A Tribute to Paul Earnhart

There is a stanza in The Psalm of Life by the 19th century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that comes to mind as I think of the life of Paul Earnhart.

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;

Paul Earnhart passed from this life last week at the age of 92. He lived in Louisville, Kentucky. And served as a minister at the Douglas Hills church for 30+ years. He was a well known gospel preacher to many who read this blog. Some of you knew him well. Others only by reputation or reading his writings. Others of our readers may not have known our friend and brother, but you will profit from just learning a little about Paul Earnhart.

In reading through the numerous tributes on social media, here are a few words and phrases others used to describe Paul.

• A dedicated student and teacher of the Bible
• Patient and kind
• Highly esteemed brother
• A good man
• Very real humility
• Passion for Christ
• He had a gentle way
• One of the Lord’s greatest servants
• A Barnabas like encourager
• A beautiful life of faith, service, and evangelism.
• A great example.
• Truly loved people.
• Beloved brother
• A Friend of the family
• A personal inspiration
• A hero of mine
• A life well lived

I’m sure if Paul could return to read these words, he would be somewhat embarrassed, and probably would deflect them with his unique style of wit and wisdom.

Although we weren’t close friends, we became friends when we lived in Louisville from 1985-1991. Paul always had an encouraging word to say to this thirty-something young preacher and was complimentary of my work. Like most other younger preachers, I stood in awe of his ability to exegete scripture, and his insightful, thoughtful, and unequaled manner of proclaiming the gospel.

One encounter that speaks to his humility and desire to recognize those he called his “comrades in the gospel,” occurred when we were on a lecture program together. I was the first speaker preceding Paul for the evening. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous with Paul in audience and knowing he was following me.

However, I did the best I could with my presentation, When Paul rose to speak, he offered a very gracious compliment regarding my lesson by telling a self-depreciating story that elevated my place on the program and diminished his. It was a kind gesture not many men of his stature would’ve offered to a younger preacher.

Here are a few tributes to Paul that we’ve read on facebook

“Paul Earnhart would say that his life was truly a work of the grace, which God willingly bestows upon all those who call on Jesus Christ as Lord being baptized for the forgiveness of sins and who, in turn, share that forgiveness faithfully toward all men in all they say and do” (Bill Robinson)

“He was clearly a man of great wisdom, eloquent–but with wit and humor, and above all humility. He had the great gift of making you feel loved and convicted all at once, and his sermons and conversations always seemed to hit home.” (Stephen Rouse)

Brother Paul touched so many lives. We will remember his love for Jesus, God’s Word, and his brethren. I am a better Christian for having known Paul. His example lives on in those who knew him. Praise God that brother Paul, though dead, yet speaks” ((Adam Litmer, who trained at Douglas Hills.)

“I’m grateful for Paul not because he was an incredible preacher (though he was) but because of the love of God that he shared with all who ever knew him. Seemed to me that his love was rooted in a deeply felt and often expressed appreciation for the grace of God. That grace made him humble and that humility made him always urge us to be humble ourselves, I don’t remember any virtue or practice that Paul elevated more than humility.” (Ben Hall)

“Paul Earnhart preached with a fiery accent of earnestness. He wrote with the truthful style of clarity. He lived with the daily habit of humility. To many of us he was a godly mentor. (Tim Jennings)

It was noted by several people that Paul was fond of saying, “We don’t need more professional preachers, what we need are more devoted disciples.” In fact, Paul warned younger preachers about treating preaching as a profession. Jason Hardin recalls Paul advised, “You’re a Christian, doing what you can do. Your work of service isn’t more important than other works. There is no pecking order. Every Christian is important. Humility, therefore, is imperative.”

Finally, Mark McCrary, who labored along side of Paul at Douglas Hills for 25 years, said in part.

He was a force of nature in the pulpit.
Gentle.
Overwhelming.
Engaging.

“He never treated me as the “junior preacher.” Just by his example and mentorship, he made me a better man, preacher, and Christian.”

“As he was fond of saying, I was his “comrade in the gospel.”
He was my hero in the gospel.”

“His love for the Lord and for his people was unquestionable. I’ll always remember that. And, I will always thank God for the opportunity to work and become friends with Paul Earnhart.’

Paul’s influence will continue to live on through the lives he touched, the preachers he trained, and the wonderful writing he has left us. Not the least of which is his studies in the Sermon on the Mount entitled “Invitation to a Spiritual Revolution.”

It was said of the 19th century born preacher, C. R. Nichol, “He was a great man. But he didn’t know it.” I believe the same can be said of Paul Earnhart.

As Longfellow suggested our lives are made better by the influence of great men, like Paul Earnhart whose works follow him and whose faith we can follow.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman