A memorial service was held for Kurtz Jan. 9 at Westminster Church in Portland, Ore.
Countless Presbyterians and others have heard Kurtz’s familiar refrain:
“The gospel is out of control!” No one has been more responsible for bringing that catchphrase to reality all over the world. As a pastor, missionary for 22 years in Ethiopia, and then as director of the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship from 1983-2000, Kurtz led Presbyterians into evangelistic mission in places most had never heard of before.
Through his efforts, the PC(USA) has become a world leader in the area of cross-cultural evangelism among unreached peoples.
He retired in 2000.
