George O. Wood, former general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, passed away Wednesday at the age of 80 after a short battle with stage 4 cancer of the esophagus. Some leaders of the faith community sent their condolences for Wood’s passing via social media:
Current general superintendent of the Assemblies of God Doug Clay paid personal tribute to Wood.
“George O. Wood’s legacy is that of being a man of the Word,” Clay said. “He had tremendous intellect, but never depended on that at the expense of being led by the Spirit. A bridge-builder and Pentecostal statesman, he was well-respected by Christian leaders of many denominations, as well as the Assemblies of God leadership throughout the world. He had a unique ability to open doors for young people, women, and ethnic minorities by providing them a meaningful seat at the table.
“That has been a major force behind our growth in each of those areas. His mentorship in my life was invaluable. Each leadership decision he made was always processed through Scripture. He made my love for the Bible even richer. His legal credentials gave him a unique perspective to address cultural issues with biblical clarity. I love you, Chief.”
Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, wrote in an email to the Assemblies of God: “My heart is broken over the passing of my dear friend, George O. Wood. His impact on the @AG_USA community, the kingdom of God and my own personal life is immeasurable. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and our Assemblies of God family that he loved and led so well.”
Kent Ingle (president of Southeastern University) said on Twitter, “George spoke at my inauguration and encouraged me during my first job in ministry. So grateful for his friendship and the impact he had on my life. George was a legend and will be dearly missed.”
Billy Wilson of Empowered 21 said: “I am saddened to share that our Empowered21 Global Co-Chair, Dr. George Wood, went home to be with Jesus today. Dr. Wood was a spiritual father to thousands, an ingenious leader and a close personal friend. This is a very significant loss for the Kingdom of God, the Assemblies of God around the world and for Empowered21. On a personal level, I will forever treasure a visit I had with Dr. Wood last month. We shared about the EveryONE initiative and the big vision of Empowered21. George was sharp and crisp as always—immediately sharing ideas, inspirations and insights with me. His faith and spirit were strong as God’s presence filled the room. Our prayer time together that day will remain a lifetime memory. All of us will miss the sweet fellowship of this amazing leader and his wise counsel.
“Our friend has now joined the grandstand of heaven to cheer on this movement he loved so much. May all of us run our race with like-minded clarity and focus so we too may finish with joy and hear the Lord say, ‘Well done!’ Our prayers are now with Dr. Wood’s wife, Jewell, his two children, George and Evangeline, and his entire family during this time of loss. We also join them in celebrating a life so well lived.
Dr. Paula Price, founder of Paula Price Ministries, said: “George O. Wood was educated to be both a minister and a lawyer. As a pastor, he ministered to people personally. As a denominational leader, he led massive groups of people and churches corporately. I deeply admire Dr. Wood’s quest for higher education, his humility to minister one on one, and his proficiency in serving a global body of believers. Scripture states, “Your care for others is the measure of your greatness” (Luke 9:48 TLB). Scripturally, George O. Wood achieved greatness. May we all aspire to do the same.”
Evangel University Twitter: “Thank you, George O. Wood, for your incredible impact on the global Assemblies of God fellowship and on our university. We are forever grateful.”
Glenn Burris, president of the Foursquare denomination, shared: “What an outstanding leader. He will be missed!”
Doug Beacham, leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, shared: “The IPHC global family joins with PCCNA and many others in prayer at the passing of Dr. George O. Wood.”
Justin Lathrop, president and CEO of The Lathrop Group and former local AG pastor for several years, tweeted: “So sad to learn of the passing of @georgeowood. I will always be grateful for my five years working at the @ag_usa office and getting a front row seat to his leadership.”
“He has finished his race and receiving his reward. A great leader! Prayers for his family and everyone that this great man of God blessed with his leadership.” – Manai Fou AG Church in Alaska. {eoa}
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