A life of excellence

Perhaps the best word to define the life and ministry of Voddie Baucham is excellence. Baucham died on Thursday at age 56 after a sudden medical emergency, and many around the world will remember him for his commanding eloquence and passion as he faithfully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many will remember his lionhearted boldness in confronting evil and exposing lies. Many will remember him as a leader on the frontlines of truth. Many will remember his quick wit, memorable catchphrases, and polished prose. Many will remember his colossal stature, a presence that could fill any room.

The stories of his influence on people’s lives will be too numerous to count. His was a life of faithful service to his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. And in all of it, he was excellent.

Yet his excellence was never confined to public platforms. In fact, his powerful public ministry was sustained by his pursuit of excellence in the places that mattered most—the places hidden from pulpits, podiums, microphones, and cameras.

His devotion to his wife, Bridget, was a marvelous example of a man who understood what it meant to illustrate the love of Christ for His Church. She thrived under his leadership, consistently and undeniably smitten by his grand gestures of love and romance. Their marriage was a portrait of excellence.

His devotion to raising his nine children in the fear and admonition of the Lord was unwavering. He desired for his children to walk in the ways of the Lord all the days of their lives, investing heavily in their Christian education, in which he himself was actively involved. He was determined to raise strong and godly sons, as well as gracious and fruitful daughters. He delighted in the recent baptisms of no fewer than five of his children and eagerly anticipated the baptisms of the rest. He presided over his household with confidence and godliness, committed to establishing a multigenerational legacy. All who lived under his roof prospered—in excellence.

His devotion to discipleship often took the form of welcoming young people into his home and enculturating them in the rich customs and liturgy he had established. Being an accomplished chef in his own right, his hospitality was food for the weary and drink for the famished. Around his table flowed insight, laughter, and merriment. Many a young couple found spouses and learned parenting there. Many of those he discipled have since been unleashed across the world to propagate what they were faithfully taught. His discipleship—and his cuisine—were excellent.

His devotion to the local church was unquestionable. He not only delighted in delivering God’s Word to the saints but also rejoiced in sitting under good preaching and faithful ministry. He understood the significance of what Christ has armed and equipped His Church for, and he dedicated himself to being both a faithful shepherd and a humble member of the flock. In all this, he was excellent.

His devotion to his friends was inspiring. He was quick to offer encouragement and support to those in need. He stood ready to support his brothers-in-arms on the battlefield of truth. He was committed to a life of sacrifice. In this, too, he was excellent.

Excellence is more than mere functionality. True excellence means devotion and craftsmanship infused with beauty, quality, and virtue. It evokes humility, awe, delight, and wonder—pointing ultimately to the glory of God. It is the fruit of sacrifice and diligence. And at its root is love—love for God and love for neighbor. Voddie Baucham embodied this standard in all that he said and did.

Voddie Baucham was more than just a theologian and preacher. He was a man who lived by conviction, who knew what it meant to live Coram Deo—before the face of God.

The King of kings has honorably discharged Voddie Baucham from his excellent service and duty. He now awaits the resurrection, even as he dwells with our Lord in glory.

A giant has fallen asleep, and his life and death have sent ripples across the world. The world is better for Voddie having passed through it. And while the saints on earth await the day when they will see him again, may many lives be a testimony to the ideal by which Voddie sought to live: excellence for truth.