I was sad to hear that Howard Hendricks, legendary professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and prolific Christian author, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, at the age of 88.

After authoring 18 books and preaching around the world in more than 80 countries, Hendricks was also well known for his influence on other Christian leaders, as several count him as their mentor, including the likes of:

• Chuck Swindoll
• Tony Evans
• Bruce Wilkinson
• Erwin Lutzer
• David Jeremiah

Not to mention all those who he mentored from a distance with his teaching and writing.

Hendricks is a fine example of someone who gave his life to serving Christ, and the profound influence that God can have through that.

He once said, “Once a believer really gets to see what the Lord can do through him or her, at whatever stage in life, they’re going to get excited about getting out there in the battle. It’s all about being a servant of Christ.”

To honor this faithful servant of Christ, here are my top 3 Howard Hendricks’ books:

1.  
   Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive
2.  
   Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible
3.  
   As Iron Sharpens Iron: Building Character in a Mentoring Relationship

Hendricks will also be remembered for his humility. In a 2009 interview, he said:

“I’m not what everybody in the world says is great. I’m just a servant of Christ, that’s all.”

And for that, he’ll leave a great legacy!

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.