Kingdom Leader Jack R. ‘Papa Jack’ Taylor Dies at 87

Jack R. Taylor, kingdom leader and decades-long proponent of the Spirit-filled life, died early this morning at age 87 in Melbourne, Florida. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he pastored Castle Hills Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas, for almost 17 years. There, a powerful spiritual awakening took place in 1970, with more than 3,000 people coming to know the Lord during the first six months and church membership doubling in four years. This launched Taylor into a worldwide ministry that began in 1974 and carried him through more than 40 years of itinerant preaching, teaching and sharing the power of the Spirit through his nonprofit, Dimension Ministries.

Taylor’s ministry took another dramatic turn in August 1994 during a visit to Toronto, where “significant personal healing took place both physically and spiritually,” per his website. He spoke often at Catch the Fire Toronto, home of the famed Toronto Blessing. He also had a powerful ministry with more than 200 men and women he considered his spiritual offspring, continuing to mentor them in the faith even in the final years of his life.

Taylor also authored numerous books, including the bestselling The Key to Triumphant Living, with more than 1 million copies in print, as well as numerous CDs and video series. His other books include Cosmic Initiative, Prayer: Life’s Limitless Reach, Victory Over the Devil, After the Spirit Comes, Much More, The Word of God With Power, The Hallelujah Factor and God’s New Creation.

Dr. R.T. Kendall, Taylor’s frequent ministry partner, shared his memories of his longtime friend in a brief video posted to Twitter, describing the Word Spirit Power conferences he, Taylor and Charles Carrin held and saying, “Jack opened doors for me all over America, including Alaska,” where Kendall is ministering today:

Jack Taylor. pic.twitter.com/BaFuEaCNw0

— RT Kendall (@DrRTKendall) April 25, 2021

Other ministry leaders also posted tributes to Taylor via social media. Bill Johnson, senior leader of Bethel, Redding, California, shared his thoughts on Facebook, describing Taylor as “my greatest encourager since my dad died.”

Kris Vallotton, senior associate leader at Bethel, also wrote of his deep love for Taylor:

One of my favorite people in the world, Jack Taylor, went to be with the Lord today. He will be missed on earth! I so love him! pic.twitter.com/1EDtE0wuef

— Kris Vallotton (@kvministries) April 25, 2021

Pastor Bill Vanderbush of Orlando, Florida, recalls a time when a local pastor in Ireland asked him to describe the kingdom of God. “Some words fell out of my mouth, and as they piled up, I suddenly became aware of how inadequate they were,” he says. He texted Taylor for assistance, and within a few minutes received a lengthy reply that included this vital thought: “The kingdom of God in its largest scope is the rule of God over everything and everybody everywhere for all time and eternity!”

O.S. Hawkins, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and president and CEO of GuideStone Financial Resources, also recalled Taylor via a Twitter post as a dear friend and spiritual mentor:

What a reception into heaven Jack R Taylor must have received this am. One of my dearest friends and most treasured spiritual mentors…miss him already

— O S Hawkins (@OSHawkins) April 25, 2021

Taylor was married to his first wife, Barbara, for more than 47 years until she died of cancer in 2001. His second wife, Jerry, also died of cancer. In 2004, Taylor married Friede, a widow who was then serving as director of missions for Global Missions Awareness alongside Leif Hetland, GMA founder and president. After the two married, they moved to Melbourne, Florida, ministering side by side via Dimensions Ministries and remaining connected to GMA.

Taylor leaves behind his beloved wife, Friede; two children, including his son, Tim, who ministered alongside him; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Please join the Charisma News Staff in praying for Taylor’s family and all those affected by his passing. {eoa}