On January 30, 2025, Dr. E. Glenn Hinson entered the great cloud of witnesses, leaving a profound legacy of faith, scholarship, and spiritual formation. Glenn was a beloved Baptist professor, author, mentor, and guide whose impact on The Academy for Spiritual Formation spanned nearly three decades. From the very first Two-Year Academy to Five-Day and Two-Year Academies through 2012, his wisdom and presence shaped the lives of countless participants.
In addition to his teaching, Glenn published numerous books in his life, including Feeding on the Word, which is part of The Upper Room’s popular Companions in Christ series. Glenn was also a regular contributor to Weavings Journal.
Johnny Sears, Executive Director of The Upper Room Programs, reflects, “Glenn was one of my key mentors and was instrumental to my participation in Academy #25, which eventually led to me joining The Upper Room staff as Academy Director.” As a tribute to Glenn’s influence on The Academy and in his life, Johnny wrote an article called “Contemplation in a World of Action: Thomas Merton, Douglas Steere, E. Glenn Hinson, and The Academy for Spiritual Formation,” which was published in an issue of the Baptist History & Heritage journal (read the article here). Glenn’s influence was not only personal but also deeply formative for The Academy itself, helping to cultivate a contemplative approach to Christian discipleship that remains at its heart today.
We give thanks for the life and witness of E. Glenn Hinson. His passion for spiritual formation, his faithfulness to the contemplative path, and his generous mentorship will continue to bear fruit in the lives of those he influenced. We take comfort in knowing that he is now among the communion of saints, cheering us on as we continue the work of embodying God’s love in the world.
A memorial service honoring Dr. Hinson will be held on March 15, 2025, at Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, with visitation at 12:30 PM followed by a worship service at 2:00 PM.
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