Pastor Jack W. Hayford Dead at 88

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Pastor Jack Hayford, pastor emeritus of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, died Jan. 8, 2023, at age 88. He served as chancellor of The King’s University in Southlake, Texas, which he founded in 1996, and was president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel from 2004-2009. He also wrote over 50 books and composed more than 600 hymns and choruses, including the internationally known and widely recorded “Majesty.” But he was probably best-known as “Pastor Jack,” serving The Church on the Way for over three decades.

Born on June 25, 1934, the infant Hayford was gripped by a life-threatening illness and miraculously healed through the prayers of friends and family. Later, he was attacked by polio, and church elders anointed him and prayed for his healing. God granted another miracle.

“These two extraordinary events ignited in Jack’s heart a passion for God and convinced him that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the contemporary church,” his ministry’s website says. “Contrary to our preconceptions, God is not economical with healings and miracles,” Hayford said. “Such wondrous works are frequently attending the proclamation of truth in Jesus’ name.”

Hayford’s wife of more than 60 years, Anna, died of pancreatic cancer on March 8, 2017 at age 83. He and Anna had four children: Rebecca, Jack III, Mark and Christa. He married his second wife, Valarie, in 2018.

Randy Remington, current president of ICFG, shares his thoughts about Hayford: “Pastor Jack was a Kingdom ambassador whose influence transcended denominational, generational and global boundaries. Jack’s passion for Spirit-filled worship, fervent intercessory prayer and biblical preaching that revealed Jesus were modeled in his own personal life. He truly embodied the life he invited others into.

“Pastor Jack lived a life devoted to Jesus, one which he never wavered in or strayed from,” he adds. “Thousands of pastors found encouragement, inspiration and lifelong ministry principles through his Pastor’s Schools and conferences. His books, songs and teachings will continue to inspire and mentor generations to come.

“As a Foursquare Pastor, it was always an honor to have his friendship and voice in my life,” Remington says. “He spoke annually at the church I pastored in Beaverton, Oregon, for nearly 50 years in a row … times with him will always be remembered and cherished. In our Foursquare family, ‘we retired his jersey,’ so to speak. There will never be another Jack Hayford.”

Glenn Burris, prior president of ICFG, posted on Facebook: “Besides my dad, no one impacted me more for the kingdom than Pastor Jack Hayford. I received a call early this morning from his wife, Valarie, that he had peacefully crossed over into his heavenly reward. No one I personally know has impacted the body of Christ more than this man. His commitment to be ‘in the moment’ with Jesus at all times profoundly influenced me. It was my privilege to serve him when he was the President of the Foursquare Church from 2004-2009. I loved this man. His legacy lives through the many disciples he left. He will be missed!! Praying for his kids and family!! His senior leadership at The Church On The Way left a huge mark on pastoral ministry and spirit-filled leadership. I saw several posts sharing this info, so I decided to go ahead and share an initial post.” {eoa}

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