Warren W. Wiersbe was an influential American pastor, Bible teacher, and author who lived from 1929 to 2019. He pastored several churches and wrote over 150 books, many of which provided practical explanations and application of the Bible. Here is an overview of Wiersbe’s life and ministry:
Early Life and Ministry
Warren Wiersbe was born on May 16, 1929 in East Chicago, Indiana. He trusted in Christ as his Savior at age 14 through the ministry of Youth for Christ. Wiersbe felt called to full-time Christian ministry at a young age. He attended Indiana University and later transferred to Roosevelt University in Chicago, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1950.
Shortly after graduating, Wiersbe became the pastor of Central Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana in 1950 at age 20. He served there until 1957. During his time at Central Baptist, the church grew from a few faithful members to over 900 people.
In 1957, Wiersbe moved to join the staff of a Youth for Christ rally in Colorado. He served as director of the rally and continued to gain experience preaching and teaching.
Time at Moody Memorial Church
In 1961, Wiersbe became the pastor of historic Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. He succeeded well-known pastor Harry Ironside at Moody. Wiersbe pastored the church from 1961 to 1971. Under his leadership, Moody Memorial Church grew to over 2,000 members with two Sunday morning services. Wiersbe was only 32 years old when he became the pastor of Moody. He helped the church thrive during challenging cultural times in the 1960s.
Years in Radio Ministry
In 1971, Wiersbe shifted from being a full-time pastor to dedicating his time to ministry through writing and radio broadcasting. He hosted a half-hour radio program called “Songs in the Night.” This program featured Wiersbe teaching the Bible, explaining biblical doctrine, and applying God’s Word to daily life. Wiersbe broadcasted over 400 programs with “Songs in the Night.” His clear and relatable teaching style connected with many listeners.
During the 1970s, Wiersbe also occasionally served as an interim or visiting pastor at various churches needing temporary help. But his primary focus remained sharing God’s Word through radio ministry across America and beyond.
Time at Back to the Bible
In 1980, Wiersbe became a Bible teacher on the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcast. This international radio ministry was based in Lincoln, Nebraska and reached people worldwide with the gospel and discipleship training. Wiersbe succeeded Theodore Epp as the main Bible teacher on the program.
For 10 years from 1980 to 1990, Wiersbe taught the Bible on “Back to the Bible” radio which was broadcast on over 800 radio stations globally. His teaching was also reproduced in a printed study guide for listeners called “Be” which covered many books of the Bible. Wiersbe’s clear, conversational teaching style helped make the Bible understandable to millions through his “Back to the Bible” radio ministry.
Writing and Editing Prolific Author
In addition to his teaching and pastoring ministries, Warren Wiersbe was a very prolific writer and editor. He wrote over 150 books, many of which were collections of his teachings or commentaries on books of the Bible. His written works aimed to take complex theological ideas and make them easy to understand for the average person.
Some of Wiersbe’s most popular book titles include:
– “Be” series of Bible commentaries including “Be Loyal,” “Be Diligent,” and “Be Compassionate” among others
– “Why Us?” a book about suffering
– “The Bumps Are What You Climb On” about turning problems into opportunities
– “On Being a Servant of God” about true Christian ministry
– “50 People Every Christian Should Know” highlighting important biblical figures
– “The Strategy of Satan” about spiritual warfare
Wiersbe wrote many of these books while serving as the director of “Back to the Bible” to supplement his radio teaching. He occasionally co-authored books with his wife Betty Wiersbe as well. In addition to authoring his own books, Wiersbe edited and provided commentary for several Bible reference works including the “Wiersbe Bible Commentary” series.
Recognition and Retirement
Warren Wiersbe received several honorary doctoral degrees in recognition of his contribution to Christian ministry. Schools including:
– Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
– Taylor University
– Grand Rapids Baptist College
In 1990, at age 70, Wiersbe retired from the “Back to the Bible” radio ministry. This allowed him to dedicate more time to writing, occasional speaking engagements, and serving as a consulting editor to Victor Books. Even in his later years, Wiersbe’s teaching and writing ministries continued to equip Christians around the world to better understand the Bible.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from “Back to the Bible” radio ministry around 1990, Warren Wiersbe remained active in ministry by speaking at conferences and events well into the early 2000s. He moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 2004 to be closer to family members. Wiersbe died peacefully on May 5, 2019 at the age of 89 in Lincoln.
Warren W. Wiersbe left behind an incredible legacy as a faithful pastor, impactful Bible teacher, and prolific Christian author. His clear communication and practical explanation of God’s Word helped strengthen the faith of millions across several decades. Wiersbe’s books and recorded teachings continue to instruct students of the Bible long after his death. He was dedicated to sharing an understandable, life-transforming message from the Scriptures.
Notable Quotes
Here are some thought-provoking quotes from Warren Wiersbe that give insight into his ministry:
“The secret of victory is simple: find out God’s will for your life and do it.”
“Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted.”
“To minister is not to preach all the time but to preach sometimes. To minister is not to heal all the time but to heal sometimes.”
“God wants his people to grow up, which means we always have new walls to scale. And He wants us to lean on Him rather than on ourselves.”
“The churches don’t need more celebrities or superstars; the churches need more saints.”
“Bible study is not optional in the Christian life. It is both the obligation and the privilege of all believers. Every Christian needs to understand the basic teachings of the Bible.”
Key Theological Contributions
Throughout his many sermons, books, and articles, Warren Wiersbe highlighted several key theological truths that formed the foundation of his ministry:
– The transforming power of God’s Word – Wiersbe emphasized the importance of not only reading Scripture but actually applying it. The Bible changes us to become more like Christ as we respond to its commands, promises, and wisdom.
– The victorious Christian life – Wiersbe taught that believers can and should live victoriously over sin through Christ’s power. He warned against using grace as an excuse for ungodly living.
– Balance of grace and truth – Wiersbe avoided extremes in doctrine and modeled speaking truth graciously and gently just as Jesus did.
– Christ-centered preaching and teaching – Wiersbe always pointed his messages back to the person and work of Jesus Christ, not wanting merely moralistic life lessons.
– Expository rather than topical preaching – Wiersbe followed the text of Scripture passage-by-passage, unpacking the meaning rather than jumping randomly between favored topics.
– Literal interpretation with application – Wiersbe interpreted the Bible in its literal, historical sense while also providing clear and practical modern applications of the unchanging biblical principles.
– Importance of the local church – Despite reaching millions through radio and books, Wiersbe upheld the role of believers being actively involved in a local congregation.
– Mentoring the next generation – Wiersbe made time to mentor younger men training for pastoral ministry, wanting to raise up the next generation of Bible teachers.
Influence on Contemporary Pastors and Authors
Many prominent pastors and Christian authors who lead evangelical churches and ministries today were shaped and impacted by Warren Wiersbe’s teachings early in their faith. Here are a few examples:
Charles Swindoll – long-time pastor and radio preacher who now writes Bible study resources; Swindoll benefited from Wiersbe’s mentoring and teaching style.
Tony Evans – senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church and founder of The Urban Alternative ministry; Evans cites Wiersbe’s book “On Being a Servant of God” as an influential book for him.
Chuck Swindoll – former senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary; Swindoll worked with Wiersbe at “Back to the Bible” radio ministry.
David Jeremiah – author and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in California; Jeremiah succeeded Wiersbe as the Bible teacher on “Turning Point,” a radio program.
Greg Laurie – senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship and organizer of Harvest Crusades; Laurie has expressed appreciation for Wiersbe’s impact on his preaching style.
Ray Pritchard – president of Keep Believing Ministries; Pritchard credits Wiersbe’s clarity in writing and teaching the Bible with helping grow his own faith.
Skip Heitzig – senior pastor of Calvary of Albuquerque; Heitzig talks of Wiersbe’s gracious and humble mentoring of younger ministers.
Josh McDowell – Christian apologist and evangelist; McDowell collaborated with Wiersbe on several apologetics-focused projects during his ministry career.
Through his widespread teaching, Wiersbe deposited into the next generation many principles of accurately handling God’s Word and communicating it clearly. His influence lives on in these pastors, authors, and ministry leaders shaped by his biblical wisdom.
Selected Bible Commentaries by Warren Wiersbe
Warren Wiersbe wrote many commentaries covering books of the Old Testament and New Testament to help explain Scripture in understandable language. Here is a selection of some of his book-by-book Bible commentaries:
“Be Worshipful” – commentary on the book of Psalms with themes of worship and delighting in God.
“Be Obedient” – commentary on 1 and 2 Kings analyzing the kings who obeyed or disobeyed God.
“Be Amazed” – look at the Gospel of Mark emphasizing Jesus’ miraculous works and teachings.
“Be Transformed” – overview of Paul’s letter to the Romans highlighting the transforming message of salvation by grace through faith.
“Be Comforted” – commentary on 2 Corinthians about finding comfort in God when facing trials of ministry.
“Be Responsible” – explaining 1 and 2 Timothy on how to live as a responsible, mature Christian and church leader.
“Be Alert” – examining 1 & 2 Peter on the importance of being spiritually alert and growing as believers amid suffering.
In addition to these individual book commentaries, Wiersbe also wrote the “Be” series which surveyed both the Old and New Testaments in topicalapplication volumes like “Be Reverent,” “Be Patient,” “Be Compassionate,” and many more.
Memorable Sermons by Warren Wiersbe
In his roles as pastor, radio Bible teacher, and conference speaker, Warren Wiersbe preached thousands of sermons over his lifetime. Here is a look at some of his most memorable and impactful sermon messages:
“Steps to the Throne of Grace” – This sermon walked through instructions from Hebrews 4 on how to confidently approach God’s throne in prayer.
“Satan’s Strategy Against the Church” – Wiersbe gave insight into overcoming spiritual attacks from the devil as described in Revelation 2-3.
“Marks of Maturity” from Hebrews 5 and 6 – This message examined how to grow into a mature believer based on principles from Hebrews 5-6.
“Pressing Toward the Mark” from Philippians 3 – A motivating sermon on striving to know Christ by following Paul’s example in Philippians 3.
“Ministering Like the Master” based on Mark 10 – Wiersbe challenged believers to serve God and others with the humility modeled by Jesus in Mark 10.
“The Transforming Friendship” on Proverbs 27:17 – A sermon on cultivating godly friendships that sharpen our character to be more like Christ.
“God’s Hall of Faith” from Hebrews 11 – A walk through the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11 extolling the examples of faithful saints who came before us.
“Running the Victorious Race” using Hebrews 12 – A sermon on laying aside sin and looking to Jesus as the perfecter of our faith while running the Christian life.
These impactful sermon themes give a sample of Wiersbe’s thoughtful, practical, and biblical teaching style that pointed constantly to Christ and the Word.
Notable Students of Warren Wiersbe’s Teachings
Over his decades of ministry through pastoring, radio teaching, writing, and mentoring, Warren Wiersbe influenced many pastors and ministry leaders now serving around the world today. Here are several notable individuals impacted by Wiersbe’s biblical leadership:
Chuck Swindoll – pastor, author, chancellor and former president of Dallas Theological Seminary; Swindoll worked alongside Wiersbe at Back to the Bible ministry.
Erwin Lutzer – longtime senior pastor of Moody Church where Wiersbe also pastored in the 1960s; Lutzer succeeded Wiersbe at Moody and was influenced by him.
Tony Evans – pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church and founder of The Urban Alternative; Evans learned principles of Bible exposition from Wiersbe.
Joni Eareckson Tada – founder of Joni and Friends ministry for disabled individuals; she co-wrote some books with Warren Wiersbe during his ministry career.
Alistair Begg – host of Truth for Life radio bible teaching program; Begg expounds Scripture with a clarity reminiscent of Wiersbe’s communication gifts.
J. Vernon McGee – late Bible teacher heard on Thru the Bible radio; McGee’s practical insights mirror Wiersbe’s ability to make theology understandable.
David Jeremiah – author and pastor, now teaches on Turning Point radio; Jeremiah succeeded Wiersbe on this radio ministry platform.
Ray Pritchard – president of Keep Believing Ministries focused on theological education for churches; Pritchard learned how to write devotionals from Warren Wiersbe.
This list provides just a sampling of the many Christian leaders whose ministries have been enriched by the biblical wisdom passed on through Warren Wiersbe’s teaching legacy. His clear communication of God’s Word maintains an ongoing impact.
Summary of Warren Wiersbe’s Ministry
In summary, Warren Wiersbe leaves behind a powerful legacy as an influential American pastor, theologian, writer, and Bible teacher:
– Faithfully pastored churches including Central Baptist, Moody Memorial Church, and served as interim pastor during his ministry career
– Hosted the radio program “Songs in the Night” and taught the Bible on “Back to the Bible” broadcast reaching millions
– Authored over 150 books and commentaries to explain theology and the Bible in understandable ways
– Mentored and taught younger pastors and ministry leaders, passing on a legacy of biblical exposition
– Emphasized personal application of Scripture, victorious Christian living by grace, and life-transformation through God’s Word
– Communicated theological truth in clear, memorable, practical ways easily grasped by average people
– Had a commitment to balancing doctrinal accuracy with grace and relatability
– Left behind a legacy that continues to inspire pastors, authors, and churches worldwide today
Though he never sought fame or recognition, Warren Wiersbe’s long obedience to clearly communicating the Word left an indelible impact on evangelical Christianity. His teaching and writing ministries helped millions to understand and apply the precious truths of the Bible to their lives. Wiersbe was an influential pastor-scholar whose effect continues to be felt through the leaders he mentored and equipped.