W. A. Criswell

W. A. Criswell

W. A. Criswell was born on December 19th, 1909

Full Name: W. A. Criswell
Birth Place: Ellaree, Oklahoma
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Profession: Pastor, Author
Church: First Baptist Church, Dallas
Education: Baylor University
Death Date: January 10, 2002
Nationality: American

A prominent Baptist pastor and author, known for his influential preaching and writing on Christian theology and evangelism, particularly in the Southern United States.

Written by: Dr. Johnathan Baker Dr. Johnathan Baker

W. A. Criswell: A Pioneering Baptist Pastor and Theologian

A Legacy of Biblical Preaching and Conservative Resurgence

W. A. Criswell, a renowned American Baptist pastor, author, and theologian, is best known for his expository biblical preaching at a popular level, which endeared him to countless Christians across the United States. As a key figure in the late 1970s Conservative Resurgence within the Southern Baptist Convention, Criswell's influence on modern Baptist theology and practice remains unparalleled.

Early Life and Calling

Born on December 19, 1909, in Eldorado, Oklahoma, Criswell grew up in Texline, Texas, where his family moved when he was six years old. At the tender age of ten, he professed faith in Christ at a revival meeting led by Reverend John Hicks, and two years later, he publicly committed his life to the gospel ministry.

Education and Pastoral Ministry

Criswell's academic pursuits took him to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he studied from 1928 to 1931. During this period, he ministered in various capacities, including part-time pastorates at Devils Bend and Pulltight, Texas. He later attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he earned his Ph.D. While pursuing his graduate and postgraduate degrees, Criswell pastored Baptist churches in Mount Washington, Kentucky, and Oakland, Kentucky.

Rise to Prominence

Criswell's ministerial career gained momentum with his appointment as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Chickasha, Oklahoma, in 1937. He later moved to the First Baptist Church of Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1941. It was during this period that he began to establish himself as a gifted preacher and Bible teacher.

Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas

In 1944, Criswell became the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, a position he held for an unprecedented five decades. Under his leadership, the church experienced rapid growth, and his sermons, which emphasized biblical exposition and practical application, drew large crowds.

Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention

Criswell's influence extended beyond his local church when he was elected as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a position he held from 1968 to 1970. During this period, he played a crucial role in shaping the denomination's theology and practice, advocating for a more conservative approach.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Criswell's theological framework was rooted in biblical inerrancy, emphasizing the authority and inspiration of Scripture. He believed in the importance of evangelism, missions, and personal discipleship, which underpinned his ministry philosophy.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Legacy and Impact

W. A. Criswell's legacy extends far beyond his pastorates and denominational leadership. His commitment to biblical preaching, conservative theology, and evangelism has inspired generations of Christians. Through his writings, sermons, and ministry, Criswell has left an indelible mark on Baptist theology and practice, cementing his place as one of the most influential Baptist leaders of the 20th century.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

Awards and Honors

Criswell received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Christian ministry, including the prestigious Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's Distinguished Service Award.

Historical Context and Legacy

W. A. Criswell's life and ministry must be understood within the context of the Southern Baptist Convention's Complex and often tumultuous history. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of biblical preaching and conservative theology, even in the face of shifting cultural and theological landscapes.

Visual Timeline and Milestones

Timeline
1909
Birth of W. A. Criswell
W. A. Criswell was born on December 19, 1909, in Eldorado, Oklahoma.
1937
Ordination as a Pastor
Criswell was ordained as a pastor and began his ministry in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
1944
Pastor of First Baptist Church
Criswell became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, where he served for over 50 years.
1968
President of Southern Baptist Convention
Criswell served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a prominent evangelical organization.
2002
Death of W. A. Criswell
W. A. Criswell died on January 10, 2002, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy in the evangelical community.
W. A. Criswell

W. A. Criswell Quiz

W. A. Criswell was a prominent pastor in which Christian denomination?

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FAQ
What was W. A. Criswells early life like?
W. A. Criswell was born in 1909 in Eldorado, Oklahoma. He became a devout Christian at a young age and went on to attend Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
How did W. A. Criswell become a prominent Baptist pastor?
W. A. Criswell became a prominent Baptist pastor through his leadership at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, where he served from 1944 to 1995. He was known for his conservative theology and Evangelical commitment.
What were W. A. Criswells views on biblical inerrancy?
W. A. Criswell was a staunch defender of biblical inerrancy, believing that the Bible is without error in all matters of faith and practice. He played a key role in the Southern Baptist Conventions adoption of the Baptist Faith and Message in 1963.
How did W. A. Criswell impact Christian education?
W. A. Criswell was a strong advocate for Christian education, serving as a trustee for Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also founded the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas.
What is W. A. Criswells legacy in American Christianity?
W. A. Criswells legacy in American Christianity is that of a prominent pastor, theologian, and educator who shaped the Southern Baptist Convention and Evangelical movement as a whole.

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