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A well-known pastor, author, and songwriter passed away over the weekend.
Pastor Jack Hayford, The King’s University and Seminary (TKU) founder and chancellor emeritus died on Sunday, January 8, according to a statement from Jack Hayford Ministries.
Hayford died in his home in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California. He was 88 years old. His family said he died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of the morning, having eaten dinner with his wife, Valarie, and having spoken to one of his grandkids the evening before.
In addition to founding TKU in 1997, he was the founding pastor of Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California. He was called to lead the church as a college student in 1969. Hayford has said that when he arrived at the church it was struggling with only 18 members and an average age of 65 years. However, he felt called to stay permanently and would remain there for over three decades. By the early 1980s the church saw large growth and is considered a pioneer in the megachurch movement.
Hayford founded TKU in the late '90s after experiencing a "still, small voice" while flying home after speaking at a pastor's conference, according to the school's website.
He was president of The Foursquare Church from 2004 to 2009, a bestselling author of more than 50 books, and wrote more than 500 songs, including “Majesty.”
"Today, we mourn his loss but celebrate the homecoming of a great leader in God’s kingdom," his ministry's statement concludes. "We know that this great servant and worshipper is now experiencing the greatest worship service of all."
Below is a clip of Hayford preaching on trusting in Jesus.