Dr. Ray Hurt, 1970 graduate of Lee University, was named the School of Religion Alumnus of the Year during the university’s Homecoming celebrations. He received the award at a special department breakfast.
“Dr. Hurt demonstrates evangelistic fervor combined with a pastor’s heart,” said Dr. Jerald Daffe, professor of pastoral studies at Lee. “His ministry is characterized by a wonderful combination of practical ministry while discipling people through his educational endeavors. He has the ability to reach and minister to the broadest expanse of social levels with the intense desire for all to come to Christ.”
Dr. Hurt earned a bachelor degree in both music education and Bible while at Lee. He then earned his Master of Divinity with a counseling emphasis from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee, and a Doctor of Ministry at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
“Dr. Hurt’s 27 years at the Princeton Church of God, West Virginia, has seen the church grow from about 150 members to over 2700,” said Dr. Terry Cross, dean of Lee’s School of Religion. “This is the type of visionary leadership in a local church that the School of Religion wants to replicate in our own students. Dr. Hurt has established extensive evangelism and benevolence work in the community, giving the local church a firm basis on which to do ministry for the Kingdom of God.”
Dr. Hurt has over 45 years of pastoral experience in Georgia, Kentucky, North Dakota, and West Virginia. He has conducted marriage seminars in various states, as well. He was a former elementary and secondary teacher in West Virginia and adjunct professor at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. In 1974, he served as state director of youth and Christian education in New York. Dr. Hurt continues to stay involved in several positions with the Church of God, including Calling in Ministry Director and member of the Ministerial Development Board in West Virginia.
He has published multiple essays and small group studies with topics ranging from premarital counseling to discipleship, along with studies on Daniel, Ephesians, Hebrews, and Revelations, among others.
Dr. Hurt has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for 49 years, and they have three children, Jonathan, James, and Amanda, all of whom are involved in ministry today.