Kay Lee Arthur, a pioneering Bible teacher and co-founder of Precept Ministries International, died on May 20 at her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 91.

Arthur, a registered nurse turned missionary and celebrated Bible study leader, dedicated her life to Christian teaching and co-founded one of the most expansive global Bible ministries in the world, Crosswalk reported.

Born in 1933, Kay spent her early adult years in Cleveland, Ohio. During that time, she became a licensed nurse, married Tom Goetz, and raised two sons. Her marriage, however, ended in divorce, marking a difficult chapter in her personal life that would shape her spiritual journey.

At age 29, following a period of emotional hardship, Arthur turned to Christianity. She later reflected on that season as a transformative time, which she believed prepared her for a lifetime of spiritual leadership. “God’s way of preparing her for ministry,” she once said about her experiences of heartbreak and renewal.

Arthur enrolled at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, where her theological foundation deepened. It was there she met Jack Arthur, a fellow believer with a calling to missions. Their union led to a life of shared ministry and global impact.

From Nursing to Global Ministry Leadership

The Arthurs began their mission work in Mexico shortly after they married. While serving as independent missionaries, they welcomed their son, David. After their time abroad, they settled once again in Chattanooga, where their next chapter would soon unfold.

What began as informal Bible studies held in the Arthur family home quickly grew in both size and influence. These gatherings laid the groundwork for what would become Precept Ministries International. Over time, the ministry transformed into a resource hub for in-depth Bible study used around the world.

Under Arthur’s leadership, Precept Ministries extended its reach into nearly 190 countries and translated resources into more than 100 languages. The ministry's emphasis on inductive Bible study encouraged millions to engage directly with scripture.

Media Outreach and Award-Winning Programs

Kay Arthur also reached audiences through the media. She launched the Bible study program “Precepts for Life,” which became a staple for Christian viewers across numerous networks. The program eventually reached more than 75 million families worldwide.

“Precepts for Life” was recognized twice as the Best Television Teaching Program, earning accolades for its educational and spiritual impact. The show reflected Arthur’s ability to merge biblical scholarship with accessible teaching, drawing in a wide cross-section of viewers.

Arthur was honored with many awards during her lifetime, including four Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. She was also inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring impact on faith media.

Later Years Marked by Perseverance and Faith

Though diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, Arthur continued to be involved in the work of Precept Ministries. Her commitment to Scripture and discipleship never waned, even as her health declined. She remained a guiding voice for the organization until her passing.

Her husband and ministry partner, Jack Arthur, died in 2017. The couple’s decades of service left a lasting mark on international Christian education and discipleship. Their family continues to honor their shared legacy, especially through the work of their son David.

On announcing her death, Precept Ministries cited one of Arthur’s most frequently shared Bible verses from Daniel 11:32b: “The people who know their God will display strength and take action.” The scripture continues to inspire those she discipled throughout her ministry.

Continuing Her Legacy Through the Ministry

Instead of flowers, the Arthur family requests that donations be made to the Kay Arthur Memorial Fund. The fund will help sustain and expand the global work of Precept Ministries, furthering the mission that she and her husband built from their home more than five decades ago.

Arthur's legacy will live on through the countless lives touched by her teaching, books, and televised Bible studies. For many, her approach to Scripture has left a permanent imprint on how the Bible is studied and understood across different cultures and nations.

Her influence in Christian education continues to shape the global church, with Precept Ministries standing as a testament to a life rooted in spiritual discipline and service. Even in passing, Kay Arthur’s dedication to the truth of Scripture remains a model for generations to come.