“He was a great man. But didn’t know it,” was once said of a beloved preacher from a bygone era. The same compliment could easily be spoken of Sewell Hall, who passed from this life last Sunday afternoon at the age of 96.
Sewell was 40 years old when I began preaching full-time in 1970. By then, he was already widely respected and deeply loved among faithful Christians.
Although I never had the privilege of working alongside Sewell in gospel meetings or other ministry, I benefited greatly from his preaching, writing, and quiet influence. Two of his books remain among my favorites: Hallmarks—Lights in the World and, more recently, The Winter of Life—Redeeming the Time, a thoughtful and encouraging book for those of us growing older in the Lord.
Since his passing, many heartfelt tributes have appeared on social media and various websites. Of all those I’ve read, one of the simplest—and most insightful—was written by Josh Carter. Rather than recount Sewell’s accomplishments, Josh captures what made him such an extraordinary servant of God.
Read it. Reflect on it. And be challenged to cultivate the same Christ-centered devotion that characterized Sewell Hall’s remarkable life
The most compelling feature of Sewell Hall was the way he was compelled to live by his devotion to Jesus Christ.
Sewell made such a great impact on so many people, in so many different places, and in so many different ways. My experience is only a very small piece in a very large picture. Even so, contributing my own account seemed good to me also.
I was 15 years old when I first attended the Young Men’s Leadership Camp that Sewell started in Russellville, Alabama. While I believe there were many parts of the camp that worked together to alter the course of my life, I can identify a single experience as the moment a substantial shift began to occur.
One morning before breakfast, Sewell decided to begin the day with a short talk from Isaiah 6. The text was familiar to me, but something about the way Sewell presented it that day made me feel like I was hearing it for the first time.
There was an earnestness in his words as he described the magnificence of the throne scene. There was reverence and awe in his voice as he read the cries of the seraphim: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” When he finally got to the prophet’s response, I felt as though Isaiah’s words had become my very own: “Here I am! Send me.”
Sewell’s profound appreciation for the transcendent glory of God helped me comprehend the privilege of serving God in a way I had never adequately considered.
I knew right then that I wanted to have a relationship with God like Sewell Hall did. I wanted to know God in a way that compelled me to eagerly do his will in my own life too.
I would have several other scattered interactions with Sewell over the next 20 years. Anytime I listened to him speak publicly or talked with him privately, I always felt like I had been given a valuable piece of wisdom to take with me. And every time, I was impressed with his devotion to the Lord all over again.
In one of our final interactions, we discussed the nature of Jesus and his church. Towards the end of that conversation, Sewell observed that some people seem to think we “go to the church to find Jesus.” He said, “In my estimation, it’s just the opposite. We don’t go to the church to find Jesus. We go to Jesus to find the church.”
Sewell believed that Christ alone is worthy of being at the center of our loyalty and affection. By seeking him, we would be able to recognize his people.
By the grace of God, Sewell’s love for Jesus made him who he was. If we learn anything from him, it’s that the people who become most like Jesus are the ones who have come to see his glory most vividly for themselves.
Josh’s tribute echoes what so many others have said in recent days. Sewell Hall’s greatest legacy was not simply his preaching, his books, or the countless lives he influenced. It was that he pointed people to Jesus.
His life reminds us that true greatness is found not in seeking recognition but in faithfully serving the Lord and helping others see His glory.
His passing also brings to mind the words spoken from heaven to the apostle John:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:13).
Brother Sewell’s labors are finished, but his influence continues through the lives he touched and the faith he inspired.
Rest from your labors, Brother Sewell. We look forward to the day when, by God’s grace, we will meet again on resurrection morning
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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