Posted on 04/12/2024 3:29:32 PM PDT by Morgana
Notable Evangelical pastor, author and radio personality Chuck Swindoll is stepping down as senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, a Texas megachurch based in Frisco, but he will continue to preach on Sundays.
The 89-year-old pastor, who has held the position since 1998, will take on the role of founding pastor effective May 1, according to a statement from the elders of Stonebriar. Jonathan Murphy, the chair and professor of Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, will become the church's new senior pastor.
"Pastor Chuck will continue to preach God's Word at the pulpit on Sundays, while Jonathan will shepherd our day-to-day ministries and fill in at the pulpit when requested," stated the church.
"Pastor Chuck will continue to serve as mentor and advisor to Jonathan, and at the appropriate time in the future, Jonathan will then assume primary pulpit duties."
According to the church, the decision to have Murphy join the staff as senior pastor was the product of two years of discernment, with Swindoll believing that "Jonathan would be a great fit for the position."
"We are excited to welcome Jonathan as our Senior Pastor, and we're grateful that God has provided this servant-hearted leader who aligns with our commitment to teaching biblical truth," the elders added.
A native of El Campo, Texas, Swindoll graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1963, earning honors like the Harry A. Ironside Award for Expository Preaching.
He has served multiple churches as a pastor, including Grace Bible Church of Dallas, Texas, Waltham Evangelical Free Church of Waltham, Massachusetts, and Irving Bible Church of Irving, Texas, during the 1960s, and First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, California, from 1971–1994. He founded Stonebriar in October 1998.
In July 1979, Swindoll, along with his wife Cynthia, started Insight for Living Ministries, a Bible study radio program that eventually spread to all 50 states and over 2,100 outlets worldwide by April 2020.
Swindoll was honored by the National Religious Broadcasters by being inducted into the Christian media organization's Hall of Fame in 2000.
Swindoll has authored several books and devotionals, including Abraham: One Nomad's Amazing Journey of Faith, Clinging to Hope, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Encourage Me: Caring Words for Heavy Hearts, The Grace Awakening, A Healthy Body: Characteristics of a Contagious Church, What If ... God Has Other Plans?, and Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership.
Murphy, a native of Northern Ireland who serves on the board of Insight for Living Ministries, has been a frequent guest preacher for Swindoll at Stonebriar Community Church.
According to a biography page, Murphy is a child of missionary parents raised in the Canary Islands and Spain. Before joining the seminary, Murphy served as a pastor in Northern Ireland.
In a video discussion, Swindoll and Murphy said their friendship and mentorship go back years, even before Murphy was considered to take over as senior pastor.
"It is a blessing for me to be able to minister alongside of you," Murphy told Swindoll. "God was at work long before we knew He was at work in our relationship and had plans in mind that were not revealed to us when we were walking together. ... What we came to found out was that also was what God was doing in the hearts of elders in church unbeknown to me and to you. God was at work with them. Then they came to let you know of their interest not knowing that you and I were walking so intimately."
Always liked Chuck Swindoll. He’s a mensch.
Since you don’t know much about Pastor Chuck Swindoll, here’s a brief background:
He Founded Insight for Living, a media ministry producing radio programs, books, articles, and other resources focused on Christian living and biblical teachings.
Served as senior pastor for several congregations throughout the USA. Currently, he’s the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Held the position of president of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1994 to becoming its chancellor.
Considered by many to be one of the most influential evangelical preachers of the past few decades.
Known for his clear, practical, and encouraging approach to teaching the Bible.
Reaches a global audience through his radio program “Insight for Living,” broadcasted on over 2,000 stations
He has a radio show.
one of the best. listened to his radio ministry for many years. solid preaching in the Word of God.
Thanks for posting that. Like I said, I’ve heard of his name so I know he’s well know, I just did not know for what. Also I said I figured you all did know who he was and thought I’d post this.
I hope he's not sick, and just "passing the torch" in his old age.
I agree... he was a daily spiritual nutrient for me and my husband as we raised our family.
Chuck, known as ‘the Serminator’ - I gained an advantage in my Christian walk listening to him in the 90’s. Did not realize he was still alive.
Amen, polly. very helpful to me being a dad and husband. he’s so intelligent with his gift, but i recall he would sometimes get emotional or excited about something really personal or important and his voice would go up, up! he really is a life sharing preacher. i hope the Lord lets him go on for a good while yet. we sure need preachers like him, today. God bless!
Chuck Swindoll is one of my favorite radio preachers/teachers. I didn’t know he was even still alive.
Very solid and a reasonable, a gracious spirit and very clear teaching of God’s word.
Funny how there’s ever been a hint of scandal about him.
God bless him.
That didn’t come out right. There’s no reason that I would expect any scandal from him.
It’s just unusual as it seems that almost every other public Christian figure has been caught up in something or other. He and Franklin Graham seem to be about the only really well known figures that remain untouched by scandal.
A long time ago, he wrote a series of books about various Bible folks. I found the ones on David and Job very enlightening. I need to buy the rest of those.
He’s a great teacher and author!
I’ve listened to many of his Sermons. He has a humorous, down home style I really enjoy.
He’s a good one.
I’ve liked Swindoll for many years. A few years ago I learned how old he really was. I was surprised because his voice sounds so young and clear. Unlike some others in their ‘80’s.
(Of course, some of his broadcasts were recorded a few years ago, but I have heard recent interviews and sermons.)
“God bless Pastor Swindoll and his ministry. An EXCELLENT, Godly preacher!!”
AMEN!
I enjoy his preaching that I hear on the Christian radio station. His voice does not reveal his age — surprised to read it!
Amen. I have several of his books.
He could be humorous to make a point.. but also very emotional.
ALWAYS Bible based..
Living in Southern California all of my life, now in my 80s..many good friends were part of his church in Fullerton.
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