Remembering Rennie Showers (1935–2019)
Visit the Renald Showers resource page, which is devoted to the work and ministry of this man of God. News of the passing of renowned theologian Dr. Renald (Rennie) Showers in April generated a massive outpouring of condolences from people in virtually all segments of the evangelical community. To anyone who knew Rennie, the response came as no surprise. His theological expertise, gift forGet More Articles—Subscribe Today!
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Growing up in a dedicated, loving, Bible believing family, I knew The Lord. As a young adult however, I grew increasingly pressed to make sure that the theology that I believed to be true was in fact truth, and my belief was not due simply to my parents influence. Dr Showers taught a class during my year at IBS called ‘God, Man and The Bible’. The methodical, clear teaching he gave, with such gentleness and conviction, gave me exactly what I needed in my time of questioning. What The Bible says can be trusted, is is inherently true. God has not changed. It will be glorious to see dear Dr Showers in heaven one day, surrounded by the many people he pulled upward, closer to The Father he so loved. I am grateful for his writings, that we on earth can still access some of the wisdom God blessed him with. Maranatha!
I am looking for an introduction to a book that Dr. Showers wrote, where he discusses the dark days of his ministry, and what God was doing in his life that he was not aware of until a later time, and how this changed his ministry for God’s glory.
Does anyone know where I can find this?
Hi Lester,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, we didn’t find anything similar to what your are describing in any of the books that we offer here at FOI by Dr. Showers. There are other books that he wrote and co-wrote that we do not sell, and it may be in one of those. You can find our Renald Showers resource page here: https://www.foi.org/rshowers/.
Have a blessed day.
Like so many others, I have fond memories of Dr. Showers. In the early 2000’s, I emailed Dr. Showers and asked if it were possible to speak by phone. I had so many questions about different issues ranging from soteriology to eschatology. He graciously sent me his phone number and we ended up talking for over an hour! We all know the tremendous knowledge he possessed about theology, in general, and eschatology, in particular. This knowledge is clearly expressed in his many works. But something occurred at one of the prophecy conferences at PCB which left an indelible mark on my memory. While speaking to the audience about the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, known popularly as the Tribulation, Dr. Showers began to tear up. I don’t believe it was very noticeable to most, but since I was sitting relatively close to the podium I could definitely see he was emotionally impacted by what he was teaching and was trying to conceal it. Although Dr. Showers looked forward to the blessed hope and the future kingdom with all the saints, I believe he was profoundly touched in the depth of his being by what he knew was coming one day upon the earth and those who would not respond to God’s grace during the time of the Tribulation. Dr. Showers wanted to use his gift of teaching to bless the church body. I think he wanted to motivate us to reach out to the lost, to reach those who comprised the burden he carried with the gospel.
I have read many of Dr. Shower’s books in and out of the seminary. Then, my wife and I were eating out at Hershey Farms in Lancaster, PA. some years ago; I went to the bathroom to wash my hands. I just heard some bad news on the radio, I am standing next this man, I said hi, and remarked how we have to be living in the end times, and how reprobate this society is. He agreed, and stated we are living in the end times for sure. I thought he looked familiar. I got back to my seat and told my wife that I saw this gentleman in the restroom, and he looked familiar. That weekend we had signed up for a seminar at Willow Valley with the Friends of Israel. As I walked into the huge room, I saw Dr. Showers and I knew he was the gentleman I met in the restroom. I walked up to him and introduced myself. We both laughed after I apologized to him for not recognizing him. I have a signed book by him that he authored called :”There Really is a Difference.” Unfortunately, I just recently found out he went home to be with the Lord. I am sure he received a great welcome home from Jesus; “Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant.”
Dr. Showers spoke here in Chattanooga for several years at the International Board of Jewish Missions, IBJM. I wouldn’t miss his teaching for anything because it was a seminary education drinking from a fire hose. I am so thankful for the education I received from him. Currently, I am reviewing his book on Daniel, Most High God as I am teaching on the Book of Revelation. I’m so thankful for all the resources that Dr. Showers authored. I am greatly blessed to have heard his teaching and have his resources at my fingertips.
I had no idea Dr. Showers passed until the following month. I took my first Bible class from Rennie as a student at IBS in Bellmawr, NJ in 1992. I failed his class and was ready to quit and move back to Massachusetts discouraged. Dr. Showers sat me down and encouraged me to stay and retake the class. I passed with a 100% grade! I had him speak at my Prophecy Conference in Swansea Massachusetts in 2006. He will be missed, but a glad reunion day is coming. the Rapture!