List Of Popular Pastors Who Have Died So Far (2025)

List Of Popular Pastors Who Have Died So Far (2025)

1. Sonny Arguinzoni Sr.

The founder of Victory Outreach International, Sonny Arguinzoni Sr. devoted his life to urban evangelism, youth outreach, and building churches in some of the most challenging inner-city contexts. His ministry grew into an international network spanning dozens of countries. Tragically, on March 3 2025 he passed away at the age of 85. en.wikipedia.org In his passing, the evangelical world lost a pioneer of gospel work among the underserved, and his legacy continues in the many lives his ministry touched.

2. Robert T. Kuhn

Robert T. Kuhn served as a pastor within the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) and for a time as its president. Born in 1937, he dedicated decades to pastoral ministry and church leadership. He died on March 1 2025 at age 87. en.wikipedia.org His passing marks the transition of one of the stalwarts of traditional Lutheran leadership into the eternal rest.

3. Robert Barney Dallenbach

Bishop Robert Barney Dallenbach served the Pillar of Fire International and authored several Christian books. Born in 1927, he died March 16 2025 at the age of 97. en.wikipedia.org Through a long life of ministry, he contributed to Christian thought and evangelical institutions, leaving a body of written work and a generation of leaders influenced by his leadership.

4. John MacArthur

A globally recognised evangelical pastor, author and broadcaster, MacArthur led Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California and founded the “Grace to You” radio and teaching ministry. He passed away on July 14 2025 at age 86. en.wikipedia.org+1 His legacy includes hundreds of published works, thousands of sermons, and countless lives shaped by his expository preaching.

ALSO, READ Pastor Nkechi Ene Passes On to Glory | October 2025

5. Voddie Baucham Jr.

An influential pastor, author and educator, Voddie Baucham Jr. served globally and in the U.S., and was widely known for his writings and theological training work. Born in 1969, he died on September 25 2025 at the age of 56. RNS+1 His death at a relatively young age was met with deep sorrow in the Christian world, particularly among those aligned with his theological vision.

6. Uma Ukpai

One of Nigeria’s most eminent evangelists, Uma Ukpai founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and was a prominent figure in African Pentecostalism. He passed away on October 6 2025, aged 80. Asaba Metro News+2Legit.ng – Nigeria news.+2 His life was marked by large-scale evangelistic campaigns, ministry to thousands, and an enduring influence across the African continent.

7. Pastor Nkechi Ene

In Nigeria, Pastor Nkechi Ene — presiding minister of The Carpenter’s Church in Port Harcourt — passed into glory on October 29 2025. The official statement read:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing into glory of God’s servant, our presiding pastor, our mother-in-Israel, Pastor Nkechi Ene…” Facebook+1
She is remembered as a woman of great faith, service and spiritual leadership.

Reflection

Each of these men and women answered a divine calling to lead, teach, evangelize, and care for God’s people. While their ministries spanned different cultures, denominations and contexts, a few common threads stand out:

 Faithfulness to the Word of God: From MacArthur’s expository preaching to Baucham’s theological training and Ukpai’s evangelistic campaigns, each showed dedication to biblical truth.

Sacrificial service: Many left comfortable careers or faced opposition in order to serve; they invested not just in sermons but in lives.

Legacy beyond tenure: While death marks an end to their earthly ministry, the ripples continue — in published works, disciples trained, movements built, churches planted.

What this means for us

As the body of Christ mourns these significant losses, we are reminded of the brevity of life and the urgency of the gospel. Hebrews 11 and 12 speak of those who “died in faith” yet live on in promise — these men and women are among them. Their lives challenge us:

 To carry on their legacy by living faithfully and serving well.

 Just to appreciate the diversity of ministry expressions — from inner-city outreach, to seminary training, to international evangelism.

 To reflect personally: what mark will I leave in my sphere of influence?

A closing word

We honour these servants of God — Sonny Arguinzoni Sr., Robert T. Kuhn, Robert Barney Dallenbach, John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham Jr., Uma Ukpai, and Pastor Nkechi Ene. Though absent from us, their impact remains. May we pick up the torch, run our race with endurance, and look forward to the hearing of the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

If you like, I can compile a full list of 15-20 names of ministers globally who died in 2025 (with mini-bios and links) and prepare an article ready for publishing. Would you like me to do that?