Gospel Leader Retires Due To Health Struggles
The Gospel Coalition has asked for prayers for Don (D.A.) Carson, its co-founder, who has stepped down from speaking engagements and other ministry roles due to the impact of Parkinson’s disease. The 78-year-old pastor and scholar shared the news on TGC’s website, expressing gratitude for his many years of service in teaching, writing, and church leadership. Carson co-founded TGC with Tim Keller in 2005, and the organization marks its 20th anniversary next year, benefiting from Carson’s vision and guidance.
In a Christmas letter, Carson detailed the challenges he faces, particularly noting the cognitive difficulties that have slowed him down. He recalled a moment when he struggled to remember basic information, such as the name of the first U.S. president, and shared that these impairments have led to him stepping back from public ministry roles. Despite these obstacles, Carson remains involved with his church’s elders board, although no longer in a public capacity.
Carson, who served as an emeritus professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), has authored over 60 influential books, covering theology, biblical studies, and Christian living. His impact extends beyond academia; in 2023, TGC launched The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, aimed at combating biblical illiteracy and countering “unhelpful” and “heretical” teachings. Over the years, Carson has been a strong advocate for spiritual education, emphasizing the importance of family devotions and teaching children about the faith through consistent practices and global missions experiences.
In addition to his ministry work, Carson expressed concern about the state of modern Christian life, highlighting the need for authenticity in faith and action. He advocated for showing genuine interest in the poor and broken, taking children on short-term missions, and teaching the Bible effectively within families. As Carson faces health challenges, TGC and his global community express gratitude for his contributions to the faith and offer prayers for him and his family during this trying time.