Renowned Pastor and Author Henry Blackaby Dies at Age 88

United States
RNS

12th February 2024

By Bob Smietana

Henry Blackaby, a beloved pastor and author known for his bestselling Bible study Experiencing God, has passed away at the age of 88. The news of his death was announced on Saturday by his longtime publisher, Lifeway Christian Resources.

Henry Blackaby. PICTURE: Courtesy of WaterBrook & Multnomah.

Ben Mandrell, president of Lifeway Christian Resources, expressed deep sadness upon hearing the news of Blackaby’s passing. He described him as a great man of God who had a profound impact on the body of Christ through his ministry as a pastor, author, and Bible teacher.

Henry Blackaby was born on April 15th, 1935, in British Columbia. He served as the pastor of a church in California before being asked to return to Canada and help a struggling church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Under his leadership, the church not only grew but also sponsored a college and 38 other churches.

Blackaby, along with co-author Claude King, distilled his pastoral experience into a Bible study called Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. The study emphasized the importance of watching for where God is at work and joining Him in His plans.

The Experiencing God Bible study became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over 8 million copies in English alone and being translated into more than 75 languages. Blackaby went on to found a ministry to spread the message of the book and became a highly sought-after speaker. He also served as the director of prayer and spiritual awakening for the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board.

In 2013, Blackaby made headlines when he went missing for over 24 hours after suffering a heart attack while driving. He was eventually found and underwent life-saving open heart surgery.

In a statement announcing his father’s passing, Richard Blackaby, now president of Blackaby International Ministries, said, “Early this morning, our dad went to be with his Lord. He helped countless people experience God, and now he is experiencing God in ways that surely surpass even his most cherished dreams.”

Henry Blackaby is survived by his five children and 14 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.