Cape Coral, FL — Voddie Baucham Jr., a prominent evangelical preacher, author, and educator, has tragically passed away at the age of 56 following an emergency medical incident earlier this week. The news of his death was confirmed in a statement released by Founders Ministries on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

In their statement, Founders Ministries wrote, “We are saddened to inform friends that our dear brother, Voddie Baucham Jr., has left the land of the dying and entered the land of the living. Earlier today, he entered into his rest and the immediate presence of the Savior whom he loved, trusted, and served since he was converted as a college student.”

A Legacy of Preaching and Teaching

Voddie Baucham was widely regarded as one of the leading voices in Reformed evangelical theology. His uncompromising preaching style and outspoken cultural commentary made him a prominent figure in Christian circles. Baucham was known for his bold and convicting sermons, where he emphasized biblical orthodoxy, the importance of family, and the relevance of Scripture in addressing contemporary cultural issues.

He was the founding president of Founders Seminary in Cape Coral, Florida, a position that allowed him to pour into the next generation of Christian leaders. Baucham also served as a board member of Founders Ministries, contributing to the ministry’s vision of biblical revival within the church.

From 2015 to 2024, he held the role of Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, where he had a profound impact on African students and faculty. After returning to the United States in 2025, he worked to launch Founders Seminary, continuing his commitment to theological education and church leadership.

Earlier in his career, Baucham served as the pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, where his ministry expanded, and he began Voddie Baucham Ministries in 1993 to further spread his messages of faith and family.

Author and Controversial Voice

Voddie Baucham was also a published author of several influential works, many of which tackled issues of faith, family, and cultural engagement. His books, such as “Family Driven Faith”, “What He Must Be: …If He Wants to Marry My Daughter”, and “Fault Lines” (2021), were highly regarded within conservative evangelical circles. In Fault Lines, Baucham argued that critical race theory and intersectionality were incompatible with biblical Christianity, framing these ideologies as rival worldviews. The book was praised by many in the conservative evangelical community, but it also sparked significant backlash, including accusations of misquotation and plagiarism, which the publisher denied.

Baucham was also outspoken on gender roles, public education, and feminism, which attracted both support and criticism. While his views on these subjects caused division even within Christian circles, his supporters saw him as a courageous defender of biblical truth, someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo to remain faithful to his convictions.

Early Life and Education

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1969, Voddie Baucham came to faith in Christ during his college years, an event that dramatically changed the trajectory of his life and ministry. His conversion shaped not only his personal walk with Christ but also his future in theological education and evangelical preaching.

After his conversion, Baucham pursued his theological education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the University of Oxford. His extensive studies provided him with the foundation to engage deeply with biblical texts and their relevance to modern-day issues, which would define much of his career as a preacher and educator.

Health Struggles

In 2021, Baucham was diagnosed with heart failure, a condition that required extensive treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Despite his ongoing health struggles, Baucham continued to preach, teach, and write, never allowing his condition to slow his ministry. His perseverance in the face of severe health challenges was a testament to his faith and dedication to serving others.

Baucham’s health battles, which he openly discussed with his followers, served as a source of inspiration for many. His willingness to continue his work despite the toll that heart failure took on his body demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his faith and ministry.

Remembered by Family and Followers

Voddie Baucham is survived by his wife, Bridget, and their nine children. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and commitment to his family, which he often spoke about during his ministry. Baucham’s followers remember him as a man who deeply loved his wife and children and made them a central part of his life and work.

In the announcement of his death, Founders Ministries included the comforting words of Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,” recognizing Baucham’s life as one that was faithful to God’s calling.

For many in the evangelical community, Baucham will be remembered as a bold preacher who stood firmly on biblical truth, a defender of the faith, and a man whose love for family and the gospel was evident in everything he did. His ministry, books, and teachings will continue to influence Christians worldwide, and his legacy will remain deeply rooted in the hearts of those who followed him.

A Community Mourns

The loss of Voddie Baucham Jr. is a significant one for the Reformed evangelical community, which has lost a passionate and uncompromising voice. The legacy of his ministry and his willingness to tackle difficult cultural issues with faith and conviction will continue to shape the conversation within evangelicalism for years to come.

As his family, friends, and followers mourn his passing, they are comforted by the knowledge that Baucham is now in the presence of the Savior he loved, trusted, and served throughout his life.

A Final Farewell

As plans are made for a memorial service to celebrate Baucham’s life, his community continues to remember his impact on their lives. His funeral service will be a time to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy. Further details will be shared by Founders Ministries and his family in the coming days.