R.C. Sproul,
Sanford minister spread message of reform worldwide
a Sanford resident and influential Christian theologian and author, has died at the age of 78.
R.C. Sproul, an influential Christian theologian from Sanford who spread his evangelical teachings to millions of followers around the world through books, tapes, radio broadcasts and podcasts, died Thursday.
He was 78. On Dec. 2, Sproul was hospitalized in intensive care with respiratory problems caused by the flu and worsened by his emphysema, according to his ministry’s website.
Over decades of ministry, Sproul sparked a resurgence of the Reformed Christian faith or “New Calvinism,” which emphasized a return to Scripture-based worship and the concept that God has sovereign control over everything. Sproul called it the opposite of modern-day church services that are more like music concerts with big screens and electric guitars.
“He saw all of life through the teachings of Scripture,” said Lee Webb, host of Sproul’s radio program “Renewing Your Mind” that is broadcast on hundreds of stations nationwide. “He believed that all of life was under the sovereign control of the holy God . ... He was a great man, and I will miss him.”
The author of more than a hundred books, Sproul was known for taking complicated biblical concepts and making them understandable to anyone, friends said. He also offered his lectures and classes first on cassette tapes in the 1970s and later on podcasts in recent years in dozens of languages so that his followers around the world could hear his teachings while in their homes, cars or even while walking.
“He was one of the pioneers of the use of modern technology” in teaching the Gospel, said Chris Larson, president and chief executive officer of Ligonier Ministries, which Sproul founded. “He understood that the church needed to use any available means to be able to get the message of the Gospel to as many people as possible.”
Sproul also was the co-pastor of St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford.
Born in Pittsburgh as Robert Charles Sproul, he earned degrees from West-
minster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a doctorate from the Free University of Amsterdam. However, Sproul thought that Christianity at that time was becoming too theologically shallow.
New Calvinists, such as Sproul, emphasize that the church is not about praying for blessings but about glorifying God without qualifications. Many worshippers wear their Sunday best to service and sit in wooden pews.
Friends said Sproul had little tolerance for Christianity being influenced by culture and preached an old-school brand of religion. That’s likely why he never became as high-profile as other more famous Christian evangelists such as Billy Graham or Joel Osteen.
In 1971, Sproul founded Ligonier Valley Study Center in Stahlstown, Pa., where he offered classes on the “sin nature of humanity.”
Sproul moved the ministry to Orlando in 1984 and renamed it Ligonier Ministries. It eventually grew to become one of the largest Reformed educational and discipleship ministries in the world.
It also led the way for other conservative Christian ministries, evangelical organizations and seminars to sprout in Central Florida, said Stephen Strang, founder and chief executive officer of Charisma Media of Lake Mary.
“He was very well respected within evangelical circles,” Strang said.
Friends said Sproul had a bright and cheerful personality and made friends quickly. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing jazz on the piano and working on his oil paintings.
Michael Milton, former chancellor of the Reformed Theological Seminary System, called Sproul a leader in the Reformed movement for nearly 50 years.
“I think he has had an impact beyond Protestantism,” Milton said. “I see his passing as the falling of a great oak in the forest. But he released a lot of acorns. He left a legacy of faith that will be carried by others.”
Sproul was the founder of Reformation Bible College in Sanford.
Sproul is survived by his wife, Vesta; daughter, Sherrie Dorotiak; son, Robert Craig Sproul; 11 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren.
A public memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20 at St. Andrew’s Chapel, 5525 Wayside Drive in Sanford. The service will also be streamed live on at RCSproul .com.
“I think he has had an impact beyond Protestantism . ... He left a legacy of faith that will be carried by others.” Michael Milton, former chancellor, Reformed Theological Seminary