In this series
“All share a common destiny,” says the writer of Ecclesiastes (9:2), the complicated and the uncomplicated alike. Such were those we lost in 2025.
This year, the church laid to rest Christian leaders whose names were sullied by scandal and those whose persevering faithfulness will echo long after their death. Those whose public ministry mingled precariously with personal politics and those who stood against the majority to champion the voiceless. Their families and loved ones, churches and communities, miss them deeply.
In reviewing these names, we recognize both the equalizing fate of the grave and the energizing hope the Resurrection offers to each one who calls Jesus Lord. In alphabetical order, here are ten Christian leaders who died in 2025:
Died: Kay Arthur, Bible Study Teacher Who Equipped Millions
The author of more than 100 titles said, “You need to know God’s Word, and there are basics,” starting with how to mark up the text.
Died: James Dobson, Who Taught Evangelicals to Focus on Family
The child psychologist answered hundreds of thousands of parenting questions and urged Christians to fight in America’s “civil war of values.”
Died: Charlie Kirk, Activist Who Championed ‘MAGA Doctrine’
With a debate style honed for college campuses and social media, the Turning Point USA founder sought to renew America.
Died: Jennifer Lyell, SBC Abuse Survivor and Former Lifeway Executive
Once one of the highest-ranking women at a Southern Baptist entity, she fought public perception and legal fallout after reporting alleged abuse by a seminary professor.
Died: John MacArthur, Who Explained the Bible to Millions
The Southern California preacher wanted to illuminate Scripture with Scripture and separate real Christians from false.
Died: Bill McCartney, Football Coach Who Founded Promise Keepers
He led the Colorado Buffaloes to a national title and started a movement urging men to take responsibility for their faith, families, and communities.
Died: Pope Francis, Friend to Evangelicals
The Roman Catholic leader “built bridges on the foundation of relationships” with Protestant ministers in Argentina.
Died: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch Phil Robertson
The founder of the successful family duck-call business was also a Bible teacher and champion for conservative causes.
Died: Emanuel Sarfraz, Pioneering Pakistani Christian Journalist
A founding member of the Christian Journalists Association of Pakistan, he championed voices marginalized by the Muslim-dominant society.
Died: Jimmy Swaggart, TV Minister Caught in Scandal
The spellbinding Pentecostal preacher became, for many, an example of what is wrong with Christianity.
