Florida
Longtime minister, author Jack Exum Sr. dies
On the night before he died, Jack Hardeman Exum Sr. sat on the edge of his hospital bed and sang “Blest be the Tie that Binds.” It was an appropriate choice for his last song, said his son, Jack Exum Jr.
“For Dad, the church was very important — unity and grace and the Holy Spirit,” the younger Exum said.
Jack Exum Sr., 81, died Feb. 7 from complications after a heart attack. The longtime minister was well-known among Churches of Christ in the Southeast for “Three Unusual Days,” a series of Gospel meeting focused on grace and the work of the Spirit.
He authored 39 books, including “The ABC’s of Grace,” “Winning Over Worry” and “How to Win Souls Today.” For about 15 years he wrote a column that appeared in the Lake City Reporter each Saturday. He received an Amy Writing Award, which recognizes faith-based writing published in secular media.
Born in Nashville, Tenn., he grew up in Miami and served as a missionary in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Canada. He and his wife, Marion, had six children. He was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Lake City.
Jay Guin, an elder of the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala., heard Exum speak in Tuscaloosa years ago.
“He was a fantastic speaker and remarkably courageous in teaching his beliefs at a time when most were afraid to say what they really believed from the pulpit,” Guin wrote in a post on his blog, oneinjesus.info, “and he did this even though his livelihood depended on being invited to preach meetings. He was a remarkable man who deeply influenced the Churches of Christ for good.”
“For Dad, the church was very important — unity and grace and the Holy Spirit,” the younger Exum said.
Jack Exum Sr., 81, died Feb. 7 from complications after a heart attack. The longtime minister was well-known among Churches of Christ in the Southeast for “Three Unusual Days,” a series of Gospel meeting focused on grace and the work of the Spirit.
He authored 39 books, including “The ABC’s of Grace,” “Winning Over Worry” and “How to Win Souls Today.” For about 15 years he wrote a column that appeared in the Lake City Reporter each Saturday. He received an Amy Writing Award, which recognizes faith-based writing published in secular media.
Born in Nashville, Tenn., he grew up in Miami and served as a missionary in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Canada. He and his wife, Marion, had six children. He was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Lake City.
Jay Guin, an elder of the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala., heard Exum speak in Tuscaloosa years ago.
“He was a fantastic speaker and remarkably courageous in teaching his beliefs at a time when most were afraid to say what they really believed from the pulpit,” Guin wrote in a post on his blog, oneinjesus.info, “and he did this even though his livelihood depended on being invited to preach meetings. He was a remarkable man who deeply influenced the Churches of Christ for good.”
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FeedbackGreetings:
I am in need of a book, possible title ‘Timothy Class’. Please advise if you can be of any assistance.Rufus PayneMorgan County Church Of ChristMadison, Georgia
USJanuary, 21 2011Very shocked and sad to hear about the death of my long beloved brother whom God gave me and had been a wonderful person to me and the whole congregation at Kamzalanga and surrounding churches that do benefit from his support that he send through me. May his soul rest in peace. This message should be sent to Central Church of Christ, Florida, USA. i AM SORRY. Hevvens Nelson Theu, Mzimba, Malawi. 17TH.JULY,2010.Hevvens Nelson TheuKamzalanga Church of ChristMzimba, Northern Region
MalawiJuly, 17 2010What a blessing it was to serve the Lord with a marvelous co-worker like Jack Exum. For years we were together in Belfast, N. Ireland. We shared the writing of books together, we cooked and ate together, shared thoughts about God’s Holy Word, preached together, visited together, laughed together, played golf together and did all the things that good friends do together. From my youth I’ve known and loved Jack Exum. The memory of what he taught from the pulpit and through example will help to sustain many of us for the rest of our lives. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.Bill TynerChurch of ChristNashville, TN
USAFebruary, 28 2010Jack Exum was my friend – whenever I called, he ALWAYS remembered me and my children and he was so very generous to so many – sharing his books & consequently, the gospel with those who could and could not afford them. I heard him speak when I was a child in El Paso, when I was an adult in Burlington, CO and at our youth rally in Colby, KS. He’s impacted at least three generations of my family for Christ.Toni McAdamsHamby church of ChristAbilene, Tx
USAFebruary, 28 2010I only had opportunity to hear Jack Exum speak once (Portland, OR), however I was very impressed with his knowledge. spirit, and grace.Cory GantDaySpringEugene, OR
USFebruary, 24 2010I have lost a dear friend in Jack Hardeman Exum. He blessed my life and the lives of tens of thousands of young people, including my own children, through his wise and winsome preaching at Nationwide Youth Roundup near Denver, Colorado for many years. God bless you, Ann.Victor KnowlesMt. Hope ChurchJoplin, MO
USAFebruary, 24 2010I only met brother Exum through phone calls. I was trying to acquire a couple of books I was going to use to teach an evangelism class. He spoke with much enthusiasm and excitement and sent me several of the books he authored along with those I wanted without cost! The way he spoke to me on the phone made me, a young preacher at the time, feel as if he a deep respect and admiration for me. He will be greatly missed.Steve McCallDesert church of ChristKimgman, AZ
USAFebruary, 24 2010Many years ago, we had Jack Exum at Tuscumbia. His sermons were lesons that impacted lives.His books are awesome. He was a wonderful speaker, writer and servant of God. Peace and blessings to his family.Peggy J. SimpsonTuscumbia church of ChristTuscumbia, AL
USAFebruary, 24 2010I don’t recall ever meeting Brother Exum. (If I did, it was during my childhood.)… but his influence reached far beyond those who actually did. When visiting friends in the Chicago area, the minister was his brother Ray. Hearing him speak gave me insight not just into a mere man as “the finished product”, but into the grounding, encouragement, and upbringing that these two siblings must have shared. My condolences to the family.Russ SharpEdmond church of ChristEdmond, Oklahoma
USAFebruary, 24 2010Jack and Anne stayed with us when we were missionaries in Limerick, Ireland. What an encouragement he was to the church and to us. I will never forget his resonant voice and the songs which interspersed his lessons. He will be missed by many.Joe BrightSunset Church of ChristSpringfield, MO
USAFebruary, 24 2010My first hearing of Bro. Jack was when I was a child, in Camden, TN. I remember it vividly; through the years, have had opportunity to study at his feet. His Amazing Grace study-awesome, his pie plate will always be remembered, his “Let’s Have A Timothy Class” book a great training tool for our youth. His unselfishness was exhibited by permission to reprint any of his material to further the Cause of Christ! He spoke at Blue Ridge Encampment, Black Mtn. NC, different years; it was a privilege to be in his audience. My deepest condolences to his family. God bring you comfort in the coming days and may your wonderful memories bring you peace. In Him, T. Roberta Liles-McCain 2-24-10Thelma Roberta (Liles)McCainLumberton Church of ChristLumberton, TX
USAFebruary, 24 2010Thank you for providing links to timely news articles in the Chronicle. I plan to read some of Jack Exum’s writings.J W KirbyRiverWalk Church of ChristWichita, KS
USAFebruary, 24 2010I first heard Jack speak at a meeting in south Alabama while on a visit to my grandmother’s home. As a young teenager I was awed at his use of props and ease at which he related the scripture. In my opinion his sermon and later book titled Winning over Worry is phenominal and has helped me better understand God’s love and care. Thank you Jack!Blain HowellChurch of ChristTampa, FL
USAFebruary, 24 2010The Lord lost a very special worker when Jack Exum, Sr. departed this earth. My husband and I attended his “Three Unusual Days” gospel meeting in the late 1950s or early 1960s when we lived in Maryland. We were privileged to again go to this series of lessons in Silver Spring, Maryland around 2000–and he still “had it.” At that time we bought all of his books, so he lives on through his writings. He inspired us and challenged us. Our sympathy to his family and all those who love him.Shelby MillsHolly Hill Church of ChristOrmond Beach, Florida
USAFebruary, 23 2010Jack Exum was a man of unusual grace, unusual spirit, unusual courage, and an unusually sharp sense of humor. He loved the church and was not afraid to challenge her. He was a radical in a loving sort of way. He was what I call a “big name preacher” and he encouraged me like few others. He was the epitome of unselfishness! My first trip to South Africa as a guest speaker was made possible by his generosity and his confidence in me. I will miss him.Dan CooperPitman c of C.Pitman, NJ
USAFebruary, 23 2010I remember Jack from the mid 60s when he was working in Ireland and I was in Trieste, Italy. From the Frankfort lectures he had agreed to hold a meeting for the military congregation in Pordenone (Aviano Air Base) and I went up to lead singing. We had several personal studies that weekin both English and Itaslian. Grat man!Dan ReedPalm StreetLonoke, AR
USAFebruary, 23 2010Jack Exum donated several of his books to teachers in the World English Institute program recently. I am in the process of typing one called, “The Holy Spirit, how He works in the life of the Christian today” into .pdf format. His books were all copyright free so they could be used for the Glory of God. I have really enjoyed reading this book.Polly ScottFriendly Avenue Church of ChristGreensboro, NC
USAFebruary, 23 2010
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