About
The Life And Ministry Of Warren Wiersbe
America's Favorite Bible Teacher - Warren Wiersbe
A Life Devoted to God's Word
Warren Wiersbe dedicated his life to pursuing the truth of God's Word and sharing it with others. Revered by Billy Graham as "one of the greatest Bible expositors of our generation,” he was considered a "pastor's pastor."
Known for his keen, simple insights and memorable wordplay, Wiersbe reached millions with his writings, preaching and radio ministry. He authored over 180 books, including the best-selling “BE Series” of expositional commentaries covering the New and Old Testaments.
Wiersbe served as Senior Minister at The Moody Church in Chicago, IL from 1971 through 1978 and his sermons went across the radio on The Moody Church Hour. From 1980 to 1993, Wiersbe assumed the role of General Director and Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible in Lincoln, NE. Throughout his career, he also contributed to organizations like Youth For Christ and various theological institutions, including Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. Wiersbe's speaking engagements at churches and conferences across the United States further amplified his impact.
Wiersbe died in 2019, just a few days before his 90th birthday. Six weeks later, his dear wife, Betty, also died. Friends of Warren knew that without Betty, Warren was truly lost! The Wiersbe children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry on an appreciation for Warren and Betty’s joint work in sharing the gospel through the written word.
More on Warren Wiersbe’s life, ministry and theology is available in his autobiography, Be Myself: Memoirs of a Bridgebuilder, which is a must-read for any pastor and leader.
Eulogies for Warren Wiersbe were published in various media outlets in the days following his death. His grandson, Dan, wrote this reflection, titled “Be Remembered: My Grandpa, the Bridge Builder.” The Gospel Coalition posted this eulogy Warren Wiersbe (1929–2019), as well as Moody Bible Institute’s eulogy Warren Wiersbe, 1929–2019 | Moody Bible Institute.
Northwest Indiana
Attended school, learned to love words, language, and books.
Learned to do magic tricks, earned spending money in Junior High; later wrote three books of magic tricks published by Ireland’s Magic Shop in Chicago.
Converted at a Youth for Christ rally in May 1945; Billy Graham preached.
Enrolled at Indiana University (two semesters), the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (graduated spring 1953).
Met Betty Warren of Clinton, WI at seminary; they were married June 20, 1953 Pastored Central Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN (2 years as “interim” during seminary, then full-time after graduation)
Born in East Chicago, IN, May 16, 1929
Mentored by President Ted Engstrom (later with World Vision)
Wheaton, IL - Youth for Christ (1957 - 1961)
Was Bible Teacher, writer/editor for Y-Teen Magazine (later called Campus Life), helped to plan Capitol Teen Conventions (Washington, D.C.), preached at Winona Lake (IN) summer Teen conferences, assisted at international YFC meetings in Denmark & Mexico. Built life-long friendships with Dr. Robert Cook, Dr. Bruce Love, Jack Hamilton, Wendy Collins, Sam Wolgemuth, Jack Daniel, & Peter Quist: “they taught me how to pray.”
Covington, KY – Calvary Baptist Church (Fall 1961 - Summer 1971)
Responsible for writing the seven-year Whole Bible Study Course, including teaching the Sunday School teachers, for classes from seventh grade through older adults (first step of what would grow into the “BE” Bible Study books). Critically injured in an auto accident in June, 1966; three-month recovery period. Began writing Bible book studies for adult Sunday School curriculum publisher. Began preaching at Bible Conferences held by churches and ministries/denominations.
Recruited by Pastor D. B. Eastep to be associate pastor
Became Senior Pastor after Dr. George Sweeting became President of Moody Bible Inst.
Chicago, IL – The Moody Church
Was speaker for the church’s weekly radio program, “Songs In The Night”. Enjoyed a good ministry to the students of Moody Bible Institute, and area colleges. Wrote a monthly pastor’s column in The Moody Magazine, which developed into the “Giants” books (which eventually led to the title “The Pastor’s Pastor”). Conference speaking ministry continued to expand, but Moody Church was first priority. Resigned in 1978 to focus on conference speaking and writing.
Lincoln, NE – Back to the Bible
Named “Associate Teacher” in 1981; moved to Lincoln, NE in September 1982 (lived there the rest of their lives).
Named General Director May 1, 1984; Dr. Epp died October 13, 1985.
Celebration of Back to the Bible’s 50th Anniversary – 1989 into 1990.
Resigned as General Director and ended his radio teaching, May 1990.
Discussions with Dr. Theodore Epp & staff, trial radio teaching 1978-1981
Missions and Conference Speaking
Around The Globe – Missions & Conference Speaking
Missions:
The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) Board Member 1984-1994, Venezuela 1981
Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) Board Member 1971- , UK 1980
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Belgium 1981, Holland 1983, Denmark 1986,
UK 1989, Ireland 1990
Africa (Moody Church Missionaries) 12/26/1977-1/18/1978 Zaire, Kenya
Israel, Egypt 6/15-7/6/1984
Quito, Ecuador (HCJB radio) 9/25-10/3/1987
Conferences:
The Cove, Asheville, NC; Winona Lake, IN (YFC, Moody Week); Maranatha Bible Conference, Muskegon, MI; Brooklyn Tabernacle, NYC; Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, GA; Tennessee Temple Univ., Chattanooga, TN; Word of Life Fellowship, NY;
Cedarville University, OH; Rural Home Mission Assoc., Morton, IL; National Religious Broadcasters; Christian Booksellers Convention; conferences at many individual churches nationwide; denominational conferences (EFCA, Regular Baptist, Southern Baptist); many Pastors’ Conferences
Writing
His final book was Delights and Disciplines of
Bible Study, published by David C. Cook in 2018. Reading this book provides the context and method that energizes all his other writings.
WWW continued writing until his death