Dr. Haddon Robinson, former President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and one of the world’s leading experts in expositional preaching, died July 22 at the age of 86.
In an announcement on the seminary’s Twitter page, the school notified followers of his death, calling Robinson a “legendary preacher.” He joined the faculty at Gordon-Conwell in 1991 after 12 years serving as president of Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary, now Denver Seminary, and 19 years on the faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary.
According to a tribute posted by the school, Robinson wrote more than a dozen books, including Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages, a resource that is still used by Bible colleges and seminaries around the world. In addition, he was named in a Baylor University poll as one of the “12 Most Effective Preachers in the English Speaking World” in 1996.
“We continue to thank God for Haddon’s legacy and formative impact on the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the global church,” said Dr. Dennis Hollinger, president and Colman M. Mockler distinguished professor of Christian ethics. ”Though we mourn his loss, we find hope in the power of the resurrection.”
Robinson’s contributions to the world of expositional preaching also included hosting radio and television programs as well as regular articles in publications such as Christianity Today, Our Daily Bread devotional, Bibliotheca Sacra, Moody Monthly, Leadership and Decision, and American Lutheran magazine.
Upon hearing the news of his death, several readers and former students shared their condolences and memories of the accomplished teacher, including Dallas Theological Seminary Dean Bruce Fong who said, “Dr. Haddon Robinson has graduated into the presence of the Lord. He was a champion communicator of the Word and mentor to so many of us.”
In an article for Christianity Today published in 2000 regarding Psalm 49, Robinson described death as a grim shepherd. “For the believer in Jesus Christ, for the righteous person, we do not go out into death and into darkness,” he said. “Instead, we go home to God.”
Robinson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie; his daughter, Vicki Hitzges; his son Torrey Robinson; Torrey’s wife, Sue; and two grandsons.
