Clark Taylor, the founder of one of Australia’s fastest-growing church movements and the nation’s first TV evangelist, has passed away at the age of 86.
Born in 1937, Clark left an indelible mark on the Christian community in Australia and beyond.
A Daughter’s Heartfelt Tribute
Robyn Taylor, Clark’s daughter, shared the news with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. “Dad is now face-to-face with Jesus where there is no more pain and no more sadness,” she said. “Our world is a little dimmer. Our cheerleader and greatest encourager has left us, but we are so thankful for the extra years we received. The graciousness and kindness Dad continued to display while in so much pain was inspiring.”
From Humble Beginnings to a Movement
In 1974, Clark and his wife Anne started the Christian Outreach Centre in their home in Keperra, Brisbane, with just 25 adults and a handful of children. Little did they know, this small gathering would burgeon into an international movement.
Clark was known for his charismatic preaching and his gift for praying for the sick. His dynamic approach resonated with many, leading him to the television screens in 1977 with his program “A New Way of Living” on Channel 9. This exposure propelled the rapid growth of the Christian Outreach Centre throughout the 1980s.
Building a Legacy
By 1978, the church had established its first school, now known as Citipointe Christian College. They also acquired a 75-hectare property in the Noosa hinterland at Mt Tuchekoi, which became the site of their first Bible college.
The church’s ambitious projects didn’t stop there. In 1983, they opened a massive 5,000-seat auditorium at Carindale, a testament to the movement’s exponential growth.
Under the leadership of Pastor Neil Miers, who took over around 1990, the movement continued to flourish. In that year alone, they opened 44 new churches. By 2010, the Christian Outreach Centre boasted around 1,600 churches across 30 countries. Their charity arm, Global Care, has since poured millions into worldwide relief efforts.
A Public Fall and Redemption
Despite his successes, Clark’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In the early 1990s, his affair with his secretary became public knowledge, leading to his resignation from the movement he had started. The scandal was widely reported, and many of his supporters felt betrayed.
However, years later, Clark reconciled with his wife Anne and gradually won back the trust of those who had felt disillusioned. His story became one of redemption and forgiveness, echoing the very teachings he had long preached.
Influencing Generations
Clark’s impact on the Christian faith community is undeniable. He was converted at a Billy Graham crusade near Ipswich in 1959, an experience he described vividly. “I don’t remember one word Billy Graham said,” he recalled, “I just saw Christ in a vision, just looking at me.”
Raised as a Methodist, Clark spent his early years on farms and large cattle properties, including one of Australia’s largest in the Northern Territory. His humble beginnings influenced his approach to ministry, emphasizing authenticity and a personal relationship with God.
Pastor Neil Miers reflected on Clark’s legacy, saying, “He had an amazing mantle and an amazing gift. Even in his early days, he made enemies because he shook up people’s notion of Christianity by his passion. He was an instructor. He gave everything he got. One of God’s generals is gone.”
Honoring a Pioneer of Faith
The International Network of Churches, formerly the Christian Outreach Centre, released a statement honoring Clark’s life and contributions. “Clark Taylor was a true pioneer, a visionary leader, and a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to building a movement that continues to impact lives across the world,” the statement read.
“As a pioneer of faith, he believed in the miraculous and instilled a deep conviction that ‘nothing is impossible with God.’ His influence has shaped the generations that have followed and will continue to echo through the lives touched by the churches, ministries, and individuals he inspired.
“Today, we honor and remember his incredible contribution to the Kingdom. We will continue to build on his legacy to reach our world for Christ. We are deeply grateful for his life and ministry, and we join together in prayer for his family and loved ones during this time.”
A Lasting Impact
Clark Taylor’s life was a tapestry of highs and lows, but through it all, he remained committed to his faith and his calling. His story serves as a reminder of the power of redemption, the influence one individual can have, and the enduring impact of steadfast faith.
As the Christian community mourns his passing, many also celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to spreading hope, healing, and the message of God’s love.