25 Christian Men Over 80 in 2019

(Listed by Birthday)

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation" (Psalm 71:18)

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1. Robert Duvall will turn 88 on January 5, 2019. Robert Duvall is an American actor and filmmaker. He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards in his lifetime and won the Academy Award for his performance in Tender Mercies. He lives in his home near The Plaines, Virginia.

2. Henry Slaughter will turn 92 on January 9, 2019. Henry Slaughter is an American southern gospel pianist, singer and songwriter. He has won five Dove Awards. He lives in Tennessee.

3. Jack Van Impe will turn 88 on February 9, 2019. Jack Van Impe is an American televangelist with a weekly show called Jack Van Impe Presents which presents an eschatological view of the news. He lives near where his shows are taped in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

4. Tony Campolo will turn 84 on February 25, 2019. Tony Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and was the former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

5. Gavin McLeod will turn 88 on February 28, 2019. Gavin McLeod is an American actor and Christian activist who has been on television for six decades. He is best known for his role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat. He has been a guest on several variety and religious programs. He lives in Southern California.

6. Roger T. Forster will turn 86 on March 1, 2019. Roger Forster is the leader of the Icthus Christian Fellowship, a neocharismatic Evangelical Christian Church that is part of the British New Church Movement. He lives in Forest Hill, London.

7. Paul Rader will turn 85 on March 14, 2019. Paul Rader was the 15th General of the Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He served as the President of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky from 2000 to 2006.

8. Pat Robertson will turn 89 on March 20, 2019. Pat Robertson currently serves as chancellor and CEO of Regent University and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

9. Bill Gaither will turn 83 on March 28, 2019. Bill Gaither is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. In the 1990's he produced the popular Gaither Homecoming Series of videos to spotlight the Southern gospel heritage in Christian music. He lives in Alexandria, Indiana.

10. Pope Benedict XVI will turn 92 on April 16, 2019. Pope Benedict XVI served as the 265th Pope and head of the Catholic Church from 2005-2013. In his retirement he lives in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery located within the Vatican City.

11. James Dobson will turn 83 on April 21, 2019. He is an author, evangelical Christian and psychologist. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977 and served as its President until 2003. He currently leads a radio program called Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson.

He has authored over 30 books, including When God Doesn't Make Sense. < He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

12. Pat Boone will turn 85 on June 1, 2019.  Pat Boone is a Christian and an American singer, composer, actor, writer, television personality, and motivational speaker. He had 38 Top 40 hits, sold over 45 million records and has appeared in 12 films.

13. John F. McArthur will turn 80 on June 19, 2019.  John McArthur hosts the radio program Grace to You. He has served as the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California for the past 50 years. He also serves as the president of The Master's University and The Master's Seminary.

14. Jack Hayford will turn 85 on June 25, 2019. Jack Hayford is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and the Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University. He is the founder of Jack Hayford Ministries. He has written over 600 hymns and choruses. He and his wife reside in Van Nuys, California.

15. Homer Adams will turn 97 on July 2, 2019. He was the President of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1979 to 1991 and prior to that served as a college professor at Trevecca Nazarene University. He and his wife Beatrice Adams have been married for over 70 years and still live in Nashville, Tennessee (Tennessean, July 2, 2014).

16. Frederick Buechner will turn 93 on July 11, 2019. Frederick Buechner is an American writer and theologian. The Frederic Buechner Center provides information on his work. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. He has written over 30 published books.

17. J.I. Packer will turn 93 on July 22, 2019.  J.I. Packer is an author, theologian, and professor in the Christian reformed tradition. Packer published the best selling Christian book Knowing God in 1973. He is currently serving as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

18. Jerald Johnson will turn 92 on August 16, 2019. Jerald Johnson served as General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene from 1980-1997. He is the author of 12 books.

19. Charles Stanley will turn 87 on September 25, 2019. Charles Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries. He is the author of over 40 published books.

20. Jimmy Carter will turn 95 on October 1, 2019. Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981 and prior to that the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975. The Carter Center provides information on his work. He continues to teach Sunday School at his home church Maranatha Baptist Church in Plaines, Georgia.

21. Chuck Swindoll will turn 85 on October 18, 2019. Chuck Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living and was the President of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1994-2001. Currently he is the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

22. H. Ray Dunning will turn 93 on October 26, 2019. H. Ray Dunning is a systematic theologian in the Wesleyan branch of Christianity. He was a religion professor at Trevecca Nazarene University and authored many books including, Grace, Faith & Holiness: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology. He lives in Tennessee.

23. Luis Palua, Jr. will turn 85 on November 27, 2019. He is the founder of the Luis Palua Association. He is an international Christian evangelist who was born in Argentina. He resides near Portland, Oregon.

24. Kenneth Copeland will turn 83 on December 6, 2019. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and a leader in the Charismatic movement of Christianity. The headquarters of his ministry is Ft. Worth, Texas.

25. Pope Francis will turn 83 on December 17, 2019. Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He also holds titles as Bishop of Rome and sovereign of Vatican City.

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See this related post from previous year.

25 Christian Men over 80 in 2018

Holding My World

Grace Sight #40 is the song Holding My World.

Holding My World is a song that was released by Kristian Stanfill in 2011 with the Moving Mountains album. Kristian Stanfill is the Worship Pastor at Passion City Church. It has a meaningful message of the protection and providence of God that can help calm any unique fears one may have as we enter 2019. Although the song has been out for 7 years, it speaks to the times we live in today, and I have therefore chosen it as my theme song to take into 2019.

Here is a music video of Holding my World.

75 Christians Who Died in 2018

In Memoriam (Listed by Date of Death)

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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Dedication: This post is dedicated to these Christian friends who were promoted to glory in 2018.

William Dunman (July 20, 2018), Madison, Tennessee

Andrew V. Rushing (September 1, 2018), Glenwood, Arkansas Arlene M. Johnson (September 11, 2018), Wilmore, Kentucky

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This feature is part of an annual series that started in 2010. All the years of the series can be viewed at these links.

• 100 Christians Who Died in 2017
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2016
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2015
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2014
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2013
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2012
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2011
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2010

Broken Things

Grace Sight #39 is the song Broken Things. 

Broken Things is a song that was released by Matthew West in 2017. Grace Sight has chosen it as our new song of the year for 2017. It has a meaningful message to reflect on 2017 and take into 2018.

Here is the official music video for Broken Things.


The following is a video where Matthew West explains the process he went through in writing Broken Things. 


Here is hoping that whatever your or I face in 2018 we always remember that God can use us even though we are broken and poor. I believe our unknown challenges will be great opportunities to bring us closer to Him and to prepare us for God's service. 

100 Christians Who Died in 2017

In Memoriam (Listed by Date of Death)

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)

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1. Kenny Joseph died on January 12, 2017, at age 88. Kenny Joseph was a missionary to Japan from 1951-2012. He is the author of the books Combined Japan Missionary Language Handbook and  Japan's Christian Roots. Black Christian News released his obituary.

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2. Jeffrey Sorbonne died on February 4, 2017, at age 52, in a house fire.  He was the founding pastor of Anchor Point Community Church in Duluth, Minnesota. Since 2013, he had served as the National Church Planting Director for the Evangelical Free Church of America. The God Reports blog reported on his death.

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3. Wendell Broom died on February 18, 2017, at age 93. He was a pioneer missionary to Africa in the Churches of Christ. The Christian Chronicle featured his obituary.

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4. H. Wilbert Norton died on February 20, 2017, at age 102. He was a missionary to the Congo, Africa with the Evangelical Free Church. He taught at numerous schools including Trinity College and Wheaton College. Norton helped organize Intervarsity Christian Fellowship's first student missions conference in 1946.  Christianity Today shared his obituary. The Billy Graham Center Archives has a page dedicated to Dr. Norton.

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5. John Seaman died on March 19, 2017, at age 69, from cancer. He was a minister and former missionary in the Church of the Nazarene in Africa. Since 2003, he had been serving as the District Superintendent of the Michigan District of the Church of the Nazarene.  The Church of the Nazarene shared his obituary.

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6. Sandra Callander was promoted to glory (died) on March 24, 2017, at age 73. She was an officer in The Salvation Army who achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Her ministry included service in the Australian Territory of the Salvation Army as well as the New Zealand and Fiji Territory. The Salvation Army in Australia released news of her death.

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7. - 19. Thirteen Choir Members from the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas were killed in a bus accident on their way home from a retreat on March 29, 2017. The deceased include Howard Bryan Allen, 81; Rhonda Barlow Allen, 61; Harold Boyd Barber, 87; Margaret Robinson Barber, 82; Murray William Barrett, 67; Mildred Goodlett Rosamond, 87; Sue Wynn Tysdal, 76; Dorothy Fern Vulliet, 84; Martha Holcomb Walker, 84; Avis Scholl Banks, 83; Cristie Clare Moore, 68; Donna Elizabeth Hawkins, 69; and Addie Maurine Schmeltekopf, 84.  Christianity Today released a news story on this tragedy.

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20. Ethan Roser died on April 22, 2017, at age 19, from an accident at a track meet in college. Ethan was a student at Wheaton College and was fatally hit by a hammer at a track meet. His plan was to become a minister and he was majoring in Christian Education and Biblical Studies at Wheaton.  Cincinnati.com shared the story of his tragic death.

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21. Jay Carty died on May 4, 2017, at age 75, from cancer. Jay Carty was a former NBA player and basketball coach. He helped teach Kareem Abdul Jabar his hook shot while an assistant coach at UCLA for three years with John Wooden (See YouTube). Jay Carty became a well known author and traveling Christian Evangelist throughout the West Coast of the United States and founded Yes! Ministries. His obituary is at Hallels.com.

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22. Nadine Foley died on May 13, 2017, at age 93. Sister Foley served as prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters from 1986-1992. She was a leader of religious women in her congregation and throughout the United States. Sister Foley was an editor of three books and wrote two volumes of Adrian Dominican history and a biography of Mother Mary Gerald Barry, OP, who was the longest serving prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Her obituary appeared in the Michigan Catholic.

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23. - 51. Twenty Nine Coptic Christians were killed on May 26, 2017. Coptic Christians is the name for a group of Christians that are primarily based in Egypt. The group was on their way to a pilgrimage to pray at The St. Samuel the Confessor monastery when they were attacked and killed near Minya, Egypt. 10 of the 29 who died were children. News of this attack was shared by the Independent News and Fox News.

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52. Austin Silva died on June 15, 2017, at age 17. Austin Silva had dental surgery on June 6, 2017, and never woke up from the anesthesia. He died 9 days later. Silva attended Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas and was a member of Watermark Community Church. He accepted Jesus as his savior in elementary school and after having worked at Camp Barnabas, a camp for children with special needs, he wrote in his journal, "This experience reminded me that Jesus Christ is real and certainly worth following." The Dallas News featured a story on his passing. His obituary is online at dignity memorial.

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53. Megan Johnson died on June 27, 2017, at age 31. She died unexpectedly 7 hours after giving birth to her daughter, Eille Megan Kate Johnson.  She was married to Nathan Johnson, a Christian musician with the rock band Meaning Machine.  God Updates released information on her passing. There is also a blog created to tell Megan's Story.

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54. Haddon Robinson died on July 22, 2017, at age 86, from Parkinson’s.  Haddon Robinson served as the President of Denver Seminary from 1979-1991. He taught homiletics at Dallas Theological Seminary for 19 years and was a professor and former interim President at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a professor he was renowned in presenting the need for "The Big Idea" in Biblical preaching. He was listed by Christianity Today as being in the top 10 of its "25 Most influential Preachers of the Past 25 years." Robinson is the author of the classic preaching textbook called Biblical Preaching, which is still used in many seminary's. Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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55. Chen Xizeng died on July 27, 2017, from colon cancer. He was a Chinese Christian pastor and Bible scholar. The Chinese Christian Daily released news of his death.

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56. - 57. Newlyweds Austin and Rebekkah Wesson were in a car accident in Clearwater, Kansas on August 5, 2017. Austin died instantly and Rebekkah passed away two days later from her injuries. Both were age 19. The couple had met on a missions trip and had married one day before the accident. Rebekkah's father John Bouma said, "They both loved the Lord - they wanted to be the hands and feet of Jesus."  The Gospel Herald released a story on the tragedy of these two sweethearts.

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58. Glenn Campbell died on August 8, 2017, at age 81, from complications of Alzheimer's. He was a country music star who loved to sing hymns about his Christian faith. Over his career he made over 70 albums and 12 of them became gold. His signature song was, "Rhinestone Cowboy". In 1990 Campbell said, "I love telling people about Christ and what he's done for me and can do for them." Charisma News featured his obituary.

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59. Ruth Pfau died on August 10, 2017, at age 87, from kidney and heart disease. Sister Ruth Pfau was born in Germany and was a medical doctor who devoted her life as a medical missionary to helping limit the spread of leprosy in Pakistan and treating eye disease among suffering people. She converted to Catholicism and became a nun in The Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary and was known as, "The Mother Teresa of Pakistan." Pakistan gave her a state funeral, and she is the first Christian woman to receive such an honor from the Muslim nation. Christianity Today shared her obituary.  The New York Times also released her obituary.

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60. Sharoon Masih died on August 27, 2017, at age 17. He achieved academic excellence despite enduring years of being persecuted as the only Christian student in his class at his school in Pakistan. On August 27, 2017, he was beaten to death by his Muslim classmates. The British Pakistani Christian Association reported on his death.

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61. Michael Cromartie died on August 28, 2017, at age 67, from cancer. Cromartie helped frame the Christian world view for the media over decades of work within the US Capital of Washington D.C.  Christianity Today shared his obituary. The New York Times also featured his obituary.

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62. Robert Jenson died on September 5, 2017, at age 87. Jenson was a Lutheran theologian who emphasized an ecumenical approach and was known for his contribution to systematic theology. During his career he taught at both Luther College and United Lutheran Seminary. He founded the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology in 1991 along with Carl Braaten. The books he authored include: A Religion Against Itself (1967), The Triune Identity (1982), and Systematic Theology (1999). Christianity Today and Christian Century shared his obituary.

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63. Rick Stevens died on September 5, 2017, at age 77. He had been the lead singer in the band Tower of Power in their early years. Rick Stevens became a Christian while serving time in prison. SFGate.com released a story on his passing. 

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64. Nabeel Qureshi died on September 16, 2017, at age 34, from stomach cancer. Nabeel Qureshi converted to Christianity from Islam and became a Christian apologetic, working with the Ravi Zacharias team. He was the author of the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity and No God But One. Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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65. David Mainse died on September 25, 2017, at age 81. Mainse was a Canadian pastor who started Canada's longest running Christian television show called 100 Huntley Street in 1977. He also founded Crossroads Christian Communication, Yes TV, and a prayer hot line that serves over 30,000 calls per month. Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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66. Helen DeVos died on October 18, 2017, at age 90, from complications of a stroke. Helen DeVos was a Christian philanthropist who supported charitable and faith causes including children's charities, churches, and Christian Education. Her support led to the formation of one of the nation's leading Children hospitals located in Grand Rapids, Michigan called The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. MLive released information on her passing.

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67. - 92. Twenty Six Worshippers at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas

were gunned down on November 5, 2017, while they were attending a service at the church. Those killed included:  Keith Braden, 62; Shanni and Robert Corrigan, 51; Joann Ward, 30; Brooke Ward, 5; Emily Garza, 7; Greg Hill, 13; Emily Hill, 11; Megan Hill, 9; Crystal Halcombe, 36; Crystal's Unborn Child; Bryan Halcombe 60; Karla Halcombe, 58; Marc Daniel Halcombe, 36; Noah Halcombe, 1; Sarah Johnson, 68; Dennis Johnson, 77; Hally Krueger, 16; Tara McNulty, 33; Robert Scott, 56; Karen Marshall, 56; Anabelle Pomeroy, 14; Therese Rodriguez, 66; Ricardo Rodriguez, 64; Peggy Lynn Warden, 56; and Lula White, 71.The attack was the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in the history of the State of Texas. More information on the shooting is on Wikipedia. Photos of those who died are on the following memorial video by NBC News.

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93. Shawn Jones died in on November 18, 2017, at age 32. Jones collapsed of a sudden heart attack on November 18, 2017, while in the midst of a Gospel performance. He was a Gospel singer and the founding pastor the New Thing Empowerment Church in Auburn, Alabama. CBN released a news story on his death.

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94. Stan Toler died on November 18, 2017, at age 67, from cancer. Toler served as a General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene from 2009-2013 and was a pastor for over 40 years. He also taught seminars with Dr. John Maxwell's INJOY seminars. Toler authored over 100 books that sold over 3 million copies, including his last one God Can Do Anything But Fail: So Try Parasailing in a Windstorm.  The Church of the Nazarene released his obituary.

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95. Harry Blamires died on November 21, 2017, at age 101. Blamires was a student of C.S. Lewis and was a Christian author and scholar. He emphasized in his teaching that the church should have a Christian worldview in the midst of an increasingly secular society. He taught English at King's Alfred College in the UK. His most well known book of the over twelve that he authored is called The Christian Mind and is still in print. Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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96. Jared Plesec was promoted to glory (died) on December 2, 2017, at age 21. Jared Plesec was a soldier in The Salvation Army, who was shot and killed in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, December 2, 2017, while on his way to volunteer at his church. He was wearing his Salvation Army uniform and grasping his Bible when he was killed. Jared Plesec was awarded posthumously the 2017 Soldier of the Year award by The Salvation Army. WKYC in Cleveland covered his funeral.

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97. John Sherrill died on December 2, 2017, at age 94. Sherrill served as an editor and writer for the inspirational magazine Guideposts for over 66 years. He co-wrote the Christian books The Cross and the Switchblade with David Wilkerson; God's Smuggler with Brother Andrew; and The Hiding Place with Corrie ten Boom.  Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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98. Greg Wood died on December 5, 2017, at age 48, from brain cancer. Wood served as an International Missions Board missionary for 11 years, serving in an indigenous village in Mexico. The International Missions Board released his obituary.

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99. R.C. Sproul died on December 13, 2017, at age 78. Sproul founded Ligonier Ministries in 1971 and served as its chairman throughout his life. He was a leader in Biblical teaching in the Reformed tradition and was renowned for his explanation of the implications of the sovereignty of God. Sproul was the author of over 100 books, including The Holiness of God; Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, and What is Reformed Theology?  Christianity Today shared his obituary.

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100. Na Hoku Hanohano died on December 16, 2017, at age 70. He was a Christian musician in Hawaii and was working on a project to raise funds to build a music school on the campus of Kalihi Union Church. The Star Advertiser reported on his death. 

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Dedication: This post is dedicated to some Christian friends who were promoted to glory in 2017.

Trinity Moreno (March 31, 2017), Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Rev. Clinton Ferguson (September 14, 2017), Pine Bluff, Arkansas

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This feature is part of an annual series that started in 2010. All the years of the series can be viewed at these links.

• 75 Christians Who Died in 2018
• 100 Christians Who Died in 2017
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2016
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2015
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2014
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2013
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2012
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2011
• 20 Christians Who Died in 2010

25 Christian Men Over 80 in 2018

(Listed by Birthday)

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation" (Psalm 71:18)

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1. Robert Duvall will turn 87 on January 5, 2018. Robert Duvall is a Christian who is an American actor and filmmaker. He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards in his lifetime and won the Academy Award for his performance in Tender Mercies. He lives in his home near The Plaines, Virginia.

2. Henry Slaughter will turn 91 on January 9, 2018. Henry Slaughter is an American southern gospel pianist, singer and songwriter. He has won five Dove Awards. He lives in Tennessee.

3. Jack Van Impe will turn 87 on February 9, 2018. Jack Van Impe is an American televangelist with a weekly show called Jack Van Impe Presents which presents an eschatological view of the news. He lives near where his shows are taped in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

4. Tony Campolo will turn 83 on February 25, 2018. Tony Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and was the former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

5. Gavin McLeod will turn 87 on February 28, 2018. Gavin McLeod is an American actor and Christian activist who has been on television for six decades. He is best known for his role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat. He has been a guest on several variety and religious programs. He lives in Southern California.

6. Roger T. Forster will turn 85 on March 1, 2018. Roger Forster is the leader of the Icthus Christian Fellowship, a neocharismatic Evangelical Christian Church that is part of the British New Church Movement. He lives in Forest Hill, London.

7. Paul Rader will turn 84 on March 14, 2018. Paul Rader was the 15th General of the Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He served as the President of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky from 2000 to 2006.

8. Pat Robertson will turn 88 on March 20, 2018. Pat Robertson currently serves as chancellor and CEO of Regent University and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

9. Bill Gaither will turn 82 on March 28, 2018. Bill Gaither is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. In the 1990's he produced the popular Gaither Homecoming Series of videos to spotlight the Southern gospel heritage in Christian music. He lives in Alexandria, Indiana.

10. James Dobson will turn 82 on April 21, 2018. He is an author, evangelical Christian and psychologist. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977 and served as its President until 2003. He currently leads a radio program called Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. He has authored over 30 books, including When God Doesn't Make Sense. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

11. Pat Boone will turn 84 on June 1, 2018.  Pat Boone is a Christian and an American singer, composer, actor, writer, television personality, and motivational speaker. He had 38 Top 40 hits, sold over 45 million records and has appeared in 12 films.

12. Jack Hayford will turn 84 on June 25, 2018. Jack Hayford is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and the Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University. He has written over 600 hymns and choruses.

13. Homer Adams will turn 96 on July 2, 2018. He was the President of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1979 to 1991 and prior to that served as a college professor at Trevecca Nazarene University. He and his wife Beatrice Adams have been married for 72 years and still live in Nashville, Tennessee (Tennessean, July 2, 2014).

14. Frederick Buechner will turn 92 on July 11, 2018. Frederick Buechner is an American writer and theologian. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. He has written over 30 published books.

15. J.I. Packer will turn 92 on July 22, 2018.  J.I. Packer is an author, theologian, and professor in the Christian reformed tradition. Packer published the best selling Christian book Knowing God in 1973. He is currently serving as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

16. Jerald Johnson will turn 91 on August 16, 2018. Jerald Johnson served as General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene from 1980-1997. He is the author of 12 books.

17. Charles Stanley will turn 86 on September 25, 2018. Charles Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries.

18. Jimmy Carter will turn 94 on October 1, 2018. Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981 and prior to that the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975. He continues to teach Sunday School at his home church Maranatha Baptist Church in Plaines, Georgia.

19. Chuck Swindoll will turn 84 on October 18, 2018. Chuck Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living and was the President of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1994-2001. Currently he is the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

20. H. Ray Dunning will turn 92 on October 26, 2018. H. Ray Dunning is a systematic theologian in the Wesleyan branch of Christianity. He was a religion professor at Trevecca Nazarene University and authored many books including, Grace, Faith & Holiness: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology. He lives in Tennessee.

21. Eugene Peterson will turn 86 on November 6, 2018. Eugene Peterson is a clergy, author, and poet. He has written over 30 books, including the best-selling paraphrase of the Bible called The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. He currently lives in Montana.

22. Billy Graham will turn 100 on November 17, 2018. Billy Graham is an author, spiritual advisor to US Presidents, and an American evangelist, who founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He held crusades around the world from 1947-2015. He resides at his home near Charlotte, North Carolina.

23. Luis Palua, Jr. will turn 84 on November 27, 2018. He is the founder of the Luis Palua Association. He is an international Christian evangelist who was born in Argentina. He resides near Portland, Oregon.

24. Kenneth Copeland will turn 82 on December 6, 2018. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and a leader in the Charismatic movement of Christianity. The headquarters of his ministry is Ft. Worth, Texas.

25. Pope Francis will turn 82 on December 17, 2018. Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He also holds titles as Bishop of Rome and sovereign of Vatican City.

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See this related post from previous year.

20 Christian Men Over 80 in 2017

20 Christian Men Over 80 in 2017

(Listed by Birthday)

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation" (Psalm 71:18)

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1. Robert Duvall will turn 86 on January 5, 2017. Robert Duvall is a Christian who is an American actor and filmmaker. He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards in his lifetime and won the Academy Award for his performance in Tender Mercies. He lives in his home near The Plaines, Virginia.

2. Henry Slaughter will turn 90 on January 9, 2017. Henry Slaughter is an American southern gospel pianist, singer and songwriter. He has won five Dove Awards.

3. Tony Campolo will turn 82 on February 25, 2017. Tony Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and was the former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton.

4. Gavin McLeod will turn 86 on February 28, 2017. Gavin McLeod is an American actor and Christian activist who has been on television for six decades. He has been a guest on several variety and religious programs.

5. Roger T. Forster will turn 84 on March 1, 2017. Roger Forster is the leader of the Icthus Christian Fellowship, a neocharismatic Evangelical Christian Church that is part of the British New Church Movement.

6. Paul Rader will turn 83 on March 14, 2017. Paul Rader was the 15th General of the Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He served as the President of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky from 2000 to 2006.

7. Pat Robertson will turn 87 on March 20, 2017. Pat Robertson currently serves as chancellor and CEO of Regent University and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

8. Haddon Robinson will turn 86 on March 21, 2017. Haddon Robinson is the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching and the senior director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.

9. Bill Gaither will turn 81 on March 28, 2017. Bill Gaither is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. In the 1990's he produced the popular Gaither Homecoming Series of videos to spotlight the Southern gospel heritage in Christian music.

10. James Dobson will turn 81 on April 21, 2017. He is an author, evangelical Christian and psychologist. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977 and served as its President until 2003. He currently leads a radio program called Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. 

11. Pat Boone will turn 83 on June 1, 2017.  Pat Boone is a Christian and an American singer, composer, actor, writer, television personality, and motivational speaker. He had 38 Top 40 hits, sold over 45 million records and has appeared in 12 films.

12. Homer Adams will turn 95 on July 2, 2017. He was the President of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1979 to 1991 and prior to that served as a college professor at Trevecca Nazarene University. He and his wife Beatrice Adams have been married for 72 years and still live in Nashville, Tennessee (Tennessean, July 2, 2014).

13. J.I. Packer will turn 91 on July 22, 2017.  J.I. Packer is an author, theologian, and professor in the Christian reformed tradition. Packer published the best selling Christian book Knowing God in 1973. He is currently serving as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

14. Charles Stanley will turn 85 on September 25, 2017. Charles Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries.

15. Jimmy Carter will turn 93 on October 1, 2017. Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981 and prior to that the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975. He continues to teach Sunday School at his home church Maranatha Baptist Church in Plaines, Georgia.

16. Chuck Swindoll will turn 83 on October 18, 2017. Chuck Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living and was the President of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1994-2001. Currently he is the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

17. Eugene Peterson will turn 85 on November 6, 2017. Eugene Peterson is a clergy, author, and poet. He has written over 30 books, including the best-selling paraphrase of the Bible called The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. He currently lives in Montana.

18. Billy Graham will turn 99 on November 17, 2017. Billy Graham is an author, spiritual advisor to US Presidents, and an American evangelist, who founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He held crusades around the world from 1947-2015. He resides at his home near Charlotte, North Carolina.

19. Luis Palua, Jr. will turn 83 on November 27, 2017. He is the founder of the Luis Palua Association. He is an international Christian evangelist who was born in Argentina. He resides near Portland, Oregon.

20. Pope Francis will turn 81 on December 17, 2017. Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He also holds titles as Bishop of Rome and sovereign of Vatican City.