Southern Baptist Pastor Nelson Price Passes Away at 94 after Many Years of Dedicated Service

Nelson Price, Notable Southern Baptist Leader, Passes Away at 94

Nelson Price, a revered figure within the Southern Baptist Convention, died on Saturday at the age of 94.

He served as the lead pastor of Roswell Street Baptist Church for an impressive 35 years, during which he expanded the congregation to over 10,000 members, marking it as one of the largest in the denomination.

Allen Jackson, the pastor of Dunwoody Baptist Church in Georgia, remembered Price as “an example of modern heroes and shepherds” in his life. The two had developed a friendship while Price was an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he played a significant role in guiding Jackson’s father to faith.

Jackson recounted, “In 1998, my father embraced faith, but due to his health, he couldn’t go to church. He mentioned on TV that he liked a particular pastor he watched every Sunday. That was Dr. Price. When I shared this with him, he personally called my father to welcome him to his church.”

Mike Anderson, a longtime friend and the senior pastor at Ridge Church, described Price as “one of those big spiritual giants.” Richard Land, the executive editor of Christian Post, also reminisced about hearing Price preach at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Chapel during the 1960s. “He received a standing ovation; it was evident he would become a significant voice in Southern Baptist life for years to come,” Land reflected.

Land characterized Price as “a great man of God” who maintained an elegant and supportive demeanor while serving the SBC.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Price held numerous leadership positions, such as the Fellowship President of the National Council of Christian Athletes from 1999 to 2005, the President of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 1987, and the President of the Georgia Baptist Conference from 1982 to 1983. He also served on various committees at Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans and the University of Louisiana.

In addition to his leadership roles, Price authored 20 books and hosted a popular television and radio program titled “Come Alive” on WFTD L080 AM. He was also instrumental in overseeing the Prolife Pregnancy Care Center and launched a local ministry aimed at supporting unmarried mothers.