Last updated: 9th March
Iconic Australian preacher and evangelist John Smith has died at the age of 76 following a long battle with cancer.
John Smith in an undated photo.
Rev Dr Smith, the founder of Christian motorcycle club God Squad as well as Christian mission and welfare organisation Concern Australia, was known as a social commentator, a prolific writer and public speaker, addressing Christian, business and school groups – among others – across Australia and beyond.
He died at home in the coastal community of Ocean Grove, Victoria, late on 6th March surrounded by family and friends. Smith is survived by his wife Glena, his three children and grandchildren.
Smith was known for his advocacy of Christ’s love for the poor and the marginalised. He was also the founder of a couple of Christian communities in Melbourne.
Tributes posted on the internet have talked about the influence he had on many people’s lives.
Mal Fletcher, a London based futurist and social commentator (and Sight contributor), left a tribute on Instagram in which he described Smith, who he said was a role model, as a “world-class apologist and prophet” and man of “deep compassion and conviction”.
“His passion for people, esp underdogs, led him to found the God Squad, Australia’s best known outreach to bikers,” he wrote. “John had considerable international influence, even outside the church – his time addressing the UN stands out for me. He was one of the most erudite Australians I’ve had the privilege of knowing. John Smith was a beacon in dark places. Prophets are often without honour in their own nations, but where the history of faith in Australia is concerned, John Smith will not be soon forgotten.”
Correction: The date of John Smith’s passing has been corrected to 6th March, not the early hours of the 7th as originally reported. His age has also been corrected to 76, not 77. Apologies for the errors.
