Remembering Voddie Baucham: A Bold Voice for the Gospel

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Pastor, evangelist, apologist, and best-selling author Voddie Baucham Jr. experienced a sudden medical emergency on Thursday that brought him immediately into the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus, whom he loved so deeply. He was 56 years old. 

“We are saddened to inform friends that our dear brother, Voddie Baucham, Jr., has left the land of the dying and entered the land of the living. Earlier today, after suffering an emergency medical incident, he entered into his rest and the immediate presence of the Savior whom he loved, trusted, and served since he was converted as a college student. Please pray for Bridget, their children, and grandchildren,” a post on Founders Ministry X account read.

The message ended with a quote from Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
 
An Overcomer Who Walked in Victory

Pastor Voddie Baucham Jr. was a man who truly knew a little something about being an overcomer and walking in victory. He grew up primarily in the projects of Los Angeles, and his mother was a Buddhist. However, she refused to let the circumstances they were in define his future or become his identity. According to WNG, she had a great influence on him, refusing to accept excuses from him about his academics and insisting that he prioritize his studies for the purpose of success. 

As a freshman in college, he met a staff member from Campus Crusade for Christ and became a Christian. Then, as a sophomore, he met Bridget, and the college sweethearts were married six months later. Though both of them came from families with a great deal of divorce, they remained married for over 30 years and parented nine children together. Baucham kept up with his schooling even as a husband and father and obtained a doctorate in Theology. After graduation, he wrote several books, became the president of The Founders Seminary in Cape Coral, was the founding Dean and Senior Lecturer in the School of Divinity at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, and was a founding faculty member at the Institute of Public Theology, according to his website. 

Because of his background, “He understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can,” his website notes. 

Baucham’s Friends and Colleagues Remember His Legacy:

• “The life and ministry of Voddie Baucham profoundly impacted many for Christ. He was an exceptional theologian, pastor, teacher and leader. Like countless others, I was influenced by his faithful example and unwavering commitment to the Lord. I am especially grateful for the years he faithfully served as a pastor in Texas and for the lasting legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed,” Nathan Lorick, president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, told Baptist Press.
• “Voddie was one of my dearest friends. As he often put it, we fought some significant battles together. Like others who knew and loved him, I was drawn to his faith and joy in the Lord Jesus as well as to his courageous love for and defense of the Gospel. Voddie was never ashamed of anything God’s Word says. He didn’t try to round off the rough edges of revealed truth. And he would not dishonor His Lord or Scripture even if that meant offending people who could make his life easier,” Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida, told Baptist Press.
• “May we all strive to live with the same devotion to truth and compassion that Voddie Baucham exemplified. He longed for a better home, and now he has entered it. Thank you for your faithfulness, Dr. Baucham. We are all better because of it.” Alveda King, niece of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and chair of the Center for the American Dream at the America First Policy Institute, wrote on her X account, which was picked up by Christian Post.
• President of the Kentucky-based Answers in Genesis, Ken Ham, wrote his thoughts on his Facebook page, which were picked up by Christian Post. Ham said he was deeply saddened by Baucham’s passing. He remembered Baucham as a “pioneer” who challenged men to “stand for Christ in leading their families,” encouraging them to be the “head of their home” and “main influence” while still being tender and humble enough to, “be the first to apologize to their children/wife for past mistakes.”

Ham finished by remembering Baucham as a champion for homeschooling, challenging husbands and fathers to lead worship in their homes, and bringing their families to church on Sundays so their children had a godly example of what it looks like for a husband and father to worship God.

Photo credit: ©Voddie Baucham Ministries via Voddie Baucham Ministries Facebook Page

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities.