Warren Wiersbe Grave

From Christian Hall of Fame:

Warren Wendel Wiersbe was born on May 16, 1929, the third and youngest child of Fred and Gladys Anna Wiersbe, in East Chicago, Indiana.

Just before his 16th birthday in May 1945, Wiersbe attended a Youth for Christ rally where a 26 year old Billy Graham preached the Gospel. Wiersbe accepted Christ as his Savior that night.

Warren Wiersbe pastored Central Baptist Church in Chicago (1951-1957), was on staff at Youth for Christ (1957-1961), pastored Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, KY (1961-1971), pastored Moody Memorial Church in Chicago (1971-1978) and finally was Bible teacher and General Director at Back to the Bible in Lincoln, NE (1980-1990). Later, Wiersbe would become writer in residence at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and also was appointed Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

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Warren W. Wiersbe (1929–2019) was one of the most widely respected evangelical pastors, Bible teachers, and Christian authors of the twentieth century. Known for his clear teaching style and deep love for Scripture, Wiersbe influenced countless pastors, students, and lay readers through his preaching, writing, and radio ministry.

Wiersbe was born on May 16, 1929, in East Chicago. He grew up in a Christian home and came to faith in Christ as a young man through the ministry of Billy Graham. This experience deeply shaped his commitment to Christian service and led him to pursue training for ministry. He studied at Moody Bible Institute and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, preparing for a lifetime of preaching and teaching.

Wiersbe began his pastoral ministry in Indiana but soon became known more widely through his leadership in Christian publishing and broadcasting. In the 1960s he served as director of literature for Youth for Christ. His gift for communicating biblical truth eventually led him to radio ministry, where he became the speaker for the program “Back to the Bible,” produced by Back to the Bible.

One of the most important chapters of Wiersbe’s ministry came when he became pastor of The Moody Church in 1971. Following in the tradition of influential leaders such as Dwight L. Moody and Harry A. Ironside, Wiersbe led the historic congregation for nearly a decade. During his time there, he emphasized strong biblical preaching, discipleship, and missions, helping to strengthen the church’s evangelical witness.

Wiersbe is perhaps best remembered for his remarkable writing ministry. Over the course of his life he authored or edited more than 150 books. Among his most widely known works is the “Be” series of Bible commentaries, which provides accessible explanations of nearly every book of the Bible. These commentaries have been used by pastors, teachers, and Bible students around the world for sermon preparation and personal study.

Unlike highly technical academic commentaries, Wiersbe’s writings were known for their clarity, warmth, and practical application. He believed that Scripture should not only be understood but also lived out in daily life. His books addressed themes such as Christian growth, spiritual leadership, and faithful service.

After leaving pastoral ministry, Wiersbe continued to write, lecture, and mentor younger Christian leaders. Even in his later years he remained active in teaching and encouraging believers to deepen their understanding of the Bible.

Warren Wiersbe passed away on May 2, 2019, at the age of eighty-nine. Tributes from pastors, scholars, and readers across the world reflected the enormous impact of his ministry. Many credited his books and sermons with helping them better understand Scripture and grow in their Christian faith.

Today, Wiersbe’s legacy continues through his writings, which remain widely read in churches, seminaries, and personal Bible studies. His clear, faithful exposition of Scripture and his lifelong dedication to teaching the Word of God ensured that his influence would extend far beyond his lifetime, shaping generations of believers who continue to benefit from his wisdom and insight.

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Image Source/Credit:
• Moody Church Media (www.moodymedia.org/authors/authors/dr-warren-w-wiersbe)