Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" (Rev. 14:13)
1. Arthur Roheim died on January 5, 2018, at age 99. Arthur Roheim was a youth minister from Chicago who co-created the Awana program and served for over 70 years in the child and youth discipleship organization. Christianity Today released Arthur Roheim's obituary.
2. Commissioner Grace Chang was promoted to glory on January 5, 2018, at age 81. Commissioner Grace Chang was a retired officer in The Salvation Army. Her positions of ministry included being a Territorial Leader for The Salvation Army in the Korean Territory and in the Western USA Territory. The New Frontier Chronicle published Commissioner Grace Chang's obituary.
3. Chuck Murphy died on January 9, 2018, at age 70, from brain cancer. Chuck Murphy was a retired bishop who was founder of the Anglican Mission in Americas (AMiA). Christianity Today published Chuck Murphy's obituary.
4. Edwin Hawkins died on January 15, 2018, at age 74, from cancer. Edwin Hawkins was a Christian musician who won several Grammy Awards and wrote many songs, including his signature song, "Oh, Happy Day." The Christian Post published Edwin Hawkins obituary.
5. James W. Sire died on February 6, 2018, at age 84. James W. Sire was a long-time editor for InterVarsity Press (IVP). He helped promote authors such as Francis Schaeffer and Rebecca Manley Pippert. In 1976, he edited and wrote his most famous work, The Universe Next Door. Christianity Today published James Sire's obituary.
6. Billy Graham died on February 21, 2018, at age 99. Billy Graham was a world renown Christian evangelist and author. Billy Graham preached the Christian message to more people in person than anyone in the history of Christianity. Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women a total of 61 times, more than any person in history. He was the founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Christianity Today published a special tribute to his life.
7. Liu Dongkun died on March 5, 2018, at age 98. Liu Dongkun was the former senior pastor of the Australian Clayton Chinese Christian Church in Melbourne, Australia. The Chinese Christian Daily published Liu Dongkun's obituary.
8. Yvonne Staples died on April 10, 2018, at age 80. She was the baritone voice and business manager for the Gospel singing group the Staple Singers. Her obituary was written by the Independent.
9. Clifton Rhodes died April 16, 2018, at age 74, from ALS. Clifton Rhodes was the pastor for 45 years at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This church is the oldest black Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Wood TV shared Clifton Rhodes' obituary.
10. Bob Buford died on April 18, 2018, at age 78. Bob Buford was the founder of the Leadership Network, built to serve Christian ministries. He was a mentor to many Christian leaders and formed the Drucker Institute to promote the theories of his friend Peter Drucker. Christianity Today published Bob Buford's obituary.
11.-29. Nineteen Christians were shot dead while celebrating Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mbalom, Nigeria on April 24, 2018. 2 priests were among the dead. Christianity Today published a news story on this tragedy.
30. Loren Mead died on May 5, 2018, at age 88. Loren Mead founded the Alban Institute at Duke University in 1974. He was an author and his final book was called The Parish is the Issue (2015). The Christian Post published Loren Mead's obituary.
31. - 50. Twenty pastors in the Church of the Nazarene and their spouses were killed in a plane crash in Cuba on May 18, 2018. Christianity Today published a story on this tragedy.
51. David J. Hesselgrave died on May 21, 2018, at age 94. David Hesselgrave was the founder of the Evangelical Missiological Society. David Hesselgrave introduced cross-culture ministry into theological academics. Some of his well-known textbooks he wrote were Planting Churches Cross-Culturally; Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally; and Counseling Cross-Culturally. Christianity Today published David Hesselgrave's obituary.
Dr. David Hesselgrave from Fresh Films on Vimeo.
52. Sam Moore died on June 1, 2018, at age 88. Sam Moore was a long-time CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and influential in the Christian publishing industry. Christianity Today published Sam Moore's obituary.
53. James Earl Massey died on June 24, 2018, at age 88. James Earl Massey was known as the 'Prince of Preachers' in The Church of God, a holiness denomination with headquarters in Anderson, Indiana. Massey was the Dean Emeritus at Anderson University School of Theology. He influenced thousands through his preaching on the radio and at churches and seminary chapels. Christianity Today published James Earl Massey's obituary.
54. Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at age 76, from pancreatic cancer. Aretha Franklin was a Gospel and Pop singer. She was known as "The Queen of Soul" and won numerous awards. The Christian Post published Aretha Franklin's obituary.
55. Andrew Stoecklein died on August 25, 2018, at age 30. Andrew Stoecklein was the senior pastor of Inlay Hills Church in Chino, California. He had suffered from anxiety and depression and committed suicide. Andrew Stoecklein had been open about his challenges with his mental health and certainly helped raise awareness that Christians can struggle with this condition. CBN published a news story on this tragedy. Below was his final sermon titled, "To The Back of the Cave."
56. H.B. London, Jr. died on October 16, 2018, at age 81, from cancer. H.B. London, Jr. was the first cousin to Dr. James Dobson and after years as a minister at congregations in The Church of the Nazarene, he took on a ministry leadership role to serve pastors through Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family released H.B. London, Jr.'s obituary. Dr. James Dobson produced a special program on remembering Rev. H.B. London.
57. Msgr. Thomas P. Leonard died on October 18, 2018, at age 90. Thomas Leonard was a Roman Catholic priest who was known as the priest with feet on the ground, because of his unwavering dedication to help the most needy and vulnerable souls in society. The New York Times published Father Thomas Leonard's obituary.
58. Eugene H. Peterson died on October 22, 2018, at age 85, from complications of dementia and heart problems. Eugene Peterson was a pastor and author of 35 books. His best known work was a paraphrase of the Bible called The Message Bible, which sold 16 million copies. The Christian Post published Eugene Peterson's obituary.
59. Kenny Marks died on October 31, 2018, at age 67, from a heart attack. Kenny Marks was a Gospel Singer in the Contemporary Christian Music industry. His unique style brought encouragement and inspiration to thousands of people over the last four decades. The Gospel Music Association published Kenny Marks' obituary.
60. - 66. Seven Coptic Christians were killed in a bus attack in Egypt on November 2, 2018. These seven souls are representative of the thousands of Christian martyrs who were promoted to glory in 2018. According to Father Gabriel Nadaf, every 5 minutes a Christian dies in the Middle East (Beitbart, March 23, 2018). CNN released a news story on this tragedy in the Middle East.
67. Kurt Kaiser died on November 12, 2018, at age 83. Kurt Kaiser was a Christian musician who penned over 300 copyrighted songs, including Pass It On and Oh How He Loves You and Me. Christianity Today published Kurt Kaiser's obituary.
68. James Carrington died on November 15, 2018, at age 85, from heart failure. James Carrington was the founder of the first African American Church in Orange County, California. He started Friendship Baptist Church in Fullerton, California. The Orange County Register published his obituary.
69. Roy Clark died on November 15, 2018, at age 85 from pneumonia. Roy Clark was best known as the co-host of the Hee-Haw television show. He was an Emmy award winning country and Gospel singer who had dozens of hit songs over the last 50 years. His biography was featured on the faith website Beliefnet. CMT published Roy Clark's obituary.
70. David Pollit died on November 16, 2018, at age 82, from a stroke. David Pollit was the retired pastor from Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. He was known as the activist who brought affordable housing to South Baltimore. The Baltimore Sun published his obituary.
71. Sister Cecilia Maria Roszak died on November 22, 2018, at age 110. Sister Cecilia Maria Roszak was the world's oldest nun. She was from the country of Poland and hid dozens of Jews from occupying nazis during the war. The Straits Times published Sister Roszak's obituary.
72. Kelly Anne Broderick died on November 24, 2018, at age 27. She was killed in an automobile accident in Colorado. In 2016, Kelly Anne Broderick completed The World Race, a missions trip that goes to 11 countries in 11 months. CBN published Kelly Anne Broderick's obituary.
73. Nathaniel Holcomb died on November 27, 2018, at age 66. Nathaniel Holcomb was the long-time pastor of the Christian House of Prayer in Texas. The Christian Post published Nathaniel Holcomb's obituary.
74. Jess Moody died on December 7, 2018, at age 93. Jess Moody was the founder of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was a minister in the Southern Baptist Convention and most notably he pastored First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach and the First Baptist Church in the Los Angeles, California area. The Baptist Press published Jess Moody's obituary.
75. Cameron M. Alexander died on December 30, 2018, at age 86. Cameron Alexander had served for nearly 5 decades as the pastor of Atlanta's Antioch Baptist Church North. The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) published his obituary.
Andrew V. Rushing (September 1, 2018), Glenwood, Arkansas
Arlene M. Johnson (September 11, 2018), Wilmore, Kentucky
This feature is part of an annual series that started in 2010. All the years of the series can be viewed at these links.
1. Arthur Roheim died on January 5, 2018, at age 99. Arthur Roheim was a youth minister from Chicago who co-created the Awana program and served for over 70 years in the child and youth discipleship organization. Christianity Today released Arthur Roheim's obituary.
2. Commissioner Grace Chang was promoted to glory on January 5, 2018, at age 81. Commissioner Grace Chang was a retired officer in The Salvation Army. Her positions of ministry included being a Territorial Leader for The Salvation Army in the Korean Territory and in the Western USA Territory. The New Frontier Chronicle published Commissioner Grace Chang's obituary.
3. Chuck Murphy died on January 9, 2018, at age 70, from brain cancer. Chuck Murphy was a retired bishop who was founder of the Anglican Mission in Americas (AMiA). Christianity Today published Chuck Murphy's obituary.
4. Edwin Hawkins died on January 15, 2018, at age 74, from cancer. Edwin Hawkins was a Christian musician who won several Grammy Awards and wrote many songs, including his signature song, "Oh, Happy Day." The Christian Post published Edwin Hawkins obituary.
5. James W. Sire died on February 6, 2018, at age 84. James W. Sire was a long-time editor for InterVarsity Press (IVP). He helped promote authors such as Francis Schaeffer and Rebecca Manley Pippert. In 1976, he edited and wrote his most famous work, The Universe Next Door. Christianity Today published James Sire's obituary.
6. Billy Graham died on February 21, 2018, at age 99. Billy Graham was a world renown Christian evangelist and author. Billy Graham preached the Christian message to more people in person than anyone in the history of Christianity. Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women a total of 61 times, more than any person in history. He was the founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Christianity Today published a special tribute to his life.
7. Liu Dongkun died on March 5, 2018, at age 98. Liu Dongkun was the former senior pastor of the Australian Clayton Chinese Christian Church in Melbourne, Australia. The Chinese Christian Daily published Liu Dongkun's obituary.
8. Yvonne Staples died on April 10, 2018, at age 80. She was the baritone voice and business manager for the Gospel singing group the Staple Singers. Her obituary was written by the Independent.
9. Clifton Rhodes died April 16, 2018, at age 74, from ALS. Clifton Rhodes was the pastor for 45 years at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This church is the oldest black Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Wood TV shared Clifton Rhodes' obituary.
10. Bob Buford died on April 18, 2018, at age 78. Bob Buford was the founder of the Leadership Network, built to serve Christian ministries. He was a mentor to many Christian leaders and formed the Drucker Institute to promote the theories of his friend Peter Drucker. Christianity Today published Bob Buford's obituary.
11.-29. Nineteen Christians were shot dead while celebrating Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mbalom, Nigeria on April 24, 2018. 2 priests were among the dead. Christianity Today published a news story on this tragedy.
30. Loren Mead died on May 5, 2018, at age 88. Loren Mead founded the Alban Institute at Duke University in 1974. He was an author and his final book was called The Parish is the Issue (2015). The Christian Post published Loren Mead's obituary.
31. - 50. Twenty pastors in the Church of the Nazarene and their spouses were killed in a plane crash in Cuba on May 18, 2018. Christianity Today published a story on this tragedy.
51. David J. Hesselgrave died on May 21, 2018, at age 94. David Hesselgrave was the founder of the Evangelical Missiological Society. David Hesselgrave introduced cross-culture ministry into theological academics. Some of his well-known textbooks he wrote were Planting Churches Cross-Culturally; Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally; and Counseling Cross-Culturally. Christianity Today published David Hesselgrave's obituary.
Dr. David Hesselgrave from Fresh Films on Vimeo.
52. Sam Moore died on June 1, 2018, at age 88. Sam Moore was a long-time CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and influential in the Christian publishing industry. Christianity Today published Sam Moore's obituary.
53. James Earl Massey died on June 24, 2018, at age 88. James Earl Massey was known as the 'Prince of Preachers' in The Church of God, a holiness denomination with headquarters in Anderson, Indiana. Massey was the Dean Emeritus at Anderson University School of Theology. He influenced thousands through his preaching on the radio and at churches and seminary chapels. Christianity Today published James Earl Massey's obituary.
54. Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at age 76, from pancreatic cancer. Aretha Franklin was a Gospel and Pop singer. She was known as "The Queen of Soul" and won numerous awards. The Christian Post published Aretha Franklin's obituary.
55. Andrew Stoecklein died on August 25, 2018, at age 30. Andrew Stoecklein was the senior pastor of Inlay Hills Church in Chino, California. He had suffered from anxiety and depression and committed suicide. Andrew Stoecklein had been open about his challenges with his mental health and certainly helped raise awareness that Christians can struggle with this condition. CBN published a news story on this tragedy. Below was his final sermon titled, "To The Back of the Cave."
56. H.B. London, Jr. died on October 16, 2018, at age 81, from cancer. H.B. London, Jr. was the first cousin to Dr. James Dobson and after years as a minister at congregations in The Church of the Nazarene, he took on a ministry leadership role to serve pastors through Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family released H.B. London, Jr.'s obituary. Dr. James Dobson produced a special program on remembering Rev. H.B. London.
57. Msgr. Thomas P. Leonard died on October 18, 2018, at age 90. Thomas Leonard was a Roman Catholic priest who was known as the priest with feet on the ground, because of his unwavering dedication to help the most needy and vulnerable souls in society. The New York Times published Father Thomas Leonard's obituary.
58. Eugene H. Peterson died on October 22, 2018, at age 85, from complications of dementia and heart problems. Eugene Peterson was a pastor and author of 35 books. His best known work was a paraphrase of the Bible called The Message Bible, which sold 16 million copies. The Christian Post published Eugene Peterson's obituary.
59. Kenny Marks died on October 31, 2018, at age 67, from a heart attack. Kenny Marks was a Gospel Singer in the Contemporary Christian Music industry. His unique style brought encouragement and inspiration to thousands of people over the last four decades. The Gospel Music Association published Kenny Marks' obituary.
60. - 66. Seven Coptic Christians were killed in a bus attack in Egypt on November 2, 2018. These seven souls are representative of the thousands of Christian martyrs who were promoted to glory in 2018. According to Father Gabriel Nadaf, every 5 minutes a Christian dies in the Middle East (Beitbart, March 23, 2018). CNN released a news story on this tragedy in the Middle East.
67. Kurt Kaiser died on November 12, 2018, at age 83. Kurt Kaiser was a Christian musician who penned over 300 copyrighted songs, including Pass It On and Oh How He Loves You and Me. Christianity Today published Kurt Kaiser's obituary.
68. James Carrington died on November 15, 2018, at age 85, from heart failure. James Carrington was the founder of the first African American Church in Orange County, California. He started Friendship Baptist Church in Fullerton, California. The Orange County Register published his obituary.
69. Roy Clark died on November 15, 2018, at age 85 from pneumonia. Roy Clark was best known as the co-host of the Hee-Haw television show. He was an Emmy award winning country and Gospel singer who had dozens of hit songs over the last 50 years. His biography was featured on the faith website Beliefnet. CMT published Roy Clark's obituary.
70. David Pollit died on November 16, 2018, at age 82, from a stroke. David Pollit was the retired pastor from Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. He was known as the activist who brought affordable housing to South Baltimore. The Baltimore Sun published his obituary.
71. Sister Cecilia Maria Roszak died on November 22, 2018, at age 110. Sister Cecilia Maria Roszak was the world's oldest nun. She was from the country of Poland and hid dozens of Jews from occupying nazis during the war. The Straits Times published Sister Roszak's obituary.
72. Kelly Anne Broderick died on November 24, 2018, at age 27. She was killed in an automobile accident in Colorado. In 2016, Kelly Anne Broderick completed The World Race, a missions trip that goes to 11 countries in 11 months. CBN published Kelly Anne Broderick's obituary.
73. Nathaniel Holcomb died on November 27, 2018, at age 66. Nathaniel Holcomb was the long-time pastor of the Christian House of Prayer in Texas. The Christian Post published Nathaniel Holcomb's obituary.
74. Jess Moody died on December 7, 2018, at age 93. Jess Moody was the founder of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was a minister in the Southern Baptist Convention and most notably he pastored First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach and the First Baptist Church in the Los Angeles, California area. The Baptist Press published Jess Moody's obituary.
75. Cameron M. Alexander died on December 30, 2018, at age 86. Cameron Alexander had served for nearly 5 decades as the pastor of Atlanta's Antioch Baptist Church North. The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) published his obituary.
Dedication: This post is dedicated to these Christian friends who were promoted to glory in 2018.
This feature is part of an annual series that started in 2010. All the years of the series can be viewed at these links.
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