Younger Christians urged to fill void left by culture warrior's retirement

Dr. Kennedy's family announced his retirement this week after 48 years in the ministry. The evangelist and Christian activist has been recovering since suffering a heart attack late last year. Dr. Kennedy started a number of ministries, including the Center for Reclaiming America, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Coral Ridge Ministries, Knox Theological Seminary and Westminster Academy. However, NRB president and CEO Dr. Frank Wright says Kennedy's greatest achievement has been teaching Christians how to witness effectively.

"I would say Dr. Kennedy's greatest impact, however, is probably through the ministry of Evangelism Explosion, a ministry designed to allow laypeople to conversationally share their faith with another," says Dr. Wright. "Evangelism Explosion has become a worldwide ministry with over five-million people tracing their spiritual roots to it, and I think that may be the greatest heritage that Dr. Kennedy will leave the church today."

Wright believes a number of young leaders will rise up and engage the world for Christ. "It is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the great foundation that's been laid by these men and women," he says, "and recognize that without their leadership, we perhaps would not be where we are today."

The foundation of Kennedy's ministry, says the NRB leader, was established on the confidence and power of the Word of God -- and on the fact that Kennedy boldly proclaimed the truth of God no matter the consequence.

A special tribute service honoring the life and work of Dr. Kennedy will be held at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church on September 23.