Zachery Tims Dead: T.D. Jakes Delivers Eulogy for Megachurch Pastor
The funeral services for Zachery Tims were attended by thousands of mourners who gathered at the First Baptist Church of Orlando on Saturday, when Bishop T.D. Jakes delivered the eulogy for the late megachurch pastor.
The Gospel Music Examiner reported that Jakes, the pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, said in his eulogy: “The greater the light, the greater the heat. If you stand in the light long enough, the light burns…. His death is a wake-up call for all of the clergy to slow down. You’re moving too fast,” Jakes preached.
Later in the sermon he said, “I don't know what happened in that hotel room… but it was Zach who died and Dr. Tims who stood up.’’
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Pastor T.D. Jakes later tweeted: “Thanks so much for all of you who prayed for me. I have completed my assignment in preaching for New Destiny and the Tims’ facility.”
A viewing was held at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, followed by the funeral services at 11 a.m. A procession traveling to Woodlawn Cemetery in Orlando, where the late pastor was laid to rest took place after the funeral, reported WFTV news.
Support from followers since Tims’ death has poured in via New Destiny Christian Church’s (NDCC) Facebook page and Twitter.
@UntitledGospel tweeted, “To the kind hearted Pastor Zachery Tims, you have touched the heart of Orlando with your ministry, love and your friendship. We truly love you and you will be missed.”
Liz Castro wrote on NDCC’s Facebook page, “I thank God for Pastor Zachary [sic] and his wife who started their ministry in 1996. Their obedience to the Lord’s promise has helped the community come to Christ. The Lord will glorify himself through this situation!”
“PRAYING FOR PASTOR ZACHERY TIMS FAMILY AND CONGREGATION. THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT FOR BEING THEIR COMFORT AND PEACE IN THE TIME OF SORROW,” ayojaha tweeted.
In 1996, Zachery Tims and his family founded the NDCC in Apopka, Fla., where he served as senior pastor. According to the church’s website, it has a congregation of about 8,000 members.
Tims, 42, was found dead in his W Hotel bedroom in New York City on Friday, Aug. 12.
Police officials have ruled out any foul play, but they are still investigating what may have caused Zachery Tims’ death.
