A leader Affectionately known as Pastor Jack has passed away. He died on Jan. 8, 2023, at 88.
Jack Hayford was an American pastor, author and motivational speaker who was the founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City, Missouri.
He has written several books and has appeared on television programs such as The 700 Club and The Dr. Oz Show to discuss issues related to prayer. He has also conducted seminars for Christian ministries around the world, including Jerusalem, Tokyo and Beijing.
Hayford was born in 1957 in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Pepperdine University in Malibu with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1979. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, California in 1982.
In 1986 he became pastor of Bethel Church in Redondo Beach, California where he remained until 1990 when he resigned to move his family to Kansas City where IHOP was founded.
He is recognized as one of the world’s most influential leaders in the area of church growth and discipleship.
Hayford has authored 17 books on spiritual leadership and has been featured in hundreds of media outlets worldwide. His messages have been heard by millions in churches, conferences, universities and other venues worldwide.
Hayford was named one of Christianity Today’s Top 50 Pastors to Follow on Twitter. In addition he has been named one of America’s Top 100 Spiritual Leaders by Spirit Daily and one of Britain’s Top 50 Spiritual Leaders by The Times Newspaper.
Jack Hayford received his Master’s degree in Bible from Oral Roberts University and an undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University (ORU). He has taught at ORU as an instructor and administrator since 1973. In addition to his work at ORU, he has served as a professor at both Baylor University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Jack Hayford marry his second wife, Valarie Lemire
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2016, Hayford’s 1954 bride Anna Marie Smith passed away in 2017.
They spent more than 60 years together; she was his college sweetheart.
In 2018, Jack Hayford married to Valarie Lemire. The name of his second spouse is Valarie Lemire Hayford. She outlives her most recent spouse as well as his four kids from his first marriage to Anna.