Remembering Haddon Robinson
Dr. Haddon W. Robinson, longtime faculty member, former President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and one of the world’s foremost experts in Biblical preaching, went to be with the Lord on July 22, 2017.
Originally from the Mousetown section of Harlem, New York, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from Bob Jones University, Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Master of Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Illinois. He was also awarded honorary degrees from Gordon College and McMaster Divinity College.
Dr. Robinson joined Gordon-Conwell in 1991 as the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching, following 12 years as President of Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary, now Denver Seminary, and 19 years on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he also served as Associate Pastor for the First Baptist Church in Medford, Oregon, Instructor of Speech at the University of Illinois and General Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society.
In 1996, he was named in a Baylor University poll as one of the “12 Most Effective Preachers in the English Speaking World.” In 2006, he was recognized by Christianity Today in the top 10 of its “25 Most Influential Preachers of the Past 50 Years.” In 2008, he received the E.K. Bailey “Living Legend Award.” And in 2010, Preaching magazine named him among the “25 Most Influential Preachers of the Past 25 Years.”
Always looking for new ways to reach more people for Christ, he was also active in broadcast media. He hosted the television program, “Film Festival,” and with Dr. Alice Mathews and Mart DeHaan, hosted “Discover the Word,” a radio program which for 20 years broadcast 600 times daily to two million listeners throughout North America and other English speaking countries.
A prolific writer, Dr. Robinson wrote more than a dozen books, including his hallmark text, Biblical Preaching, still used by seminaries and Bible colleges around the world. His articles appeared regularly in Christianity Today, Bibliotheca Sacra, Moody Monthly, the American Lutheran Magazine, Leadership and Decision, and in the Our Daily Bread devotional. He also edited the Christian Medical Society Journal and the Theological Annual, and served on the editorial boards of Preaching and Christianity Today.
But even with these many accomplishments and accolades, his family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Bonnie; his daughter, Vicki Hitzges, a motivational speaker; his son Torrey Robinson, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Tarrytown, NY, Torrey’s wife, Sue, and two grandsons.
We continue to thank God for Haddon’s legacy and formative impact on the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the global Church. Though we mourn his loss, we find hope in the power of the Resurrection.”
Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger, President and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics.
Preorder now from Christian Book Distributors.
Forthcoming
The Worlds of the Preacher: Navigating Biblical, Cultural, and Personal Contexts
Edited by Scott M. Gibson.
Available Spring 2018
Building on Haddon Robinson’s philosophical approach to preaching, this book brings together accomplished evangelical preachers and teachers to help students and pastors understand the worlds–biblical, cultural, and personal–that influence and impact their preaching. The contributors explore the various inner and outer worlds in which a preacher functions with the goal of helping preachers sharpen their craft. Foreword by Bryan Chapell.
Memorial Gifts
At the request of the Robinson family, gifts can be made in memory of Dr. Robinson to the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Gifts may be made online by clicking this link, or by check to the address below. For questions about giving, please contact the Stewardship Office at 978-646-4017.
Checks can be made payable to “Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary” with “Robinson Preaching Center” in the memo line and mailed to:
Attn: Advancement Office
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
130 Essex St.
South Hamilton, MA 01982