The year 2024 marked the passing of numerous influential Christian leaders who shaped modern religious thought and practice across denominational lines. From ministry, church, entertainment to business, their collective impact on global Christianity is unmistakable.
Progressive Christianity saw the loss of Tony Campolo, the influential evangelist and bestselling author, died on November 20, 2024, at age 89. Campolo authored numerous influential books including “Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God” and “Red Letter Christians.” His famous quote, “Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let’s leave judgment in the hands of God”, epitomized his approach to ministry.
The Catholic world mourned the loss of prominent radio personality Al Kresta, who died on June 15, 2024, at age 72 after a brief battle with liver cancer. His books “Dangers to the Faith” and “Why Do Catholics Genuinely Love Mary?” helped bridge understanding between Catholic and Protestant believers.
Liberation theology lost its controversial founding father when Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez passed away on October 22, 2024, at age 96. His seminal work “A Theology of Liberation” (1971) revolutionized Catholic social teaching and influenced Christian thought worldwide with some saying it led to the loss of Democratic freedoms in South and Central America.
Protestant theology lost one of its giants when Jürgen Moltmann died in Tübingen on June 3, 2024, at age 98. His groundbreaking works “Theology of Hope” and “The Crucified God” transformed contemporary Christian thought. Moltmann’s words, “Hope is lived when it comes alive, when we go outside of ourselves and, in joy and pain take part in the lives of others”, continue to inspire believers worldwide.
The evangelical world mourned the loss of Henry Blackaby, author of the influential “Experiencing God” study series, who died on February 15, 2024, at age 88. His workbook “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” has sold over 7 million copies and been translated into 45 languages.
Gospel for Asia founder K.P. Yohannan died of cardiac arrest in May 2024 at age 74. His book “Revolution in World Missions” challenged Western Christians to rethink traditional missionary approaches.
Contemporary Christian music lost a powerful voice when Grammy-winning artist Mandisa Lynn Hundley died unexpectedly on April 18, 2024, at age 47. Her hit songs “Overcomer” and “Stronger” inspired millions with messages of hope and resilience.
The Church of England bid farewell to Timothy Dudley-Smith, prolific hymn writer and former bishop, who died at age 97. He authored over 400 hymns, including the beloved “Tell Out, My Soul” and “Lord, for the Years”.
Asian theology lost a significant voice when Choan-Seng Song, developer of “third-eye theology,” died at age 95. His books “Third-Eye Theology” and “The Believing Heart” helped bridge Eastern and Western Christian thought.
The Catholic Church in America mourned Bishop Richard Sklba of Milwaukee, who died at age 89 on November 21, 2024. His scholarly work “The Biblical Foundations of Priesthood” remains a cornerstone text in Catholic seminary education.
The charismatic movement lost a unifying figure with the passing of Carlos Payan, the French charismatic pastor who died of a heart attack in October 2024. His book “All Things Are Possible” became a foundational text in the French charismatic renewal movement.
Social activism within Christianity lost a powerful voice when Beverly LaHaye, prominent Christian conservative activist, died at age 94 on April 15, 2024. Her bestselling book “The Act of Marriage” (co-authored with her husband Tim LaHaye) and “Who but a Woman?” influenced generations of Christian families.
The business world lost a significant philanthropic Christian leader when Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, died at age 95. Known for his extensive Christian philanthropy, Marcus was a major donor to numerous Christian and humanitarian causes, embodying his faith through significant charitable work.
The evangelical world mourned the loss of Hal Lindsey, the influential end-times theologian, who died on November 25, 2024, at age 95. His bestselling book “The Late Great Planet Earth” popularized dispensationalist interpretations of biblical prophecy and significantly influenced evangelical eschatological thinking.
The African American Christian community lost a pivotal voice with Bill Pannell, a Black evangelical who pushed white evangelicals to recognize racism, died on October 11, 2024, at age 95 . His writings challenged the evangelical establishment to confront racial injustice and work toward reconciliation.
The Catholic Church mourned Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, the Vatican’s czar for interreligious dialogue, who died at age 72. Pope Francis personally asked for prayers for the cardinal, who had been battling a serious illness.
The African Christian leadership lost a significant figure when Ray McCauley, a South African pastor who defied apartheid with integrated church services, died at age 75. As a bodybuilder-turned-pastor, McCauley was known for his courageous stance against racial segregation.
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church lost two prominent leaders: Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, former president of the AME Bishops’ Council, died at age 74. Known for her powerful preaching, she often proclaimed, “God can see what you can’t see.”
Additionally, Bishop David D. Daniels III, an ecumenist who specialized in African Pentecostal history, died at age 70. McCormick Theological Seminary President Maisha Handy noted that “his contributions to theological education are significant and timeless.”
The Christian music world lost Dottie Leonard Miller, a gospel and Christian music executive, who died at age 79. Her work behind the scenes helped shape contemporary Christian music for decades.
These leaders are but a few who had an impact during their lives on the direction of Christianity.
Watch for an upcoming story on missionaries we lost in 2024.
–Dwight Widaman with the research assistance of Metro Voice’s AI research guide and editor, “Luke.”