Controversial yet wildly popular end times televangelist Jack Van Impe has died at the age of 88.
Jack Van Impe Ministries International confirmed the passing of the eschatological pastor in a statement on Saturday calling him a “good and faithful servant.”
“The beloved Dr. Jack Van Impe was welcomed into Heaven by His blessed Savior and Lord who he had so faithfully served in ministry for over 70 years,” the statement read.
“Please pray for his beloved wife and lifelong ministry partner Rexella and their families as they grieve this immense loss and for wisdom as she and the Board lead the ministry in the days ahead.”
Van Impe – often referred to as the “walking Bible” for his expansive memorization of Bible verses – first gained popularity through his television show Jack Van Impe Presents in the late 80s and 90s. The show – which starred both him and his wife Rexella – featured a controversial segment of the couple analyzing current news headlines through the lens of the second coming and end times prophecies.
According to Christianity Today, Van Impe was no stranger to controversy. Reportedly, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the television pastor became increasingly worried about Islam. During Barack Obama’s presidency, Van Impe even claimed that Obama was part of a Muslim plot to infiltrate the United States.
Then in 2011, Van Impe had a falling out with Christian TV network, Trinity Broadcasting Network. Van Impe reportedly split from TBN after the network refused to air an episode of his show where he claims megachurch pastors Rick Warren and Robert Schuller were secretly promoting Chrislam – a new religion mixing Christianity and Islam.
Nonetheless, the show continued independently with its last episode airing on January 10, 2020.
Amid his passing, popular conservative evangelical leader Franklin Graham offered his condolences to the family.
Graham wrote on Twitter, “Our condolences go out to Rexella Van Impe as news comes about the death of her husband, evangelist Jack Van Impe.
“He was among a large number of young men who served in the early days with Youth for Christ. Dr. Van Impe became known as “The Walking Bible” because he memorized large portions of Scripture, inspiring young people to do the same.”