Rev. Bryan Dunagan, a well-known senior pastor at Highland Park Presbyterian Church for nine years, died last week.
Dunagan led the church to record growth while creating denominational change. He focused on spreading the gospel, discipleship, prayer and planting community churches such as Grace Church Lake Highlands, according to a press release by Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Dunagan died from natural causes in his sleep at 44 years old.
“The grief we are feeling over Bryan’s sudden passing is impossible to describe, both personally and for our church,” said Jay Lee, executive pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. “Bryan is loved deeply here, and his care for this congregation, our neighbors, the world, and for sharing the gospel will be deeply missed.”
Over 3,000 members of the community gathered at the church last Wednesday to mourn his death. Close friends, family, and members of the church attended his memorial service and over 15,000 tuned in online, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Dunagan received a bachelor’s in political science from Stanford University and went on to earn a master of divinity degree from Regent College and a doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He leaves behind his wife Ali, and three children, Annie, Wheeler and Collier Jane, according to Tilt.
The church is hosting grief groups to help members of the community process this loss. Those interested can sign up on the church’s website.
