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Pastor Jack: The Authorized Biography of Jack Hayford
Jack Hayford is rightly known as a “pastor of pastors.” The facts bear this he is the author of over 50 books, the writer of 600 hymns and choruses (including the internationally popular “Majesty”), and a pentecostal leader committed to building bridges while maintaining the integrity of the gospel.
For Pastor Jack, David Moore was granted unrestricted access to Hayford’s journals and personal correspondence and completed over 60 hours of personal interviews to offer the first authorized biography of this extraordinary man. From the miraculous healings he experienced as a child to the moment he sensed God calling him to the pastorate for more than 60 years of fruitful ministry, Hayford has witnessed and proclaimed God’s mighty works with boldness and grace. This exploration of his life and legacy will inspire Hayford’s lifelong followers as well as those new to his words and faith.
For Pastor Jack, David Moore was granted unrestricted access to Hayford’s journals and personal correspondence and completed over 60 hours of personal interviews to offer the first authorized biography of this extraordinary man. From the miraculous healings he experienced as a child to the moment he sensed God calling him to the pastorate for more than 60 years of fruitful ministry, Hayford has witnessed and proclaimed God’s mighty works with boldness and grace. This exploration of his life and legacy will inspire Hayford’s lifelong followers as well as those new to his words and faith.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2020
37 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 24, 2020
I met Jack Hayford at a late 60's church youth camp where he was a featured teacher, and sat under him there a week. This bio is warmly recommended to Christians who desire to actively follow Jesus, especially those who seek the Holy Spirit's direction in their lives and who wish to do so while avoiding the excesses occasionally found in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. The book is well-written.
April 23, 2025
I DID finish reading this book .. but never got back to write a review.
A good biography. A blessing that breaks up all my fiction reading (which is huge.)
A good biography. A blessing that breaks up all my fiction reading (which is huge.)
October 1, 2020
When I was first offered the opportunity to read an advance copy of “Pastor Jack”, I was hesitant. All I knew about Jack Hayford is that he is a Pentecostal minister. I’m a life-long member of a non-Pentecostal denomination and didn’t think I would “appreciate” or get anything from S. David Moore’s biography. I could not have been more wrong!
First, this book is extremely well-written. Moore is clear and his discussion of topics that are to me unfamiliar and somewhat complex are thorough yet concise. His admiration (which he openly admits to at the outset) of Hayford does not color this biography — quite the contrary. His tone is very objective as he discusses the complex human being that Hayford is. Moore does not shy away from discussing Hayford’s struggles, foibles, and sin.
Furthermore, this book is thoroughly researched (as evidenced by the appendices) and has obviously been carefully edited. “Pastor Jack” is free of the mechanical and grammatical errors that plague books published today, even those released by major publishing houses.
The content itself is both edifying and illuminating. Moore begins at the beginning, with Hayford’s birth and childhood, family life, religious upbringing, etc., and then covers his education, and adult life in terms of both his ministry and his “private” life. It is a fascinating account! The quotes from Hayford’s sermons, personal letters, etc., and interviews bring the story to life and make clear the values and beliefs that have guided Hayford throughout his life.
A reader of “Pastor Jack” will come away with a much better understanding of the Pentecostal movement as well. Those who, like myself, were only familiar with very broad stereotypes, will have a much clearer picture of what the Pentecostal faith really is. They will also better understand how Hayford struggled with some aspects of it. How he dealt with those aspects and forged his own path — always adhering to Biblical principles and respectful of Pentecostal leadership and beliefs — provides important lessons to all of us as we try to honor our own denomination beliefs *and* our personal understanding of the Bible as we live our own lives.
“Pastor Jack” is a biography for everyone. Pentecostal or non-Pentecostal; Christian or not; teen or young adult or adult or senior; man or woman; whatever the race, creed, nationality, or religion . . . this book is interesting and impactful, even life-changing.
First, this book is extremely well-written. Moore is clear and his discussion of topics that are to me unfamiliar and somewhat complex are thorough yet concise. His admiration (which he openly admits to at the outset) of Hayford does not color this biography — quite the contrary. His tone is very objective as he discusses the complex human being that Hayford is. Moore does not shy away from discussing Hayford’s struggles, foibles, and sin.
Furthermore, this book is thoroughly researched (as evidenced by the appendices) and has obviously been carefully edited. “Pastor Jack” is free of the mechanical and grammatical errors that plague books published today, even those released by major publishing houses.
The content itself is both edifying and illuminating. Moore begins at the beginning, with Hayford’s birth and childhood, family life, religious upbringing, etc., and then covers his education, and adult life in terms of both his ministry and his “private” life. It is a fascinating account! The quotes from Hayford’s sermons, personal letters, etc., and interviews bring the story to life and make clear the values and beliefs that have guided Hayford throughout his life.
A reader of “Pastor Jack” will come away with a much better understanding of the Pentecostal movement as well. Those who, like myself, were only familiar with very broad stereotypes, will have a much clearer picture of what the Pentecostal faith really is. They will also better understand how Hayford struggled with some aspects of it. How he dealt with those aspects and forged his own path — always adhering to Biblical principles and respectful of Pentecostal leadership and beliefs — provides important lessons to all of us as we try to honor our own denomination beliefs *and* our personal understanding of the Bible as we live our own lives.
“Pastor Jack” is a biography for everyone. Pentecostal or non-Pentecostal; Christian or not; teen or young adult or adult or senior; man or woman; whatever the race, creed, nationality, or religion . . . this book is interesting and impactful, even life-changing.
October 17, 2020
I have known about Pastor Jack Hayford for years. I frequently watched his televised services and looked forward to hearing him speak on biblical and cultural topics. He is a trusted voice for both believers and seekers. But "Pastor Jack: The Authorized Biography of Jack Hayford," gave me a comprehensive look into the personal, familial, cultural, spiritual, and denominational dynamics that shaped Jack Hayford's soul. I was not disappointed by what I discovered. The book seems to write itself.What I found was a fellow human being who humbly chose to give His life to God and let Him direct his path--no matter the cost. I saw through the writing of S. David Moore, a man driven to be his authentic self before God and others. It's the kind of life I want to live. Thanks to Mr. Moore and Mr. Hayford for reminding me that with God such a life is possible.
January 30, 2021
Pastor Jack is not only a great biography, but is a great resources for someone looking for a great role model. Jack is definitely someone to learn from through getting to know who he his, what he lived through, and accomplished. Jack Hayfod had a tremendous impact on the faith.
October 23, 2020
Just ordered and cannot wait! Heard many good things about this book. He is an amazing Pastor. I think this will be a home run
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September 30, 2020Currently reading
October 24, 2020
“Tell me in front of Jesus” one of the most powerful statements in parenting I have ever heard. Not as a threat but a thought. Pastor Jack has covered so much in his autobiography! For any person to open up his personal journal to the world and share his feelings, his personal thoughts as he grows from childhood to a great man of God gives us the encouragement we need to stay on track. David Moore thank you for the many hours you spent giving us the insight into the ‘Pastor of Pastor’s”
Highly recommend reading and soaking in this book no matter you’re age or place in life.
Highly recommend reading and soaking in this book no matter you’re age or place in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
Such an empowering, inspiring story of the life of a great man of God, one after God's own heart.
I am an advance reader of this book, and highly recommend it. Pastor Jack's early life in ministry can teach us all a lesson, as well as the lessons he learned from his mother. There are vulnerable stories that share just how human Pastor Jack was, and how God helped him to overcome his humanity.
I am an advance reader of this book, and highly recommend it. Pastor Jack's early life in ministry can teach us all a lesson, as well as the lessons he learned from his mother. There are vulnerable stories that share just how human Pastor Jack was, and how God helped him to overcome his humanity.
September 2, 2021
I have always respected Pastor Jack Hayford. I enjoyed learning more about his life. The author of this biography did not seem to be a professional writer and gave too many footnotes that added no additional information to the biography. The strength of the story of Jack Hayford's life outweighed the weakness of the author's writing skills.
February 27, 2023
This is an enjoyable read about a man who was one of the main leaders of the Pentecostal movement. What I really liked about this book was how it described the way Hayford was able to connect so effectively with different denominations outside of Pentecostalism. He was a man who sought unity in the midst of theological differences and I think this is s great example for us today.
This is a good book for both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals alike, as Hayford demonstrated you can have a solid biblical understanding of doctrine and experience the life of the Spirit. It is not one or the other.
Parts of the book were very honest including his shortcomings and struggles which makes the book very human. I felt the end of the book was a bit rushed, some topics (such as his theological views of Israel) were only briefly mentioned, I think more detail could have been put in.
This is a good book for both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals alike, as Hayford demonstrated you can have a solid biblical understanding of doctrine and experience the life of the Spirit. It is not one or the other.
Parts of the book were very honest including his shortcomings and struggles which makes the book very human. I felt the end of the book was a bit rushed, some topics (such as his theological views of Israel) were only briefly mentioned, I think more detail could have been put in.
October 1, 2020
Pastor Jack Hanford is an amazing man of God. Although I’m just beginning to read this autobiography it is already providing me with hope for this world and hunger to know more and grow spiritually. This is just the read for this...I will return with more as I continue to read.
March 2, 2021
Great overview of an influential Christian leader. His ideas and approach to ministry touched a generation of pastors.
December 12, 2021
A man who walked with God. Provoking read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews