It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend John M. Perkins, a visionary evangelical minister, civil rights activist, and tireless advocate for the poor, who died on March 13, 2026, at his home in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 95. He had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in recent years.
Rev. Perkins left a legacy far beyond fame: he created a movement. By insisting that genuine Christian faith must actively confront poverty, racism, and injustice, he offered thousands of churches a practical roadmap for transformative service. Through his ministry, Perkins reshaped how evangelical Christians view racial reconciliation and community engagement, and the organizations he founded continue his work in communities across the United States.
Born on June 16, 1930, in New Hebron, Mississippi, Perkins’ path to ministry was not immediate. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he worked in a California grocery store, seeking meaningful work. His spiritual awakening began when his young son Spencer came home singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Inspired, Perkins began attending church and studying the Bible, eventually converting to Christianity and pursuing ordination. He became a Baptist minister in 1958.
Returning to Mississippi with his family, Perkins combined faith with activism. He organized voter registration drives, led boycotts against discriminatory businesses, and championed racial equality. In 1970, he survived a near-fatal beating by police, an experience he recounted in his 1976 book Let Justice Roll Down, which highlighted his commitment to faith, justice, and reconciliation.
Perkins’ ministry emphasized not only preaching the gospel but also providing tangible support—housing, employment, and education—to the poor. He founded the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), now a national network of over 600 churches and organizations, as well as the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and the Spencer Perkins Center for youth and family services.
His influence extended into education through programs like the John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows at Calvin College and the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development at Seattle Pacific University. Recognized widely for his contributions, he received nearly 20 honorary doctorates and awards including the Mississippi Medal of Service and the NAACP Ruby McKnight Williams Award. The band Switchfoot paid tribute with the 2010 song “The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues).”
Rev. Perkins is survived by his wife, Vera Mae; his children, Joanie, Derek, Deborah, Philip, Priscilla, and Elizabeth; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sons, Spencer and Wayne. His life of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith leaves a lasting legacy, inspiring countless individuals to pursue justice, reconciliation, and service.
