Remembering Dr. Malphurs and Continuing His Legacy

The board of directors and leadership of The Malphurs Group announced today that its founder, Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, has died at the age of 78.

Aubrey Milton Malphurs was born on February 20, 1944, and was raised in Gainesville, FL. Dr. Malphurs attended Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM, 1978; PhD, 1981). He loved Florida Gators football, and had a good-natured, dry sense of humor. He was cherished by friends and family for his genuine kindness and humility. Despite his acclaim as an author and speaker, Dr. Malphurs was always quick to listen, slow to speak, and embodied a spirit of gentleness. Our team at The Malphurs Group will miss his steady presence, quick wit, and kind heart.

Dr. Aubrey Malphurs impacted countless pastors around the world throughout four decades of faithful ministry. He inspired thousands of students throughout his 38-year teaching career at Dallas Theological Seminary, but influenced thousands more through his prolific writing and consulting ministry. While we honor his legacy by equipping churches and pastors to make and mature disciples of Jesus, our team finds comfort in knowing that Dr. Malphurs has joined the “great crowd of witnesses” described in Scripture and is right now cheering us on alongside his Savior.

While we mourn for his family and miss our friend and co-laborer in the Gospel, we are encouraged that the work he began decades ago in training pastors and serving churches continues to make a global impact. The Malphurs Group serves thousands of pastors around the world every year through its content, training, speaking events, and on-site consulting. Aubrey was an award-winning and prolific author. He wrote more than 20 books on topics ranging from leadership development, strategic planning, and church health, which are a blessing and encouragement to thousands of leaders. His best-selling book, Advanced Strategic Planning has been read by tens of thousands of leaders around the globe.

As a consequence of his practically-oriented writings for church leaders, Dr. Malphurs was asked to consult with various churches who sought to implement his books in their context. This prompted Dr. Malphurs in the 1990’s to form The Malphurs Group, a church consulting firm that helps churches clarify their vision and become more effective in making and maturing disciples. In 2016, The Malphurs Group became a non-profit organization. Today, The Malphurs Group provides low-cost consulting services to churches in the United States and free training and consulting to any church outside of the United States.

Dr. Aubrey Malphurs practiced what he preached in raising up the next generation of leaders and by empowering them to continue the mission of The Malphurs Group. In 2008, he brought on Ron Donnini as CEO to help him expand the scope of the ministry. In 2017, A.J. Mathieu was installed as president of the Malphurs Group, and Scott Ball was installed as the vice president in 2020. Over the last few years, he gradually empowered the team he built with more responsibility. 

In a testament to Dr. Malphurs’ leadership, The Malphurs Group has increased its capacity each year and is on pace to serve more churches in 2022 than in any previous year, including a growing number of churches outside of the United States. The Malphurs Group has served thousands of churches through its various tools, and has a global vision to equip pastors around the world at no cost. His team looks forward to honoring Dr. Malphurs by continuing the mission for decades to come.

Dr. Aubrey Malphurs—the faithful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and humble follower of Jesus Christ—is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan; their four children; and 8 grandchildren.