Adrian Rogers Dies

Adrain Rogers, longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, died today at the age of 74. He was battling double pneumonia and cancer.

Rogers came to Bellview 35 years ago, and just retired this year. He had built the church from a 9,000 membership to over 29,000 in his time as pastor. He also had a Love Worth Finding radio and television ministry. Many people knew him through this ministry.

Rogers was probably best known for his leadership in the movement in which the Southern Baptist elected a series of conservative leaders "response to evidence of theological liberalism within the denomination's seminaries and entities. "

Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas, said Rogers' role in the Conservative Resurgence was immeasurable.

"He is home with Jesus with a full hallelujah!" Patterson told Baptist Press. "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 [to the Conservative Resurgence], 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."

Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., said Southern Baptists "have lost perhaps their greatest leader and statesman."

Akin went on to say that Rogers was one of the greatest preachers God's people will ever hear. He had impacted many throughout his ministry.He was the model for everyone on how to preach, pastor a church, and love your family.

We all send our sincere sympathies to his wife and family. He will certainly be missed among God's people, but none more than with his family. The earth mourns, but Heaven rejoices!

Linked at Conservative Cat - Floating Ping Festival

Tags| Adrian Rogers, Pastor, Bellevue