Henry Blackaby, Pastor and Author of ‘Experiencing God,’ Dies at 88
The world of Christian faith is mourning the loss of Henry Blackaby, a Canadian pastor and author whose bestselling book, “Experiencing God,” has guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Blackaby Ministries International announced his passing on Sunday, stating he “peacefully went to be with his Lord” on Saturday at the age of 88.
Born in British Columbia in 1935, Blackaby dedicated his life to serving as a pastor in both Canada and the United States. His leadership played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Faith Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
In 1990, Blackaby’s seminal work, Experiencing God, was first published by Lifeway. The book went on to become a global phenomenon, selling over 8 million copies and spawning multiple editions. However, through accessible language and practical application, Experiencing God guided countless individuals toward a deeper personal relationship with their faith.
As a pastor, Henry Blackaby touched countless lives through his leadership and dedication. His legacy however lives on through the work of Blackaby Ministries International, which will continue to carry on his mission of helping people experience God in their everyday lives.
“He helped countless people experience God. Now he is experiencing God in ways that surely surpass even his most cherished dreams. He left behind an enormous spiritual legacy,” stated BMI.
Blackaby was preceded in death by his wife, Marilynn, but leaves behind five children and 14 grandchildren. His memorial service will be held on February 25th at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Georgia.
His family however has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Blackaby Ministries International or the Blackaby Chair of Spiritual Leadership at the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary and College.
The passing of the renowned pastor and bestselling author is being mourned by the Christian community worldwide.
Rev. Franklin Graham, head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, tweeted his condolences, calling Blackaby “a great Bible teacher and author.”
“He will be greatly missed, but his influence on the lives of untold numbers of people through his Bible teaching will live on,” Graham stated.
Lifeway President whose company served as the publisher for Blackaby, released a statement on Saturday expressing his condolences.
“He was a great man of God and minister to the body of Christ, beginning with his time as a local church pastor and continuing through his ministry as an author and Bible teacher,” stated Mandrell.
“Millions of people around the globe have been impacted by his Bible study Experiencing God. … He loved his Lord, his family, and his local church. Lifeway sends the Blackaby family our sincere condolences as they remember the life and ministry of this godly man.”