Influential Christian Leader, Author Jerry Bridges Dies at 86

Beloved Christian author and Navigators staff member Jerry Bridges went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 6. He was 86.

Bridges left quite a legacy. In their tribute to him, the Gospel Coalition notes that Bridges grew up in a Christian home, but gave his life to Christ at the age of 18. 

He began reading the Bible daily. He also joined the Navy where he got involved with The Navigators. After being discharged from the Navy for failing a physical exam (he was born deaf in his right ear and lived with other medical conditions), Bridges joined The Navigators full time.

Bridges served as Secretary-Treasurer for The Navigators, then Vice President for Corporate Affairs, and lastly as staff development with the Collegiate Mission. 

Bridges also wrote more than 20 books on the Christian life, including The Pursuit of Holiness, The Practice of Godliness, and his memoir, God Took Me by the Hand: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence.

Many have been influenced by Bridges’ practical application of Scripture. 

Blogger Aaron Armstrong writes about how Bridges’ book Trusting God greatly impacted him while he was going through a very difficult period of life.

In an interview in 2011 with Tony Reinke, a staff writer for Pastor John Piper’s Desiring God website, Bridges outlines five significant, helpful truths all believers should know and learn. 

Bridges’ legacy will certainly live on in the books he wrote, the time he devoted to ministry, and in the lives he touched.  

Photo courtesy: youtube.com

Publication date: March 7, 2016