He will be missed.
Henry Blackaby, a revered Canadian pastor renowned for his impactful ministry and bestselling Bible study book, “Experiencing God,” passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy cherished by many.
His ministry, Blackaby Ministries International (BMI), announced his passing, expressing that Blackaby had transitioned to his eternal reward on a Saturday, now experiencing the presence of God in ways beyond human comprehension. The announcement also shared details of a funeral service to be held on February 25th at the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Georgia.
In recognition of his life’s work, BMI suggested donations to support ongoing efforts at Blackaby Ministries International or to the Blackaby Chair of Spiritual Leadership at the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary and College, in lieu of flowers.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilynn, Henry Blackaby is survived by his five children and 14 grandchildren, leaving a significant impact on both his family and the global Christian community.
Ben Mandrell, President and CEO of Lifeway, reflected on Blackaby’s profound influence, describing him as a man deeply committed to serving God and ministering to others. Mandrell conveyed Lifeway’s condolences to the Blackaby family, acknowledging the vast reach of his teachings that have touched millions worldwide.
Renowned evangelist Franklin Graham also paid tribute to Blackaby, acknowledging his profound impact as a Bible teacher and author whose teachings will continue to inspire and transform lives.
Born in 1935 in British Columbia, Canada, Blackaby served as a pastor in both Canada and the United States, contributing significantly to the revitalization of Faith Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Blackaby’s seminal work, “Experiencing God,” first published in 1990, became a global phenomenon, with millions of copies sold in numerous languages. The profound message of the book transcended denominational boundaries, touching the lives of believers around the world.
Despite facing health challenges, including a harrowing incident in 2013 when he suffered a heart attack, Blackaby’s dedication to his ministry remained unwavering. His impact was celebrated on numerous occasions, including a special event at FBC of Jonesboro in 2015, where friends, family, and admirers gathered to honor his 80th birthday and his enduring legacy.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Mel Blackaby, senior pastor at FBC Jonesboro, expressed gratitude for the profound impact Henry Blackaby had on countless lives worldwide, emphasizing the enduring influence of his teachings in transforming hearts and minds across the globe.