Christian Leaders Who Died in 2025

The passing of these figures in 2025 reflects a broad tapestry of Christian leaders around the globe – from academic scholarship and pastoral leadership to evangelism, media ministry, and denominational leadership. Their lives marked decades of influence on theology, culture, and global Christian witness. Metro Voice has compiled a list of some who died. You’ll recognize a few while others worked quietly.

Pope Francis (Dec. 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025).

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church after his election in 2013. His papacy was characterized by a strong focus on mercy, social justice, care for the marginalized, and ongoing efforts toward reform within the Church’s structures. His leadership style was often described as humble and pastoral, emphasizing dialogue and outreach.

Sonny Arguinzoni (Nov. 12, 1939 – March 3, 2025).

Sonny Arguinzoni was a pioneering evangelical pastor and author who founded Victory Outreach International, a ministry dedicated to reaching gang-affected and inner-city communities. Under his leadership, Victory Outreach expanded globally into more than 30 countries, bringing a blend of practical support and spiritual discipleship to thousands.

Robert Barney Dallenbach (Aug. 6, 1927 – March 16, 2025).

Bishop Robert Barney Dallenbach served as the fifth general superintendent of Pillar of Fire International, a historic Christian denomination with roots in the early 20th century. In addition to pastoral leadership, he wrote several books and helped guide his denomination through decades of ministry and institutional development.

Joan Brown Campbell (Nov. 13, 1931 – March 29, 2025).

A respected Baptist minister and ecumenical leader, Joan Brown Campbell made history as the first ordained woman to serve as general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ USA. She also led the U.S. office of the World Council of Churches and later directed religious programming at the Chautauqua Institution, fostering cooperation across Christian traditions. (Wikipedia)

Arthur Blessitt (1940 – Jan. 14, 2025).

Arthur Blessitt was a globally recognized Christian evangelist whose life-long mission included walking with a large wooden cross through nearly every nation on Earth. Beginning in 1969, his cross-carrying pilgrimages became a visual symbol of outreach, prayer, and witness that spanned continents and decades. (Legacy)

Walter A. Elwell (April 29, 1937 — March 4, 2025).
A respected evangelical theologian and professor emeritus, Elwell taught Bible and theology at institutions including Wheaton College. He was widely known for editing Evangelical Dictionary of Theology and other reference works that helped shape Bible study and theological education in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Kay Arthur (Nov. 11, 1933 — May 20, 2025).
Kay Arthur co-founded Precept Ministries International, equipping millions worldwide with inductive Bible-study tools. A prolific author and teacher, her books and study guides helped countless Christians deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Douglas John Hall (March 23, 1928 – April 10, 2025).

Canadian theologian Douglas John Hall was a leading voice in constructive theology and served as a professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Religious Studies. His work engaged deeply with modern culture and Christian doctrine, influencing scholars, clergy, and lay readers through both academic and pastoral lenses.

James Dobson (April 21, 1936 – Aug. 21, 2025).

Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, was a psychologist, author, and influential figure in evangelicalism and public life. Through radio broadcasts, books on parenting and faith, and public advocacy for conservative family values, Dobson shaped conversations on faith and culture for decades.

John MacArthur (June 19, 1939 – July 14, 2025).

John MacArthur was a prominent pastor, theologian, and Bible teacher who led Grace Community Church in California for over 50 years. He also founded the Grace to You teaching ministry and served as president of The Master’s University and Seminary, shaping conservative evangelical preaching and education across generations.

Jimmy Swaggart (March 15, 1935 – July 1, 2025).

Pentecostal preacher and televangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggart was known for his music ministry and widespread media presence. Beginning as an itinerant evangelist, he later established Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and reached millions of listeners and viewers with gospel teaching and worship.

Voddie Baucham Jr. (March 11, 1969 – Sept. 25, 2025).

Voddie Baucham Jr. was an American Reformed Baptist pastor, author, and educator whose ministry emphasized biblical authority, family discipleship, and cultural engagement. A longtime pastor and seminary leader, he served in Zambia before returning to the United States in leadership at Founders Seminary.

Morris Chapman (Nov. 21, 1940 – Oct. 20, 2025).

Morris Chapman was a Baptist pastor and denominational leader who guided the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee for many years. His leadership reinforced conservative theological commitments within the SBC and helped shape organizational direction through late-20th and early-21st century challenges.

Walter Brueggemann (March 11, 1933 – June 5, 2025).

Renowned Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote more than 100 books and taught generations of clergy and students. His influential work, including The Prophetic Imagination, reshaped how the church reads Hebrew Scripture in light of contemporary life and ethical engagement.

Richard Smallwood (Nov. 30, 1948 – Dec. 30, 2025).

Richard Smallwood was a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, composer, and pianist whose music, including classics like Total Praise and I Love the Lord, became foundational in modern worship and gospel performance. His musical legacy bridged church congregations and broader cultural audiences.

Edward Gabriel Risi (Jan. 6, 1949 – Dec. 4, 2025).

Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Keimoes-Upington in South Africa and was known for liturgical leadership and service in ecumenical and formation ministries within the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Charlie Kirk (Oct. 14, 1993 — Sept. 10, 2025).

Charlie Kirk was a Christain activist, author and conservative personality who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. Though best known for political organizing, he increasingly framed his work in explicitly Christian terms in later years, helping launch Turning Point Faith to engage pastors and churches. His assassination at age 31 during a public event drew worldwide attention and renewed debate over political violence and the role of faith in public life. It also spurred record Bible sales in the month following.

–Dwight Widaman