Willis, retired missionary, creator
of ‘MasterLife’ series, dies

Bella Vista, Ark.—Avery Willis, former Southern Baptist missionary and administrator who perhaps was best known as the creator of the “MasterLife” discipleship training materials, died July 30 after a battle with leukemia. He was 76 years old.

Willis retired as senior vice president for overseas operations of the International Mission Board in 2004. Prior to that appointment, he led the adult discipleship training department at the Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources). “MasterLife” training materials have been translated into more than 50 languages and continue to be published by LifeWay.

“The author of ‘MasterLife’ is with the Master,” LifeWay President Thom Rainer said. “Avery Willis was a Baptist statesman ‘par excellence.’ His contribution to the cause of missions and missions education will have sustained impact for generations to come. He will be missed by all, and my prayer is that the Lord raises up others to continue where he left off for the cause of global missions and kingdom growth.”

In January of this year, Willis was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Doctors, however, were surprised by a quicker-than-expected remission in February, which allowed Willis to return his attention to discipleship. During the next several months, he campaigned for a return to the Bible storying form of discipleship. Often used as a discipleship tool among oral cultures, Willis believed Bible storying could be an effective method in the United States as well.

Willis and other proponents of this discipleship method organized DNA 21: Reclaiming Discipleship in the 21st Century, which launched in April.

“I have known Avery Willis for more than 30 years,” said James Draper Jr., former president of LifeWay. “When I struggled to have a plan to help disciple converts in our church, it was on the back of an envelope at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport that Avery first drew and explained the basic concept of ‘MasterLife.’ This wonderful discipleship program has changed the face of discipleship in the offerings LifeWay has provided over the years.”

Also while at LifeWay, Willis was instrumental in the release of “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby and Claude King, another important Bible study resource that now has been translated into more than 70 languages and recently marked its 20th anniversary in print.

“He was God’s gift to Southern Baptists and his influence is truly global,” Draper continued. “It was my privilege to call him friend and partner in ministry and to serve with him at LifeWay for several years before he went” to the IMB.

Willis is survived by his wife, Shirley, five children and 15 grandchildren.

Western Recorder issue date: August 3, 2010