Craig von Buseck

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september 5, 2007

Leaders Pay Tribute to Dr. D. James Kennedy

Leaders and friends from around the world are paying tribute to Dr. D. James Kennedy after the news of his death.

“There are all kinds of wonderful things I could say about my dad. But one that stands out is his fine example. He ‘walked the walk’ and ‘practiced what he preached.’ His work for Christ is lasting – it will go on and on and make a difference for eternity.” -- Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy

"Jim Kennedy was a towering figure among evangelicals. He was a brilliant theologian with a passion for evangelism. All of us who knew and admired him mourn his passing." -- Dr. Pat Robertson

"Dr. D. James Kennedy was a man of great vision, faith, and integrity. Under his leadership, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Florida developed from a small group of worshipers in an elementary school cafeteria into one of America's most prominent congregations. Dr. Kennedy's message of love and hope inspired millions of Americans and others worldwide through the institutions he founded, including Coral Ridge Ministries, Knox Theological Seminary, and Westminster Academy. He was also a student of history and successful author who encouraged Americans of faith to exercise their democratic freedoms and put their values into practice. His legacy of grace and personal humility will continue to influence hearts and lives. Laura and I pray for Anne, his wife of over 50 years, and the rest of the Kennedy family." -- President George W. Bush

"We are grateful to God for his moral and spiritual leadership and his legacy of in-depth biblical teaching on a wide range of matters. He has left us a rich storehouse of biblical truth that will serve as the foundation for this ministry's growth in the years to come." -- Brian E. Fisher, executive vice president of Coral Ridge Ministries

"What can be said of Dr. D. James Kennedy? He was the real deal. He was a man of high integrity, humble in words and actions. He was quick to give credit to others and always thrilled to hear about people coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. We, as a staff, were always challenged by his passion for sharing the Gospel. To us, he was a personal friend, a mentor and a model of how to keep equipping the saints for ministry. He never wavered from that priority and because of that, he challenged millions of people around the world to be witnesses for Christ. The worldwide staff of Evangelism Explosion will certainly miss Dr. Kennedy. He was our leader, not just on the organizational chart, but on the front lines. He could truly say as Jesus said, 'Follow me.'” -- Rev. John Sorensen, Executive Vice President, Evangelism Explosion

“We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously. His moral leadership and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched by few in the history of the Church. It is our desire to honor him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy in the years to come.” -- Frank Wright, President of the National Religious Broadcasters

“The Church has lost one of its truly significant figures, and American families have lost one of their most passionate, effective defenders. For decades, Dr. Kennedy has been a passionate defender of biblical truth in a culture that increasingly forgot it. He was a giant in the battle to restore traditional values in our nation. Most importantly, I believe, Dr. Kennedy would want to be remembered as a man whose greatest desire was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers around the world are indebted to him for holding firm to that important calling.” -- Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family.

"Jim Kennedy left a legacy of profound spiritual leadership and effective evangelism. His dedication to spreading the Gospel and discipling the nation touched the lives of millions. I was honored to work with him to restore a culture of life to the nation we both love so dearly. The members of CWA join me in praying for his family, friends and congregation during this time of genuine loss even as we rejoice together that he is now with the Savior he loved and served so faithfully." -- Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman of Concerned Women for America

"Dr. Kennedy was one of the nation's most respected Christian leaders. His teachings on the positive influence of Christianity on Western Civilization and America have motivated modern-day Christians to influence our culture and country. Dr. Kennedy's work will live on long past his earthly body. We honor his legacy of faithfulness to Christ and commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission." -- CWA President Wendy Wright

“Dr. Kennedy was a great friend, a great American and a great Christian,” Dr. Baehr said. “We will miss him terribly, but we can rejoice that he is now with the Lord in Heaven.” -- Dr. Ted Baehr, MOVIEGUIDE

"It is always sad to lose one of the greats, but there is no question Dr. Kennedy has been greeted in heaven with the words, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' It was my pleasure to have known Dr. Kennedy and to consider him a role model and mentor. I was trained in his Evangelism Explosion technique 25 years ago and still use it routinely. He was always gracious and helpful to the organizations I've led. He was a fearless but eloquent voice for biblical and traditional morality. He leaves behind a great legacy." -- Reverend Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council

"For more than forty years, Dr. D. James Kennedy has influenced our culture in countless ways ranging from education to politics. He was a pioneer in evangelism and a bold champion for Christian principles. His strong intellect and firm grasp of history made him an important apologist for the Christian faith. He demonstrated that being a Christian meant standing up for our beliefs, and also living with integrity. As the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida he set a high standard both for local churches and national ministries. His public service has left a lasting legacy for the Christian faith that will be felt for generations to come. He was a personal friend, and a friend of our ministry. For many years, it has been our privilege to telecast 'The Coral Ridge Hour,' a program he hosted. We count it an honor to have worked closely with Dr. Kennedy and his staff. Our prayers are with his family and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church during this time." -- David Cerullo, Chairman and CEO of The Inspiration Ministries

"All of Christendom should be saddened by the home-going of Dr. D. James Kennedy, one of the giants among Christian preachers and statesmen of the last third of the 20th century and beyond. We will miss his keen mind, his pastor's heart and his evangelistic fervor. Although we are saddened at our loss, we rejoice that our brother in Christ is now with the Lord Jesus for eternity having heard a hearty, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'" -- Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

"I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. James Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy has been a strong and steady voice for righteousness in our nation for many years. It was my privilege to call him friend and to have been blessed by his ministry in my own life. The body of Christ has lost a powerful voice...but heaven has gained another voice of worship for the ages." -- Dennis Jernigan, Worship Leader

"America has lost a strong and consistent voice for the most helpless in society. The unborn and the physically impaired had a great advocate in Rev. D. James Kennedy, who always pleaded for the vulnerable with love. I appreciate the collaboration that Priests for Life has had with his ministry and look forward to a continued strong relationship with those who will carry that ministry forward." -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life

"I'm saddened by the passing of one of our nation's great leaders. He was an inspiration, a mentor, and an example of unwavering integrity," said Folger. "Beyond spreading the Gospel through Evangelism Explosion around the globe, he shared the message of Christ's love and redemption to everyone he met." -- Janet Folger, President of Faith2Action

Public viewing and funeral services have been scheduled for Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder and senior pastor for 48 years of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (CRPC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dr. Kennedy passed away peacefully in his sleep at approximately 2:15 a.m. at his home with his wife and daughter at his bedside, following complications from a cardiac event last December. He was 76.

Service Times:

Wed, Sept. 12 -- Noon to 9:00pm EDT: Dr. Kennedy will lie in repose in the Grand Narthex at CRPC, 5555 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.

Thur, Sept. 13 -- 1pm: A public funeral service will be held in the sanctuary at CRPC. The service will be delay-broadcast in its entirety on TBN, time to-be- determined.

Fri, Sept. 14 -- A private, family-only interment will take place.

Related ChurchWatch Blogs

Coral Ridge Leader, Rev. D. James Kennedy, Retires

Dr. D. James Kennedy Hospitalized After Suffering A Massive Heart Attack

Related Articles:

CBN News: Dr. D. James Kennedy Passes Away

WEBBlog: A Saint Goes Home

Anne Kennedy on the Health of Dr. D. James Kennedy

A Lion Leaves the Field of Battle

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