Pastor Voddie Baucham Jr. Dies at 56

Just over a week after dedicating a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, the pastor, who had previously battled a health issue, passed on.

Tragedy has once again rocked the evangelical world — just days after honoring the late Charlie Kirk, the deeply respected and widely followed Pastor Voddie Baucham Jr. has passed away suddenly, leaving a heartbroken family and grieving global community in his wake.

Born on March 11, 1969, Baucham Jr. — a theological titan known for his bold sermons and unwavering convictions — died at the age of 56 on September 25, 2025. The news came via a statement shared on the Founders Ministries website, and comes four years after a GoFundMe page was created to raise funds for a serious medical condition the late pastor was facing.

'He Entered Into His Rest…': Pastor's Final Journey Begins

The ministry's emotional announcement began with the haunting words of scripture — "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." That verse, from Psalm 116:15, set the tone for a tribute that would capture the immense gravity of this shocking loss.

In a moving eulogy, Founders Ministries revealed that Baucham Jr. had "left the land of the dying and entered the land of the living."

"Earlier today, after suffering an emergency medical incident, he entered into his rest and the immediate presence of the Savior whom he loved, trusted, and served since he was converted as a college student," the statement continued.

The tribute also called for prayers on behalf of the grieving Baucham family, particularly his wife, children, and grandchildren, who are now left behind to carry the torch of his legacy.

One of Pastor Baucham Jr.'s Final Sermons: A Farewell That No One Anticipated Could Have Been a Goodbye

In a cruel twist of timing, one of Baucham's final public appearances now feels eerily prophetic — and all the more gut-wrenching.

Just 13 days before his passing, on September 12, Baucham Jr. stood before his congregation to deliver a moving sermon honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who had died just two days prior. Though meant as a tribute to another, Baucham's sermon now feels like a farewell of his own.

During what appeared to be a sermon or service, Baucham Jr. turned to the book of Titus, drawing attention to its central theme, "The knowledge of the truth that accords with godliness."

With steady conviction, he read from Scripture, emphasizing that this truth is not merely informational, but "the knowledge of the message of the gospel."

In his reflection, he outlined the apostle Paul's contrast between those who know the truth and live in godliness, and those who do not — subtly echoing the kind of principled and honest life he seemed to believe Kirk embodied.

Along with the video post, Baucham Jr. shared a simple yet powerful caption, "You might kill the messenger but you can never kill the message. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk 🕊️ [sic]." In hindsight, the words now bear a bittersweet weight — a final tribute from one messenger of faith to another, both now gone too soon.

A Warrior of Faith Who Once Stared Death in the Face… and Survived

While one of his final public appearances showcased his unwavering commitment to the truth, it was not the first time Baucham Jr. had stood face-to-face with mortality.

In 2021, four years before his death, the pastor found himself in the grip of a life-threatening medical crisis — one that led to the launch of a GoFundMe campaign on his behalf. At the time, he was grappling with full-blown heart failure, a diagnosis that came shortly after the conclusion of an intense Winter Preaching Tour.

Despite battling fatigue and alarming symptoms, he initially attributed his discomfort to exhaustion, unaware that something far more serious was unfolding within his body. In a deeply personal message shared during that time, Baucham Jr. described the harrowing ordeal.

"Brethren, if you have ever considered supporting us in prayer, please do so now," he wrote. "We are walking through the darkest valley we have ever faced." His account detailed the physical toll — breathlessness, crushing fatigue, and an urgent return from Lusaka to the United States for what he called "significant" labs, exams, and treatments.

Making matters even more difficult, the family was uninsured and faced the burden of paying out-of-pocket for medical care that was expected to cost upward of one million dollars.

Tom Ascol, President of Founders Ministries, spearheaded the fundraising efforts in response to overwhelming requests from supporters wishing to help. "As expenses mount," he penned, "all gifts given will go directly to the Bauchams." The campaign drew widespread attention from the Christian community, who rallied in prayer and financial support.

A Nation Prays, and a Flood of Donations Follows

So swift and generous was the response that the fundraiser was officially closed by mid-March that year. In total, the fundraiser reached a goal of $1,439,448. Even amid such hardship, Baucham Jr. maintained a posture of humility and faith.

He pleaded for prayer not only for his healing, but also for strength for his wife, comfort for their frightened children, and grace to continue leading his family.

His transparency during that time offered a window into a man who, even in the valley of suffering, sought to glorify the God he served.

Baucham Jr.'s illness in 2021 marked a difficult chapter, but it was only one part of a life defined by faith, intellect, and unshakable conviction.

From Skeptic to Spiritual Titan: A Life Marked by Mission

Long before his name became widely recognized in evangelical circles, he was a young skeptic raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home — a background that deeply shaped the way he would later engage both the pulpit and the public square.

It was during his college years that he encountered the gospel for the first time, setting him on a path that would impact thousands across the globe. Over the years, Baucham Jr. wore many hats: husband, father, grandfather, pastor, church planter, professor, best-selling author, and apologist.

He was the founding Dean and a Senior Lecturer at the African Christian University's School of Divinity in Lusaka, Zambia, and a founding faculty member of the Institute of Public Theology.

Known for his bold yet accessible teaching style, he had a gift for making Scripture feel urgent and practical, whether addressing biblical manhood and womanhood, marriage and family, classical apologetics, or cultural issues like the Social Justice Movement.

His teaching was often marked by an ability to speak both to believers and skeptics — a strength rooted in his own intellectual journey to faith.

Those who heard him preach often described his messages as equal parts challenging and encouraging, underpinned by a deep reverence for Christ and a refusal to dilute the gospel's central truths.

A Preacher in the Pulpit, and a Fighter on the Mat

But Baucham Jr.'s mission didn't stop at the church door. He was also a passionate educator and unexpected athlete.

Beyond theology, Baucham Jr. found creative outlets in unexpected places. He lent his voice to Christian films such as "George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way" and "Genesis: Paradise Lost," as well as a 4D Genesis film at the Creation Museum.

In 2012, he took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, fitness, and outreach — eventually opening Zambia's first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in 2019. Married to his wife since 1989, the couple raised nine children and became proud grandparents to three.

Devoted home educators and missionaries at heart, the Baucham family made Lusaka their home and ministry base starting in 2015.

Legacy of a Lionhearted Leader: The Message Lives On

In every sphere of life — from the seminary to the dojo — Baucham Jr. led with unwavering purpose. His passing marks not only the loss of a powerful preacher but the end of a life lived intentionally, and with eternity in view.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Baucham Jr.'s wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, loved ones, community, friends, and all who knew and loved him, as they mourn this significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Baucham Jr.