10 notable Christian leaders, influencers who died in 2025

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, December 28, 2025

James Dobson – Aug. 21

Dr. James Dobson (C), founder of Focus on the Family, participates in the National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House May 3, 2007, in Washington, D.C. The program included prayers and meditations from Christian and Jewish leaders and a performance by the US Army Chorus. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

James Dobson, the notable conservative Christian therapist, bestselling author and radio personality who founded the Colorado-based Focus on the Family, died at the age of 89.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1967, specializing in child development. According to his official biography, he served as a pediatrics professor at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and a staff member at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics.

In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family, a prominent conservative Christian ministry and advocacy group known for its educational resources and Christian children’s entertainment.

Dobson’s first book, Dare To Discipline, reportedly sold over 3 million copies. Other notable works included Hide or Seek, What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women, Love Must Be Tough, Parenting Isn't For Cowards, Children At Risk, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Life On The Edge and Home With a Heart.

Dobson’s conservative Christian views on sexual ethics and his widespread political advocacy in Washington, D.C., garnered him much criticism from progressive activists and organizations.

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to know Dr. James Dobson,” conservative bestselling author and radio personality Eric Metaxas tweeted.

“He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for God's purposes. He has finished the race — to God's glory! Hallelujah! May we all follow in his footsteps.”