Renowned Pastor Warren Wiersbe Passes Away at 89
- Updated May 06, 2019
Renowned Christian author and pastor Warren Wiersbe passed away on May 2 at the age of 89, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday.
The author of more than 150 books, the “pastor’s pastor” is known for his “Be” commentary series which dive into the central themes of most books of the Bible.
According to Christianity Today, Wiersbe – who came to Christ after hearing Billy Graham preach at a Youth for Christ rally – became an ordained minister in 1951 from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois.
After receiving his ordination, Wiersbe began pastoring at Central Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana until 1957.
From 1961 to 1971, Wiersbe pastored at Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky before becoming the pastor at Moody Memorial Church in Chicago from 1971 to 1980.
While at Moody Memorial Church, Wiersbe’s sermons were broadcasted on the church’s radio station, he regularly wrote for the church’s newsletter, and the prolific pastor began to teach and develop a curriculum for a DM in preaching at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. During this time, Wiersbe also began to mentor up and coming pastors.
According to the Baptist Press, after leaving Moody, Wiersbe continued writing, sharing his sermons via radio and teaching.
Wiersbe is regarded by many as a mentor, a friend, a champion for the Christian faith and remarkable preacher.
After his passing on May 2, many took to Twitter to lament the loss of great man, and to rejoice in his Heavenly reunion with God.
Former President of the Southern Baptists Convention Jerry Vines wrote of Wiersbe on Twitter, “My great mentor and friend, Dr Warren Wiersbe, went to heaven May 2nd. Here is a tribute from a grandson. Warren Wiersbe is the man who taught me how to expound the Word of God.”
My great mentor and friend, Dr Warren Wiersbe, went to heaven May 2nd. Here is a tribute from a grandson.
— Jerry Vines (@jerryvines) May 3, 2019
Warren Wiersbe is the man who taught me how to expound theWord of God.
Blog — https://t.co/7NPuS2FE6t https://t.co/ypJtRXYB1R
Pastor Lutzer of the Moody Church shared a reflection of Wiersbe’s life writing, "I have no doubt that he has already heard 'Well done good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of thy Lord.' And for us on Earth his legacy continues."
"I have no doubt that he has already heard 'Well done good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of thy Lord.' And for us on Earth his legacy continues."
Read Pastor Lutzer's reflections on the life, ministry, and legacy of Pastor Warren Wiersbe.https://t.co/37zNGv7h5w pic.twitter.com/lT58o9UQxA— The Moody Church (@TheMoodyChurch) May 3, 2019
Christian Author Lee Strobel wrote a tribute to Wiersbe noting that the pastor’s work greatly influenced his life. Strobel wrote, “Dr. Warren Wiersbe, author of 150 books, has gone to be with the Lord a few days before his 90th birthday. I'm among countless people who benefitted from his ministry of writing.”
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, author of 150 books, has gone to be with the Lord a few days before his 90th birthday. I'm among countless people who benefitted from his ministry of writing. A tribute: https://t.co/gq11Rb67Hf
— Lee Strobel (@LeeStrobel) May 3, 2019
Photo courtesy: Screenshot/Matt Schulte
