Tributes have been pouring in by Australian Christians following news of the death of the country’s reputed first TV evangelist and pastor Clark Taylor, founder of the International Network of Churches, previously Christian Outreach Centre. He died aged 87, the church network announced on November 10. No further details were given.
Born into a farming family in Queensland in 1937, Vision Media’s 20Twenty reports that Taylor’s father died in a tractor accident and he took charge of a million acre cattle station. A cousin invited him to a Billy Graham crusade in 1959 and he went despite being opposed to religion.
“I was in those days against religion,” he said, as quoted by 20Twenty. “I thought ministers were bludgers [sic], and I wasn’t very fussed on Americans. Quite stupid of me, but that’s who I was, very rough, very quick-tempered, very angry.”
However, Taylor encountered a powerful vision of the risen Jesus and surrendered his life after understanding the reality of what happened on the cross.
“I don’t remember one word that Billy Graham said,” he recalled. “I was occupied with the vision of Christ that I saw.”
As an evangelist and pastor, Taylor quickly established a reputation for powerful preaching and a dedication to sharing the gospel.
Taylor learned to hear God’s voice and began Christian Outreach Centre in his own home with wife Anne in 1974, which grew from 25 people to 150 churches in Australia and eight in other countries, alongside various education facilities including schools for young people in different locations.
Taylor also ran a popular television program “A New Way of Living” in the late 1970s, which helped his church grow in numbers to become reportedly one of the largest fellowships in the late 1980s.
In a tribute statement, Citipointe Christian College in Carindale, one of the schools founded by Taylor, stated that he left a “lasting legacy of faith, leadership, and service that has impacted countless lives worldwide.”
“Pastor Clark was renowned for his unwavering belief in God’s power to work wonders, inspiring others with his conviction that ‘nothing is impossible with God.’ His visionary faith has influenced generations, shaping communities, ministries, and individuals who carry forward his message of hope,” read the college tribute.
Citipointe Christian College itself stood as a testament for Taylor’s passion for Christian education, according to the facility, “instilling values that have guided thousands of students to grow in both knowledge and faith.”
“His foundational role in our college’s story reminds us daily of the mission to serve, learn, and lead with purpose. Our heartfelt prayers are with Pastor Clark’s family and loved ones in this time of mourning, and we remain deeply grateful for his enduring impact."
The International Network of Churches also posted a tribute on Facebook with many responding with positive stories about the benefits of Clark’s ministry on their own lives.
“Pastor Clark was a true pioneer, a visionary leader, and a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to building a movement that continues to impact lives across the world.
“As a pioneer of faith, he believed in the miraculous and instilled a deep conviction that ‘nothing is impossible with God.’ His influence has shaped the generations that have followed and will continue to echo through the lives touched by the churches, ministries, and individuals he inspired.
“Today, we honor and remember his incredible contribution to the Kingdom. We will continue to build on his legacy to reach our world for Christ.”
Funeral details were not publicly announced at the time of publication.
