Apr 30, 2025
Dr. Jerry Savelle
December 24, 1946 – February 24, 2024
A Life of Faith: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Jerry Savelle
Dr. Jerry Savelle was more than a preacher — he was a pioneer of faith, a teacher of God’s favor, and a spiritual father to thousands across the globe. When he stepped into eternity, heaven gained a faithful servant, and the Church remembered a man who spent his life declaring the goodness and power of God. For over five decades, Jerry Savelle championed a message that empowered believers to walk in victory, live by faith, and expect the extraordinary. His life reminds us that God can take an ordinary man—a man with oil-stained hands and a stuttering tongue —and use him to shape nations, stir revival, and equip generations.
Humble Beginnings
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1946, Jerry Savelle grew up with a love for cars — a passion that would lead him to a successful career in the automotive industry. He owned and operated a custom paint and body shop in Shreveport, Louisiana, with dreams of restoring classic cars and building a legacy through craftsmanship. But beneath the surface, God was writing a different story.
In 1969, everything shifted when Jerry and his wife, Carolyn, attended a meeting with evangelist Kenneth Copeland. That night, the Word of God gripped his heart, and he sensed the Lord calling him into full-time ministry. The transition wasn’t instant — in fact, Jerry initially resisted. He didn’t feel qualified. He had no theological training, no public speaking experience, and, by his own admission, a deep fear of standing in front of people. But the call was undeniable.
Eventually, Jerry surrendered to God’s plan, closing his shop and stepping into the unknown. With only a Bible, a notepad, and a burning desire to obey, he began studying the Word and preparing to preach — often for hours a day in a small guest bedroom. It was in those hidden years that God shaped his message, refined his faith, and built the foundation for a ministry that would one day circle the globe.
“If Satan can’t steal your joy, he can’t keep your goods!” —Dr. Jerry Savelle
The Call to Preach
Jerry Savelle didn’t just preach sermons — he preached transformation. With a unique ability to make the Word practical, he inspired people to believe God’s promises and to expect His best. Much of his early development came under the mentorship of Kenneth Copeland, who invited Jerry to travel with him as an associate minister. That relationship would become foundational, as Jerry began to step out with increasing boldness, developing his own voice and vision.
In 1974, Jerry Savelle Ministries International (JSMI) was officially established, rooted in the mission to “teach people around the world how to live in God’s blessing.” From small gatherings in churches to global conferences, his heart remained the same: to build up believers in faith, integrity, and expectancy.
A Global Ministry
Over the decades, JSMI expanded into a full-scale international ministry, with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. His television program, Adventures in Faith, broadcast around the world, carrying his message to countless homes. He authored over 70 books — including well-known titles like If Satan Can’t Steal Your Joy, He Can’t Keep Your Goods, The Favor of God, and Called to Battle, Destined to Win — each carrying his signature style of encouragement, boldness, and biblical clarity.
Jerry believed strongly in the power of partnership. Through missions, humanitarian work, and faith-based teaching, JSMI equipped churches, trained leaders, and reached communities on nearly every continent. Whether through a camera lens or a pulpit, he pointed people toward the victory available in Jesus Christ.
A Legacy of Family and Favor
Behind the platform was a devoted husband and father. Jerry and Carolyn were married for over 50 years — a testimony in itself. Together, they raised daughters who carried the same heart for ministry. His daughter, Terri Savelle Foy, now leads her own international ministry, helping others discover their God-given purpose and vision.
More than a man of words, Jerry was a man of consistency. Those close to him often spoke of his humility, humor, and unwavering trust in God. He lived what he preached, and the fruit of his life is seen in the generations he impacted, both inside and outside the Church.
A Faith That Speaks Even Now
On February 24, 2024, Dr. Jerry Savelle went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a rich spiritual legacy. He ran his race with endurance, and now, like the apostle Paul, he has finished his course and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
But his message lives on. In his teachings, his books, his family, and the many sons and daughters in the faith he mentored, his voice continues to echo: God is faithful, favor surrounds you, and your victory is assured.
As we honor his life, may we be stirred to live with the same bold obedience — to say yes when God calls, to persevere through the hidden seasons, and to live each day with a heart full of faith and expectancy. Dr. Jerry Savelle didn’t just teach faith — he embodied it. And now, the baton is in our hands. •
For more information about the life and legacy of Dr. Jerry Savelle, or to access his teachings and resources, visit www.jerrysavelle.org.
