I just received word that my professor, friend, and mentor Dr. Gilbert Stafford passed away
yesterday after a long struggle with cancer.
Dr. Stafford is the model of what it means to invest yourself in others for the sake of the Kingdom. A gifted preacher, a caring pastor, a passionate professor—he poured himself into generations of pastors. I am one one hundreds who counts Dr. Stafford as one of my most important mentors.
As a student at the Anderson University School of Theology, I had the opportunity to learn much from Dr. Stafford. One of my fondest memories was, as part of a course on worship, gathering at the Stafford house for a footwashing service. It was a tremendous privilege to have Dr. Stafford kneel and wash my feet.
When I was ordained, five years ago, there was only one person I wanted to speak at that service: Dr. Stafford. We were so blessed to have him travel to Georgia to spend the weekend with our family, bring the words of my ordination sermon.
Join me in prayer for the Stafford family and all those who mourn the loss of this gifted leader and special friend.
Read the news release here. Read the obituary here.
The following is a video of Dr. Stafford’s reflections at his retirement in April 2007.
Leave a Reply