Michael Foust

10 Christian Leaders Reflect on James Dobson’s Impact on Families and the Church

Few voices shaped Christian family life like Dr. James Dobson. As believers mourn his passing, hear how those closest to him remember his bold stand for biblical values.
Michael Foust
Aug 22, 2025
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10 Christian Leaders Reflect on James Dobson’s Impact on Families and the Church

Christian leaders are remembering Focus on the Family founder James Dobson not only as a staunch defender of biblical values but also as a friend whose ministry touched millions of families worldwide. Dobson died Aug. 21 at the age of 89 following a life that saw him become one of the most influential evangelical leaders and trusted voices in modern American history.

Here is how 10 Christian leaders reacted.

1. Greg Laurie, Harvest Christian Fellowship, California

"I knew James very well, and I can tell you he was a true man of God who lived a life of integrity. I'll never forget that after our son Christopher went to Heaven 17 years ago, Dr. Dobson personally called us and spent a great deal of time ministering to our whole family.

"Over the years, I had the privilege of interviewing him many times, including once at a Harvest Crusade, and he also interviewed me on his radio program. 

"We went on a trip to Israel together, as well as to the White House on more than one occasion. He and his devoted wife Shirley shared such a beautiful marriage -- one that we would all aspire to.

"His life and ministry touched millions as he faithfully taught us how to build godly families. He was a legend, a treasure to the Church, and he will be greatly missed."

2. Franklin Graham, President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse

"Our prayers are with the family of Dr. James Dobson, who went home to be with his Savior today after a brief illness. Dr. Dobson was a staunch defender of the family and stood for morality and Biblical values as much as any person in our country's history. For nearly five decades, he was one of the most influential Christian leaders in our country who saw the importance of faith in culture. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977, and after leaving that ministry, he then launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Dr. Dobson's Family Talk radio program is heard by over half a million people each week. His legacy and impact for Jesus Christ will continue on for generations. I'm sure his wife, Shirley, and their children would appreciate your prayers."

3. Chuck Swindoll, Insight for Living

"Dear Shirley, Danae, and Ryan, 

"We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of your husband and father, Dr. James Dobson. Please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time. 

"Jim was not only a brilliant mind and a guiding voice in so many lives, but he also embodied love, compassion, and unwavering faith. His impact on our families and the foundational principles he taught will forever resonate in our hearts and communities.

"We want to assure you of our love, gratitude, and devotion during this time of grief. Know that our prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this profound loss. May you find comfort in the cherished memories and the legacy of love that Jim leaves behind. 

"Softly and tenderly,

"The Swindoll Family and all of us at Insight for Living."

4. Jack Graham, Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano

"Dr. James Dobson is with the Lord, celebrating God's grace! His life influenced countless millions in multiple generations & his wisdom counseled families across the world to follow Christ & live according to biblical principles."

5. John Hagee, John Hagee Ministries

"Dr. James Dobson, a dear friend to Hagee Ministries, was a titan in the Christian community; he will be sorely missed. His highly successful radio program and the James Dobson Family Institute had a direct and positive impact on American society for decades.

"Dr. Dobson's legacy will endure in the policies he helped shape and through the millions of American parents across the country who were touched by his faith-based approach to raising children. Dr. Dobson was also a stalwart supporter of Israel and the Jewish people.

"Our love and prayers are extended to the Dobson family. May the mighty hand of God bring comfort to his loved ones as the nation mourns the passing of one of the most important Christian leaders of the 20th century."

6. Alveda C. King, Chair of the Center for the American Dream

"Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, made a lasting impact on the world. A man of faith, conviction, and courage -- he finished the race well. His legacy of defending family and faith will continue to inspire generations."

7. Clint Pressley, President, Southern Baptist Convention

"James Dobson's impact for God's kingdom will be felt for many years," Pressley said, according to Baptist Press. "His work to support God's design for the family has impacted Southern Baptists for decades. We are grateful for his long and faithful ministry. May God bless his family as they grieve."

8. Kristen Waggoner, President, Alliance Defending Freedom

"The world has lost a mighty voice for truth and an incredibly influential servant of Christ in Dr. James Dobson. 

"More than any other voice of his generation, Dr. Dobson reminded the American church that the first God-ordained institution -- and the fundamental unit of society -- is the family. His bold leadership and commitment to the Gospel shaped the lives of many and will continue to do so for years to come. 

"As believers in Christ, we know death is not the end. We are confident he is walking victoriously into the arms of his Savior and hearing the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"@ADFLegal is especially grateful for Dr. Dobson's vision and leadership as one of the six original founders of our ministry. We extend our warmest sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the Dobson family."

9. Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

"With Dr. Dobson's passing, we remember the life of a gifted man who walked with the Lord. I'm thankful for his sensitivity to those who were weak, downtrodden, and sometimes overlooked.

"I recall one of the first times I witnessed Dr. Dobson's heart for people. I had taken part in a dinner with several Focus on the Family supporters, and one couple told me the heart-wrenching story of the death of their 4-year-old son to lymphoma. The father shared how, for months, he had held his dying child at night, praying for God's intervention. But their little boy lost his battle with cancer and slipped away.

"When I relayed this story to Dr. Dobson, his eyes filled with tears, and he said, 'That's one of the most devastating experiences a human being can suffer. The loss of a child would lead any parent to ask, 'Why, God?' He was heartbroken for that family. A few years later, he wrote When God Doesn't Make Sense. Perhaps that book grew from Dr. Dobson's emotional connection to families who suffer inexplicable tragedies. He heard many stories of family trauma through the years, and he grieved for each one. He never lost his heart for those who weep.

"Now, it is our turn to weep. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a friend to millions of listeners and readers around the world. Dr. Dobson's presence will be sorely missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is now joyfully in the presence of the God he served."

10. Andrew T. Walker, Ethics and Public Theology Professor, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"With the near back-to-back passing of two evangelical giants -- John MacArthur and James Dobson -- it bears stating plainly: their warnings about America's self-destruction through abandoning its Christian foundations and the erosion of the family have been tragically vindicated. We must continue witnessing to the truth, as they both did."

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Harry Langdon/Contributor

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

Originally published August 22, 2025.

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