Yesterday one of the most prominent figures in evangelicalism — Dr. Jerry Falwell — went home to be with his Lord. Here is the official announcement that was posted on his ministry website www.falwell.com:
The Rev. Jerry Falwell, Founder and Chancellor of Liberty University and Founder and Pastor of the historic Thomas Road Baptist Church, died May 15, 2007. He was 73.
Rev. Falwell was found unconscious in his office around 11:30 a.m. by members of his staff and received immediate resuscitation efforts there, again in the ambulance and at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was officially pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m.
Rev. Falwell’s family, including his wife Macel and sons Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Jonathan Falwell, were with him at the hospital at the time of his death.
Ministry officials called a special 2:00 p.m. meeting in the Thomas Road Baptist Church auditorium and on less than an hour’s notice over 6,000 faculty, staff, students and church members attended the announcement of the passing of their Pastor and Chancellor.
Rev. Falwell established the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 where he pastored for over 50 years. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and oversaw its rise to prominence as the largest evangelical University in America.
I remember Vance Havner saying that we should not make someone larger in death than they were in life. Dr. Falwell was by no means perfect. Like the apostle Peter, he sometimes spoke before thinking, but that same voice was also a bold witness for Jesus Christ and did the world alot of good. Unlike many church leaders, Dr. Falwell not only started well, but he also ended well. His life and ministry were marked by integrity and intense love for the Lord and for people. This is the legacy that he has left us, and “though he is dead, he still speaks” (Heb. 11:4).
Great blog! May people remember all of us for the things we accompished in the name of Christ, instead of for our mistakes.
God used Mr. Falwell to accomplish much during his life here on earth. To God be the glory!!
I went to Liberty Baptist College in Jan. 1977 before anything was on the “mountain”. We stood on the mountain before buildings in 3 inches of snow in open toed shoes and no winter jackets as Robbie Hyner sang “I want that mounatin”!!! What a ministry Dr. Falwell had/has and the Lord will continue to bless that ministry. His heart for the Lord will continue for eternity to come! He will be missed by all who knew him (myself included!) and by many students and faculty and family! He was a man that truly served God throughout his life. Please pray for all who knew him and will miss him! Pam Barnard
Mr. Falwell’s death is another reminder to us that we all only have so much time. Let’s use the time we have and make it count for serving our Lord Jesus Christ.