Abingdon Press author and longtime ministry partner J. Ellsworth Kalas died Nov. 12 at age 92.

Kalas was the author of over 35 books and nearly 30 studies, including A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament; Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the New Testament; I Bought a House on Gratitude Street; Christian Believer and the popular "Back Side" series, which looked at biblical topics from a different perspective (all titles through Abingdon). Kalas was also a presenter on the Disciple Bible study videos. In 1993, he was on the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary, where he served as president and then as senior professor of homiletics. He was a United Methodist pastor for 38 years and also served five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council.

Neil Alexander, president and publisher at The United Methodist Publishing House, commented on Kalas’ legacy.

“Ellsworth Kalas was a consummate gentleman, magnificent storyteller and generous collaborator,” Alexander said. “He was an awestruck, animated, eloquent and trusted eyewitness to the lavish mercies and transforming love of God.” 

Mary Catherine Dean, associate publisher and editor in chief at Abingdon, said that Ellsworth will be missed.

“We received notes from readers every time we published something with Ellsworth’s name on it,” Dean said. “His hundreds of thousands of readers are grateful that his words will live on to enrich our faith and our lives for years to come. Ellsworth embodied faith in exemplary ways, hope to the fullest and love in abundance. It has been a privilege to work with him for more than 25 years. He will be missed.”

Kalas' published works are still available in print and digital formats, including the collection with The Best of J. Ellsworth Kalas: Telling the Greatest Story Ever Told Like It’s Never Been Told Before. His last book, The Story Continues: The Acts of the Apostles for Today, will release in April 2016.

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