Southern Baptist, evangelical leaders remember Adrian Rogers

by Staff                                                                                                   Vol. XVIII, No. 10, Nov/Dec 2005

Adrian Rogers' death Nov. 15 prompted Southern Baptist and evangelical leaders nationwide to release statements memorializing the longtime Bellevue Baptist Church pastor and former SBC president. Among them:

– Bobby Welch, president, Southern Baptist Convention:

"The flags of Christianity in general, and of Southern Baptists in particular, should be at half mast upon this occasion because few and very, very few like Dr. Adrian P. Rogers – friend, pastor, warrior, statesman, soul winner and inspiration – seldom arise in one generation."

– Morris H. Chapman, president, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee:

"Adrian Rogers was a model preacher, pastor, evangelist, husband and father. He was an inspiration to untold millions, and the full impact of his life and ministry likely will not be comprehended or calculated this side of eternity. … When I needed counsel, I often sought his advice. Not only was I blessed by listening to his powerful sermons, I looked at his life and saw no greed, no grudges, no jealousies and no egotism. However, I did see Jesus. Adrian was my mentor in the ministry, and became for me a model of the Christian life – a model for whom I had enormous love and respect."

– James T. Draper, president, LifeWay Christian Resources:

"He was a friend who was always loving, always commanded respect, always calling us to do what is right, never wavering in his commitment to God and to His Word, leading us to stand firm in matters that must not be compromised and by his character and extraordinary giftedness, compelling us to follow his leadership. He was a giant in every way."

– Jerry Rankin, president, International Mission Board:

“Adrian Rogers was a great man of integrity who provided outstanding leadership to our convention. In addition, for us the passing of Adrian is not just the death of a great Baptist statesman, but the passing of a member of the family. In a real sense, he is one of ours. Adrian has given one of his children to the mission field. His son, David, serves with us in Western Europe."

– Robert E. Reccord, president, North American Mission Board:

"Adrian was a friend and mentor to me and so many others who greatly admired his stewardship of the many gifts with which God blessed him. Our denomination owes him a deep debt of gratitude for the courageous leadership he gave during the critical years that placed us back on such a firm foundation. The ministry at Bellevue and the thousands of lives changed through it will live on as an enduring testimony to his legacy and an example of how God can work so mightily through a humble and committed servant. No one can fill his shoes, but I pray we will all aspire to walk in the faith and obedience to God he so remarkably demonstrated."

– Paul Pressler, retired judge and leader in Conservative Resurgence:

"The passing of Adrian Rogers stills the voice of one of the greatest preachers of the Gospel who ever lived. He was a genuine man who loved people, who loved the Lord, and who served everyone. It is a terrible loss for the Kingdom and a wonderful gain for heaven."

– R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:

"Dr. Rogers was a lion in our midst – the man God used to serve as leader and voice for a great resurgence of biblical Christianity. He was a man of tremendous gifts, whose booming voice was matched by a gift for words and a powerful delivery. He dominated the pulpit as few men ever have, preaching the Word and calling sinners to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a modern-day 'Prince of Preachers' whose personal example served to encourage thousands of others to greater faithfulness in preaching the Word of God."

– Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:

"He is home with Jesus with a full hallelujah! While we rejoice for him, he leaves a vacancy in my heart more massive than the sweep of the Grand Canyon. So many contributed massively and heroically, but in my estimation Adrian was the one human, essential prophet in returning the SBC to the faith of its fathers. Whether the discussion is compassion, mental alacrity, sense of humor, prowess in the pulpit, passion for Jesus and for lost sinners, or just faithful encouragement of the brethren, Adrian Rogers brought it all to Southern Baptists. If we Baptists had a Hall of Fame, Dr. Rogers would be enshrined tomorrow."

– James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family:

"There is no one in America whom I respected more than Dr. Rogers. He has been a faithful friend to me and to the ministry of Focus on the Family for many years, serving as a voice of wisdom, encouragement and admonition on our Board of Directors. He was also a staunch ally in the battle to defend biblical values in our culture.

"Most importantly, Dr. Rogers was responsible for impacting countless people through the faithful preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That was the defining passion of his life, from the day I first met him until the very end. For that reason, our sorrow at his passing is mixed with joy and thankfulness. We know that he is now free from the shackles of this earthly existence, and that he has entered into the very presence of the God he loved so deeply and served so diligently."

– Beverly LaHaye, founder and chairman of Concerned Women for America:

"Adrian Rogers was a true spiritual giant. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Joyce, and his four children and nine grandchildren. Adrian's life and ministry were a blessing to many. We take comfort in the assurance that he is now rejoicing in Heaven with his personal Lord and Savior." [BP]