Died: R. C. Sproul, Reformed Theologian Who Founded Ligonier Ministries

Late PCA leader influenced generations of Christians by filling the gap “between Sunday school and seminary.”

When esteemed Reformed theologian and Ligonier Ministries founder R. C. Sproul was once asked what he wanted written on his tombstone, he replied cheekily, “I told you I was sick.”

That was in 2015, after the teacher and author’s health declined severely following a stroke. This December, the 78-year-old was hospitalized and forced to rely on ventilator support to breathe. His ministry announced his passing on Thursday.

“His tombstone wouldn’t be able to hold the words of what he’s meant to so many,” tweeted Kansas pastor Gabriel Hughes. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Now great is your reward.”

Sproul’s legacy lives on in generations of laypeople and Reformed leaders whose theology was strengthened and shaped by Ligonier Ministries, the organization he founded in 1971 to fill the gap “between Sunday school and seminary.”

Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Sproul brought theological education to the masses on his radio show Renewing Your Mind, his ministry’s Tabletalk magazine, over 300 lecture series, 90 books, and dozens of articles.

“Through his teaching ministry, many of us learned that God is bigger than we knew, our sin is more deeply rooted than we imagined, and the grace of God in Jesus Christ is overwhelming,” wrote Ligonier Ministries in a tribute.

The global organization shares 2 million “biblical and theological resources” annually, with hundreds of thousands of students, readers, and subscribers in 105 countries.

“It is hard to overestimate his influence on gospel-resurgent evangelicalism,” wrote Russell Moore, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission president.

Sproul was an …