Jack Hayford is a legend. Perhaps best known as the songwriter who penned “Majesty,” Pastor Jack led a life that spanned many worlds from pentecostalism to evangelicalism, worship leading to pastoring, and even denominational service. S. David Moore’s biography, a popular version of his PhD dissertation, explores the life of Pastor Jack in a sensitive yet even-handed manner.

Above all, Hayford was a man of character—there was utter transparency between him and God. He was careful to listen to and obey the experiential leading of the Spirit, the voice of God. When his ministry was thriving and he had every opportunity to expand globally, he heard God and remained committed to his local church. Commitment and dedication were the name of the game.

Most interesting to me was how Hayford was thoroughly pentecostal, rooted in the Foursquare denomination, yet remained relevant and engaged with the broader Christian community in a time when this was unusual. He engaged in passionate charismatic praise and worship including praying in tongues frequently, yet handled the questions of other believers, even those in his own congregation, with grace.

These days, pastors often become famous by infamous means—scandals of various varieties. It’s deeply satisfying to read the account of a pastor who served with integrity and finished well.

Moore, S. David. Pastor Jack: The Authorized Biography of Jack Hayford. David C. Cook, 2020.