Dr. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Retires
"For decades now, you have stood strong in defense of faith, family, and most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers around the world are indebted to you for your vision and leadership." –James Dobson
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida)—Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (CRPC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.., today announced the retirement of its senior pastor Dr. D. James Kennedy.
Church officials assured the congregation and international broadcast audience that the church and related ministries will continue moving forward in the direction set by Kennedy, who began CRPC more than 48 years ago.
"We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to my father over nearly one-half century, through the impact this church has made in the lives of people in this congregation and community and the influence he has had on countless individuals around the world through radio and television," said his daughter Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy speaking in a news release.
Kennedy, 76, preached his last sermon from the pulpit of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve 2006. He suffered a cardiac arrest four days later and has since been unable to return to the pulpit. A tribute worship service honoring Kennedy's ministry will be held at CRPC on Sun. Sept. 23.
Kennedy started the church and began his pastorate on June 21, 1959. He has always had a vision for global impact for Christ. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities he is founder and president of Coral Ridge Ministries which produces his radio and television outreach.
He has also authored more than 65 books and is one of the founding board members of the Alliance Defense Fund. In 1995, he opened the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Christian Statesmanship to offer spiritual counsel to members of Congress and their staff.
Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, called Kennedy one of the Church's "truly significant figures." In a statement to Kennedy, Dobson said, "For decades now, you have stood strong in defense of faith, family, and most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers around the world are indebted to you for your vision and leadership."
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