Africa-Press – Rwanda. Christians in Rwanda have paid tribute to renowned pastor Voddie Baucham, an American Baptist preacher and theologian, who is set to be laid to rest this Friday, October 10 in Dallas, Texas, having passed on late last month following a medical emergency.
Baucham, who visited Rwanda in 2024, was serving as president and a board member of the newly established Founders Seminary, a division of Founders Ministries based in Cape Coral, Florida, at the time of his death.
Renowned for his Christ-centred, Scripture-driven preaching, Pastor Baucham was a leading voice in the Reformed Baptist tradition. His ministry touched believers worldwide, including many in Rwanda, where his sermons and books remain highly influential.
The New Times spoke with several Rwandan Christians who testified to the impact of his ministry on their personal faith and churches.
“Faithful to the scriptures”
Pastor Mathias Maombi, of Covenant Reformed Baptist Church–Rwanda, described Baucham as a gifted preacher and author who championed biblical teaching on salvation, family, and cultural engagement.
“He taught us to rely on the Scriptures in everything living a gospel-centred life, practicing expository preaching, and remaining faithful to the Word, all pointing to Christ,” Mathias said.
He recalled Baucham’s emphasis on family discipleship, biblical masculinity, and the importance of training pastors through theological education. “His books, such as Family Driven Faith, continue to shape our churches. Last year in August, we were blessed to host him in Rwanda.”
A Broader Reach
For Albert Byiringiro, a member of the English Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Baucham’s ministry expanded his understanding of the wider body of Christ beyond denominational boundaries.
“I first encountered him through Ligonier conferences,” Byiringiro said. “His theology struck me deeply. He had a unique way of clearly expounding Scripture, especially on relationships and marriage. One of my favourite sermons was on Romans 12, where he explained the necessity of Christ for righteousness. Without Christ, no sinner can ever find favour before God.”
Voddie Baucham (second from left) at Kigali International Airport, welcomed by some Rwandan Christians on August 4
As a single man, Byiringiro said he also benefited greatly from Baucham’s biblical teaching on relationships and marriage.
Shaping lives through truth
Brian Atugonza, from Covenant Reformed Baptist Church in Kigali, shared how he discovered Baucham’s sermons online while searching for truth.
“His teaching on feminism, marriage, and cultural issues really shaped me,” Atugonza said. “He always stood for the truth and defended it. See you soon, brother you gained before me, and I will always love you.”
A lasting legacy
Pierre Cardin, a pastor under Covenant Reformed Baptist Church of Rwanda, recalled being deeply grieved upon learning of Baucham’s sudden passing.
“Pastor Voddie was one of the men God used to shape my understanding of biblical manhood,” he said. “I first heard him in 2017 on YouTube. That message challenged me and left a lasting mark on my life. In 2024, I had the privilege of meeting him in person when he visited Rwanda and preached on biblical ecclesiology.”
For Cardin, Baucham embodied faithfulness in ministry. “What matters is not the number of years, but the faithfulness within them. His love for the church and the zeal with which he spoke the truth continue to inspire us.”
Baucham had previously shared about his health struggles. In 2021, he revealed that he was diagnosed with heart failure and later underwent open-heart surgery. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to preaching and teaching until his passing.
Enduring Influence
Though he has departed, Rwandan believers say Pastor Voddie Baucham’s ministry will continue to shape churches and Christians worldwide.
“He was a faithful defender of the truth and the authority of Scripture,” Pastor Cardin reflected. “Even though he is gone, God will still use his ministry to impact many believers in Rwanda and beyond.”
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