort of Way: A Fighting Preacher Memoir.'
What is John Renken's military background?
John Renken has spent over two decades as a combatives instructor for U.S. Special Forces and allied military units, teaching close-quarters combat, tactical leadership, and integrity under fire.
Where has John Renken been featured?
John has appeared on Fox & Friends, ABC Nightline, The Daily Show, The Megyn Kelly Show, The New York Times, and in Lionsgate/Netflix productions.
How do I book John Renken to speak?
Speaking inquiries can be sent to team@fightingpreacher.com. John offers three signature keynotes on tactical leadership, integrity under fire, and faith in high-stakes environments. See the Speaking page for details.
What is Shock Therapy?
Shock Therapy is John Renken's forthcoming podcast and essay series translating lessons from Scripture and the cage into strategic blueprints for leaders, operators, and people of faith.