Voddie Baucham Jr.: A Life of Unwavering Commitment to Faith

Voddie Baucham Jr., a renowned conservative pastor, author, and seminary leader, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to his faith. Baucham’s unexpected death was announced by Founders Ministries, the organization he had recently joined as president of Founder’s Seminary in Florida ¹ ².

Early Life and Education

Born on March 11, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, Baucham grew up to become a prominent figure in the Southern Baptist Convention. He studied at New Mexico State University and Rice University, playing football as a tight end, before transferring to Houston Baptist University, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree. Baucham furthered his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ¹ ³.

Ministry and Career

Baucham’s ministry began in 1993 when he founded Voddie Baucham Ministries. He planted and pastored Grace Family Baptist Church in Houston before serving as the dean of theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, for nine years. In 2024, he returned to the United States and joined Founders Ministries as president of Founders Seminary ³ ¹.

Notable Works and Views

Baucham was a bestselling author, with notable books including “Family Driven Faith,” “Fault Lines,” and “The Ever-Loving Truth.” His 2021 book, “Fault Lines,” critiqued critical race theory as unchristian and became a bestseller. He was known for his advocacy of biblical authority and conservative theology, often drawing large crowds at conferences in the US and abroad ² ¹ ⁴.

Health Issues

Baucham had a history of health issues, including full-blown heart failure in February 2021, which required heart surgery and a quadruple bypass. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate for his faith and values ³ ².

Legacy and Impact

Baucham’s legacy extends beyond his writings and sermons. He was a devoted husband to Bridget, his wife of three decades, and a father to their nine children and several grandchildren. His friends and fellow leaders remembered him as a bold preacher with a pastor’s heart, who emphasized the importance of gentleness and respect in presenting the Gospel ² ⁴.

In the words of Pastor Tom Buck, “He was kind, he was generous, he was just a faithful brother.” Georgia pastor Mike Stone praised Baucham as “just a stalwart for truth and his loss to the body of Christ could not be overstated in this hour” ⁴ ⁵.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Voddie Baucham Jr. are pending. As the news of his passing spreads, many are mourning the loss of a spiritual leader who had a profound impact on their lives