A Tribute to Jack Pogue, My Friend and Co-Laborer in Christ

Jack with our granddaughters Abi & Beka Howell— they loved Mr. Pogue as did our children Armour & Carmen and as do we!

Paige and I met Jack Pogue in 1975. I think he was Dr. Criswell’s personal representative on the Presidential Search Committee for Criswell College. Jack was humble and fearless while bearing his testimony and commitment to Scripture consistently and courageously. He was too shy to do any speaking before a group but never ceased to bear a bold witness one-on-one.

In summarizing his life ministry over half a century he was—

• a soul-winner by example and testimony;

• a dedicated student of Holy Scripture. He took his copy of the 1st edition of the Criswell Study Bible on every trip we made, whether to Russia or Israel or a meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention—so worn and tattered from use that he had to keep it in its presentation box so as not to lose a page!

• a successful businessman with integrity and a widely recognized success in making fair and not a few historic deals;

• an investor in theological education not only in Dallas but also throughout the world;

• the founder of the Criswell Foundation and the W.A. Criswell Sermon Library;

• the unparalleled helper and encourager of the famed pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas—W.A. Criswell; and

• in the midst of this great kingdom work, our friend and ministry partner in raising money for the Criswell College, preparing and publishing the Criswell Study Bible as its lay editor; and an active participant in the Southern Baptist Conservative Resurgence.

When Jack entered the heavenly court, he found himself at the feet of our precious Lord—hearing the words of Jesus himself, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

Until Jesus comes for me, I know that my friend and co-laborer Jack Pogue will be interceding directly to the Father in my behalf. May our Lord hasten His return!