Voddie Baucham, Influential Evangelist, Passes Away

News Summary

Voddie Baucham Jr., a prominent conservative evangelical leader and the founding president of Founders Seminary, has passed away unexpectedly at 56. His passing has shocked the evangelical community, where he was known for his passionate preaching and strong advocacy of traditional values. Baucham’s influence extended throughout his career as an author, educator, and pastor, and he recently made significant contributions to discussions on biblical teachings. His legacy will be deeply felt as many mourn his unexpected loss.

Voddie Baucham, Influential Evangelist, Passes Away at 56

Voddie Baucham Jr., a prominent figure in the conservative evangelical community and the founding president of Founders Seminary, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. He died unexpectedly on September 25, 2025, following an emergency medical incident. His death was officially confirmed by Founders Ministries and on his personal social media accounts, leaving many in shock and mourning.

Life and Legacy

Baucham was well-known for his passionate preaching and unwavering commitment to conservative evangelical teachings. He had recently taken on the role of president at Founders Seminary, located in Cape Coral, Florida, established just a month prior in August 2025. His influence reached wide audiences, and he actively participated in key discussions around biblical teachings, including a notable appearance alongside Charlie Kirk at a panel on “Biblical Justice vs. Social Justice” during the National Religious Broadcasters Conference in 2021.

Just weeks before his untimely passing, Baucham paid tribute to Kirk, a fellow evangelical leader who was tragically assassinated by a sniper on September 10, 2025. It was evident that Baucham’s commitment to his beliefs and community remained steadfast, even as he mourned a friend and colleague.

An Accomplished Author and Educator

A talented author, Baucham penned eight books throughout his career, including It’s Not Like Being Black: How Sexual Activists Hijacked the Civil Rights Movement, which was published in 2024. As a familiar face in evangelical circles, he featured in the 2018 documentary “American Gospel: Christ Crucified,” which explored themes central to Christianity.

Health Challenges

Baucham faced significant health challenges in 2021 when he dealt with heart failure and subsequently underwent open-heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. The community rallied around him, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $1 million to support his medical expenses.

Background and Family

Born on March 11, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, Baucham was raised by a single mother after his father left for a career in professional football. He pursued higher education, earning bachelor’s degrees in Christianity and sociology from Houston Baptist University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Prior to his role at Founders Seminary, Baucham served as the pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, and was the dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia. He was also a proud family man, married to his wife Bridget since 1989, with whom he shared nine children.

Philosophy and Beliefs

Baucham was a staunch advocate for traditional conservative values, promoting ideas such as patriarchal gender roles and home schooling. Notably, he was a competitive martial artist, even establishing the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Zambia.

His preaching often revolved around themes of mortality, reflecting his belief in resurrection through Christ. Following his passing, Founders Ministries expressed that Baucham has transitioned “from the land of the dying” to “the land of the living.” This outlook resonated deeply with his followers, many of whom are feeling his loss profoundly, particularly in the church in Zambia where he had served.

A Community in Mourning

As the dust settles, various communities, especially in the evangelical world, are expressing their grief over Baucham’s passing. His sharp critiques of social justice within evangelicalism and his commitment to conservative Baptist values have made him a pivotal voice, and his absence will surely be felt.

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