Asbury Theological Seminary extends condolences to the family of Dr. James Earl Massey, Dean Emeritus of the Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry and life trustee at Asbury Seminary, who passed away June 24, 2018. Dr. Massey served as a trustee at Asbury Seminary from 1978-1992 and received an honorary degree from the Seminary in 1972.

“We are very grateful for the life and legacy of Dr. Massey,” Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Seminary, said. “He modeled compelling Christianity, joy that can only be found in Christ, humility, compassion and excellent preaching. We extend our prayers to his family.”

In 2006, Christianity Today, named Dr. Massey, affectionately called the “Prince of Preachers,” one of the 25 most influential preachers of the past 50 years. Dr. Massey was the on-air voice of the of the Church of God broadcast, “The Christian Brotherhood Hour.” He authored 18 books, three of which were textbooks on preaching. He also provided editorial leadership for Christianity Today and The New Interpreter’s Bible.

He served as senior pastor of the Metropolitan Church of God in Detroit for more than 20 years (1954-1976), served as a missionary educator in Jamaica for three years (1964-1967), and served for eight years as the Campus Minister of Anderson University (1969-1977). In addition, he served as the Dean of Chapel of Tuskegee University and the Dean of Anderson School of Theology.

Dr. Massey is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Gwendolyn Inez Kilpatrick-Massey.

The home-going celebration for Dr. James Earl Massey has been scheduled for Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Metropolitan Church of God, 13400 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit, Mich., 48227. The family hour is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and the funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

For more information about Dr. Massey’s legacy, please see this article in Christianity Today.