LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler said Monday that recurring medical episodes that have affected him during recent public speaking appearances are related to complications from previous surgeries and are not life-threatening.
Mohler, 66, addressed the issue in a video posted to X after what he described as a recent wave of concern from people who had seen him pause and appear to be in distress during public events.
“This is an unusual video and not one I really planned to release,” Mohler said. “I appreciate how many people have reached out just to ask if I’m OK.”
Mohler’s statement comes as he is expected to attend next week’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Orlando, where he has announced plans to offer a constitutional amendment addressing the office and function of pastor, elder and overseer.
Last month, Mohler said he intends to propose an amendment to Article III of the SBC Constitution that would clarify how cooperating Southern Baptist churches should view women serving in the office or function of pastor, elder or overseer. He also announced plans to seek suspension of Standing Rule 6 so messengers could consider the proposal during this year’s meeting rather than automatically referring it to the SBC Executive Committee for review.
In the video about his health, Mohler said the episodes have occurred at more than one public event, causing him to pause before eventually resuming his remarks.
He said he wanted to explain the situation publicly because he continues to speak at events and remains involved in a wide range of ministry responsibilities.
“I am trying to live this out as honestly as I can,” Mohler said, “and unfortunately, in one sense, as publicly as is necessary.”
Mohler pointed to several serious health challenges in his past, including flesh-eating bacteria, two instances of pulmonary emboli, and significant surgery. He said complications from those surgeries are the cause of the current episodes.
“They’re not life-threatening. They do not affect my health,” he said. “I will tell you, they are very unpleasant when they happen. And I know that they, in public, can cause alarm.”
Mohler said one of the recent episodes occurred at a public event in Washington, but he was thankful he was able to continue.
Even so, Mohler said he is seeking to view the situation through the lens of God’s sovereignty.
“I have to believe that God, who is sovereign, means this for my sanctification, and just as a part of my witness to what the Lord is doing in my life,” he said.
Mohler expressed gratitude that his life has been preserved and that he remains healthy enough to continue serving in multiple ministry settings. He also thanked doctors and other medical professionals who have helped him.
“I’m reminded, for example, of the great gift of modern medicine,” he said. “I’m very thankful for some wonderful doctors and others, medical professionals who’ve been really helpful to me.”
Mohler described the condition as a “manageable problem” and said he has tried to be transparent with those around him. He said he told the seminary student body about the issue in chapel in August 2024 so they would know what was happening if they witnessed an episode.
Mohler said he has also been open about the matter with the seminary’s governing board, trustees, faculty, pastors and others involved in events where he is speaking.
“Just understand one of these episodes might happen,” he said. “And if they do, don’t be alarmed. I’ll be back with you and, Lord willing, be able to resume where I was.”
Mohler, who has served as president of Southern Seminary since 1993, said he wants to be a faithful steward of the responsibilities before him while also being realistic about aging and physical limitations.
“I am 66 years old. Soon, I’ll be 67,” he said. “And I can tell you, here’s something I’ve discovered. At age 66, it just doesn’t happen that things get suddenly better physically.”
He closed by thanking those who had expressed concern and urging believers to live faithfully with the time God gives them.
“I want to be a good steward of this responsibility,” Mohler said. “I’m very thankful for your concern. And so thank you to all of you, and may we live, each of us, faithfully every day the Lord gives us.”
This article originally appeared in the Christian Index.
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