Carl Richardson Passes Away
Rev. Carl Richardson, former director of Forward in Faith and a member of the Church of God Executive Council, passed away this morning, April 4, 2024, in Florida.
Richardson was perhaps best known in the Church of God for his leadership of the media ministry Forward in Faith, which he led for twelve years. During his tenure between 1972-1984, Richardson was the radio evangelist for the program, broadcast every week from hundreds of radio stations across America. He expanded Forward in Faith, launching into television, capitalizing on opportunities to reach millions with television broadcasts. Of note was the nationwide special, “New World Coming,” and “Freedom Celebration,” produced to coincide with the American Bicentennial celebration in July 1976.
Richardson
Beginning his ministry in 1953, Richardson served as pastor of the Lake Wire Church of God in Lakeland, Florida, and the Church of God in Ashland, Ohio. An evangelist at heart, Richardson had opportunities to preach to millions during his ministry. In addition to the thousands who heard him on weekly Forward in Faith broadcasts and the television specials, Richardson spoke to 3 million people in Pietersburg, South Africa in April 1986, in what was described as the largest gathering in the history of Christianity at the time. In 1987 he was a featured speaker at the New Orleans Superdome during the International Congress on the Holy Spirit and World Evangelization. In addition, he ministered during “Washington for Jesus” rallies where more than 500,000 were in attendance.
Richardson’s additional service for the Church of God included six two-year terms on the International Executive Council, World Missions Board of Directors, Evangelism and Home Missions board, State Evangelism and Home Missions Director in Florida, and International Evangelist. He was also a co-founder of Operation Compassion with Dr. John Nichols, serving on its board of directors and assisting with Conferences on Care during Nichols leadership.
In interdenominational activity, Richardson was active with the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) where he served on the board for 24 years. He was also a member of the board for North American Renewal Service Committee where he assisted in planning and production of several large events in well-known venues.
“In the last 45 days I’ve lost two leaders out of my life who, next to my own father, have affected
me more significantly than anyone else. Carl Richardson is one of those men,” stated General Overseer Tim Hill. “He instilled in me the heart for Great Commission completion and communications. I’ve traveled with him literally around the world and have seen first-hand the impact he has made.”
Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview, Florida, has charge of arrangements. Services will be conducted at Plant City Church of God at a date to be announced later. To learn more or support the ongoing ministry of Carl Richardson, please visit evangelismbeyondborders.com.
