JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–While speaking at a church from a text in 1 Thessalonians 5 on July 9, I illustrated a point from verse 23 where the Apostle Paul prays for his readers to be “sanctified completely … spirit, soul and body,” by telling the story of Ted Engstrom, one of the most influential leaders in American Christianity over the past 60 years.
Less than one week later, Engstrom, or “Dr. Ted” as most referred to him, was with his Lord.
Engstrom, president emeritus of World Vision International, past president of Youth for Christ International and a leader among leaders in American evangelicalism, died July 14 at the age of 90. I have known of Dr. Engstrom for many years. I was introduced to his writings while I was a seminary student. I have continued to read his many books on leadership and organization over the years.
The author of 50 books, including an autobiographical look at the work of the church in America and around the world through the lenses of six decades of significant service, Engstrom’s influence has seemingly been ubiquitous.
“Reflections on a Pilgrimage: Six Decades of Service” chronicles Engstrom’s own pilgrimage from Taylor University to Zondervan Publishing House to Youth for Christ to World Vision. In the foreword to the book, James Dobson tells the story of Engstrom’s influence on him personally and on the early years of Focus on the Family. Many others could recite a similar story. I am honored to have a signed copy of this book with his life verse, Psalm 32:8, penned in the inscription.
Engstrom gave shape to Zondervan, serving for 11 instrumental years as editorial director and general manager. While in Grand Rapids, the home of the publishing house, he also directed the local chapter of Youth for Christ. In 1947, this Grand Rapids chapter invited a then little-known evangelist named Billy Graham to do a crusade. Directed by Dr. Engstrom, it was Graham’s first citywide crusade. A lifelong friendship between these two giants developed.
In 1951, Engstrom became executive director (later to be named president) of Youth for Christ International. He served in this capacity until 1963 when, after traveling the globe, speaking in more than 60 nations, editing the now-well-known magazine Campus Life and providing incredible leadership for the entire organization, he stepped down due to exhaustion.
He subsequently assumed the role of executive vice president of World Vision International and would later become president, serving this world-impacting organization for more than two decades. He retired in 1984 but continued to write, to serve on dozens of boards and to mentor the next generation of leaders.
I was privileged a few years ago to give a series of lectures on “The Shaping of American Evangelicalism in the 20th Century” at Azusa Pacific University. Seated near the front for each day of the lectures was Dr. Engstrom. As a participant, an organizational leader, an adviser or board member, Engstrom had participated in almost every key development that I discussed in the lectures.
Though we had met before, after that lectureship we became good friends. I treasure every moment I was able to spend with him and every note that I received from his prolific pen. Two years ago, I was pleased to have a part in joining others who honored him with the highest leadership award given by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
The list of people who have listed Ted Engstrom as one of their mentors is long: James Dobson, Billy Graham, Leighton Ford, Bill Bright, Chuck Colson, Bob Andringa, Jon Wallace, Jay Kesler, Gene Habecker.
Dr. Ted was indeed a leader among leaders. I thank God for allowing our paths to intersect. We shall all miss him, but the hope of the Gospel is that, in Christ, we shall be reunited.
For that hope we offer our gratitude, and for the life, the writings and the influence of Ted Engstrom, we say, “Thanks be to God.”
–30–
David S. Dockery is president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn.
