It’s with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of RTB’s longtime friend and supporter Pastor Jack Hayford, who was called home to the Lord on January 8, 2023. As founder and chancellor of The King’s College and Seminary, he was known as one of the nation’s most widely respected Pentecostal leaders. He worked with RTB by joining more than 40 Notable Christians Open to an Old-Universe, Old-Earth Perspective.
RTB founder and senior scholar Dr. Hugh Ross remembers Pastor Jack fondly:
I count it a privilege and an honor to have met Pastor Jack Hayford. I had already benefited from his in-depth teaching on the Bible and Christian theology, but getting to know him personally revealed to me the depth of his Christian character. I was impressed by his compassion, humility, and gently expressed wisdom. He shared with me how his systematic study of the Bible moved him to publicly change his position on creation. He personally exhorted me to persevere in my ministry and not be discouraged by personal attacks, but rather be encouraged by the fruit of my ministry. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known one of the heroes of the Christian faith.
In 2003, as RTB scholars were working to develop the testable creation model approach, Pastor Jack invited them to teach a class at The King’s University. In an effort to share that engaging approach with future RTB apologists, it was decided to record the lectures, thinking the fresh content could update the old Science and Evangelism course material. Those lectures would be the foundation of what eventually became Reasons Institute.
Pastor Jack kindly endorsed Dr. Hugh Ross’s books A Matter of Days: Resolving a Creation Controversy and Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job: How the Oldest Book in the Bible Answers Today’s Scientific Questions.
Throughout his more than 60-year career, he wrote over 50 books and composed 500 hymns and choruses, including the well-known worship song, “Majesty.”
We are grateful to God for the work he has done through Pastor Jack and pray for the Lord’s comfort over his family.
You can learn more about Pastor Jack’s legacy here.
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