Rev. Dr. Jerry Dale Springston, a longtime minister and leader in American Baptist Churches, passes away at 86

Rev. Dr. Jerry Dale Springston, a devoted servant of Christ and a passionate learner, passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 86. His death occurred on his birthday, following an acute illness. Born on March 23, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, to Harley and Neva Springston, Jerry was the youngest of three siblings, known for his playful spirit and curiosity.

Jerry’s academic journey reflected his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, followed by a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas and a Doctorate of Theology from Northern Seminary in Illinois. His scholarly pursuits were not confined to the classroom; they extended into his life’s work as a minister and educator.

A lifelong traveler, Jerry explored six continents and all 50 U.S. states. His love for adventure was matched only by his passion for language. He mastered seven languages, including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Swedish, Italian, and Tigrinya. This linguistic fluency enriched his ministry, allowing him to connect with diverse communities and share the Gospel across cultural boundaries.

Jerry’s ministry spanned over four decades, serving multiple congregations in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and beyond. He was a founding member of the Peace Corps, where he served in Eritrea, East Africa. His pastoral work included roles at First Christian Church of Englewood, Linwood Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After retiring in 2005, he continued his service as a minister-at-large for American Baptist Churches, traveling extensively to support local congregations.

Beyond the pulpit, Jerry was actively involved in various nonprofit organizations. He held leadership roles in Mid-American Baptist Churches, Rotary International, and local community boards. His commitment to service extended to hospitals, shelters, and educational institutions, where he provided spiritual guidance and support.

Jerry is survived by his wife and other family members, though the full list is not provided in the source. His legacy is one of dedication, learning, and service, embodying the call to love one’s neighbor as oneself, as taught in Micah 6:8.

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