Remembering Arno Weniger–Fred Moritz

Arno Q. Weniger Jr.

Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr. passed into the presence of the Lord on September 9, 2018.

We remember his effective pastoral ministries at First Baptist Church in International Falls, Minnesota, and Calvary Baptist Church in Normal, Illinois. Under his leadership, many were saved and Calvary Baptist Church developed great influence in the state and across the nation.

We also remember his outstanding ministry as an educator.  The church in Normal had a large Christian school.  Dr. Weniger became a leader in Christian education, both in Illinois and in the American Association of Christian Schools.

Dr. Weniger’s last ministry was as president of Maranatha Baptist University.  He led the University for fifteen years. The academic programs experienced significant development; several buildings were added to the campus, and many young people were trained for effective service in local church ministries, both in the United States and around the world.

I first met Bud by coincidence.  I was a student at Pillsbury College, working on the summer maintenance crew.  He pastored a church in International Falls, Minnesota (1960-64) and was completing his B.D. work at Central Seminary.  Central offered a summer school course on the Pillsbury campus, and we met at that time.  That was probably in the summer of 1962.

Dr. Weniger’s pastoral ministry is a matter of record.  God greatly blessed his ministry in Normal and the church grew exponentially. The church’s ministry impacted many churches in Illinois.  Under his leadership the ministry hosted an annual state wide youth conclave in the fall.  Hundreds of young people attended that one day meeting and many made decisions for Christ.

Calvary Baptist Church developed a vision for world evangelism.  Under his leadership the church commissioned several families for foreign missionary service and financially supported many others.

I was elected to the Baptist World Mission board in 1972.  Dr. Weniger was elected to that board in 1979. I worked with him as a board member for two years.

In 1981 I was elected Assistant to the General Director at Baptist World Mission, and named Executive Director in 1984.  For several years I worked closely with Dr. Weniger in that relationship and appreciated his heart for the Lord, his love for missions, and his exceptional administrative acumen.

Dr. Weniger exhibited a genuine love for Christ.  He also loved the souls of men and worked to bring people to Christ. He was a gifted preacher and excellent administrator.  He worked tirelessly to preach the Word in the United States and around the world.

 

Fred Moritz

September 7, 2018