Phillips Theological Seminary Mourns the Passing of John Hadley Bennett
Phillips Theological Seminary honors the life of the Rev. Dr. John Hadley Bennett, a dedicated leader whose ministry profoundly influenced rural churches and communities throughout his home state of Missouri and beyond. Bennett, who passed away at age 85 on July 15, 2025, played an important role in what is now known as the Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary.
Born on April 18, 1940, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, Bennett was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1965. Throughout his career, he held significant pastoral and leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as associate director and then director of the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry in Jefferson City. Under his leadership, the center became an essential resource for equipping clergy and laypersons for effective rural and small church ministry.
Upon his retirement in 2005, the Missouri School of Religion honored Bennett by establishing the John Bennett Award for Meritorious Ministry in Church and Community. Following the closure of the Missouri School of Religion, Phillips Theological Seminary assumed responsibility for its programs, incorporating them into its own educational offerings through the Center for Ministry and Lay Training. This transition ensured the continuation of Bennett’s passion for nurturing vibrant and resilient congregations.
“John Bennett’s unwavering commitment to justice, community empowerment, and pastoral excellence deeply resonates with our mission at Phillips,” said President F. Douglas Powe Jr., PhD. “His legacy is reflected daily in the ongoing work and leadership of the Center for Ministry and Lay Training.”
A passionate advocate for social justice throughout his ministry, Bennett said, “my ministry is bracketed by participation in a Civil Rights March led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago in 1964 and participation in the ‘Medicaid 23’ Justice Witness Event in the Missouri Senate Gallery on May 6, 2014, in which we declared, ‘Medicaid expansion is a moral imperative!’”
Bennett’s accolades include the David Brent Racial Justice Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award, and the Torch Bearer for Justice Award.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a host of family and friends. Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, on July 26, 2025.