The global Christian community mourned the loss of seven influential leaders in 2025, including Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at age 88, and Kay Arthur, whose Bible study methods reached over 190 countries. John MacArthur, author of nearly 400 books, passed in July at 86, while televangelist Jimmy Swaggart died at 90. Scholar Walter Brueggemann also passed, alongside Bill McCartney and Voddie Baucham. Their combined legacies shaped biblical education, evangelical thought, and pastoral training across generations and denominations, marking a significant shift in modern Christianity that continues to unfold.
The year 2025 marked a profound turning point for global Christianity as seven influential leaders passed away within months of each other, leaving behind legacies that shaped Bible education, pastoral ministry, and evangelical movements across multiple generations.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88. The 266th Pope had celebrated his final Easter Mass just days before, continuing the ministry marked by humility and accessibility that defined his tenure. His death as former Archbishop of Buenos Aires closed a papacy remembered for reaching beyond traditional boundaries. His pastoral example often modeled patience and forgiveness in public ministry.
Kay Arthur, who died in 2025 at age 92, equipped millions through Precept Ministries with inductive Bible study resources that influenced global Bible education. Her methodical approach to Scripture taught believers across continents to study the Bible systematically, creating lasting impact in churches and homes worldwide. Arthur’s materials reached 190 countries and were translated into over 100 languages.
John MacArthur passed away in July 2025 at age 86 after decades leading Grace Community Church in California. He authored nearly 400 books translated into more than 25 languages and spent nine years curating the ESV Study Bible, establishing himself as one of evangelicalism‘s most prolific biblical scholars. Known for biblical expository preaching, MacArthur’s sermons and writings influenced countless pastors and church leaders globally.
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart died July 1, 2025, at age 90 after 57 years of ministry as pastor, author, and Gospel performer. Cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, Swaggart led many to Christ despite overcoming public scandals that tested his resilience and commitment to ministry.
Voddie Baucham, the theologian and Reformed Baptist pastor born in 1969, died in 2025 after influencing younger evangelicals through books on biblical worldview and his work in family and cultural apologetics.
Walter Brueggemann, born in 1933, also passed in 2025, leaving behind scholarly work including The Prophetic Imagination that impacted clergy and lay readers studying prophetic traditions.
Bill McCartney, founder of Promise Keepers, died January 10, 2025. His leadership in men’s ministry and Christian unity events shaped U.S. evangelical activism and strengthened family-focused faith movements.
Together, these seven leaders represented distinct streams of Christian thought and practice that touched millions worldwide.
