Voddie Baucham (1969–2025): A Fiery Voice for the Gospel Enters Glory
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Voddie Tharon Baucham, Jr., who entered the presence of his Savior on September 25, 2025, at the age of 56.
Founders Ministries shared:
“We are saddened to inform friends that our dear brother, Voddie Baucham, Jr., has left the land of the dying and entered the land of the living … Please pray for Bridget, their children, and grandchildren.”
In his death, the church has lost one of its most uncompromising voices. Yet even as we grieve, we give thanks for the life of a man wholly devoted to Christ, Scripture, and the gospel’s sufficiency in all of life.
Early Life and Conversion
Born March 11, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, Baucham grew up amid hardship but was radically converted to Christ during his college years. That conversion set him on a lifelong path of study, preaching, and unapologetic cultural engagement.
He pursued academic training at Houston Baptist University (B.A.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), and Oxford University for post-graduate work.
In 1993, he founded Voddie Baucham Ministries to equip Christians with solid preaching, apologetics, and cultural analysis.
Pastor, Preacher, and Global Teacher
Baucham first served as pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, where he became known for bold expository preaching and shepherding families to embrace biblical order in the home.
In 2015, he and his family moved to Lusaka, Zambia, where he became Dean of Theology at African Christian University, investing deeply in theological training for African pastors and leaders.
Most recently, Baucham had announced his transition to Florida to help launch Founders Seminary, further extending his influence in training the next generation of pastors and apologists.
Author and Cultural Critic
Baucham’s writings cemented his reputation as a fearless cultural voice. His most influential works include:
- Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe
- Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word
- Family Shepherds
- What He Must Be … If He Wants to Marry My Daughter
- Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors
In these works, he consistently championed the sufficiency of Scripture, the centrality of the family, and the need for doctrinal clarity in an age of compromise. His opposition to critical theory and the “social justice” movement made him both a lightning rod for controversy and a rallying point for many faithful Christians.
Health Trials
In 2021, Baucham nearly died of heart failure, later undergoing a quadruple bypass. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $1 million to cover expenses, and his recovery was seen by many as a testimony of God’s sustaining grace.
Despite lingering health concerns, he remained steadfast in preaching, teaching, and preparing for new ministry opportunities up until the Lord called him home.
A Legacy of Bold Faith
Baucham was never afraid to be called “too direct” or “too fiery.” He once described himself as a “fire-breathing, TULIP-believing, five-point Calvinist.” His commitment to biblical authority and Reformed theology was unwavering.
His legacy includes:
- Unflinching cultural engagement — boldly addressing race, justice, manhood, and family through a biblical lens.
- Global discipleship — planting seeds of theological training in Zambia and beyond.
- Generational impact — shaping pastors, writers, and apologists who now carry his mantle.
Final Reflections
The Psalmist reminds us: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).
We now commend Voddie Baucham’s memory to the Lord, grateful that his labors were never in vain. Though his earthly voice has been stilled, the truths he thundered will echo for generations.
We urge prayer for his wife, Bridget, their nine children, and grandchildren — that they may be upheld by the God whom Voddie so faithfully proclaimed.
Soli Deo Gloria.
