Kay Lee Arthur, a revered Christian author, teacher, and co-founder of Precept Ministries International, passed away peacefully, leaving behind an enduring legacy of faith, discipleship, and devotion to Scripture. Born on November 11, 1933, in Jackson, Michigan, Kay was 91 years old at the time of her passing. Her life’s work has touched millions through her teachings, books, and ministry, solidifying her place as one of the most impactful voices in modern Christian education.
Arthur’s early life was marked by both spiritual searching and personal transformation. After earning her nursing diploma in 1955, she married Frank Thomas Goetz Jr. and later divorced in 1961. In 1963, during a season of personal difficulty, Kay experienced a profound recommitment to her Christian faith that would shape the rest of her life. Determined to pursue God’s calling, she moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended Tennessee Temple University. There she met Jack Arthur, a fellow theology graduate, whom she married in 1965.
Together, Kay and Jack served briefly as missionaries in Mexico before returning to Chattanooga due to medical concerns. There, a humble Bible study in their living room grew into Precept Ministries International (PMI)—an organization dedicated to inductive Bible study and scriptural literacy. The couple transformed a 32-acre farm into what would become the ministry’s headquarters, a place where seekers from around the world could gather to study God’s Word in depth.
Kay Arthur was not only a teacher but a prolific author. She published dozens of books, many of which became foundational resources for Christians seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Among her most influential works were Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today, The New Inductive Study Bible, and A Marriage Without Regrets. She was a four-time recipient of the ECPA Christian Book Award and received the NRB Hall of Fame Award in 2011.
Through her popular teaching series, Precepts for Life, Kay reached audiences across radio, television, and digital platforms, guiding them through the Bible with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Her inductive Bible study method equipped generations of believers to interpret Scripture for themselves, a legacy that continues through PMI’s global outreach today.
Her influence extended into public life as well. In 2009, Arthur signed the Manhattan Declaration, aligning with other Christian leaders in standing for religious conscience on issues such as abortion and marriage. She also spoke at prominent Christian gatherings, including events at Liberty University, Union University, and a 2016 rally connected to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Beyond her public accomplishments, Kay was a devoted mother to three sons and a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren. She remained steadfast in faith through life’s joys and sorrows, including the loss of her beloved husband Jack in 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Kay Arthur’s life was a testimony to the transformative power of God’s Word. She was more than a teacher—she was a spiritual mother to many, a mentor, and a faithful servant. Her commitment to biblical truth and her passion for discipleship will live on in the countless lives she touched through her books, teachings, and ministry.
As the Christian community mourns her passing, we also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Kay Arthur’s voice may be silenced here on earth, but her words and witness will continue to resonate through the lives of those she inspired to dig deeper into God’s Word and live it out with conviction and grace.
