Remembering Dick McClain –

Richard William “Dick” McClain, former Good News board member and past president of TMS Global, went home to be with Jesus on September 4, 2024.

Born into a missionary family in Canton, China, Dick’s life was shaped by faith and service. His grandparents and parents served in Korea, China, and India, while Dick was educated in Hong Kong and Taiwan. After returning to the U.S., he attended Asbury College, where he met his wife, Pam. Dick’s ministry began as a youth pastor in the Panama Canal Zone from 1971 to 1973.

After earning a Master of Divinity, he pastored several United Methodist churches in Michigan. A pivotal moment came when Rev. Virgil Maybray invited Dick to consider missions. That conversation led Dick to join TMS Global shortly after its founding, serving as its first director of personnel. Dick excelled in helping others discern their calling and connect with mission opportunities.

Over time, Dick developed TMS Global’s Church Culture division, shaping how congregations engage in missions worldwide. He became president and CEO of TMS Global, serving until his retirement in 2014 after 28 years. His passion for Christ and the Great Commission remained unwavering throughout his life.

Years ago, Dr. Steve Seamands, emeritus professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, who had known Dick since 1966, wrote, “Ever since I have known Dick, he has always had a burning passion for two things: the Lord Jesus Christ and His Great Commission.”

That passion proved true until the end of Dick’s time on this side of eternity. In a barely audible voice, a few days before he passed, Dick shared with his wife, Pam, what he wanted engraved on his headstone: “Inspiring the Church to reach the nations for Christ.”

“Dick’s passion and his witness are part of our DNA as a community,” writes TMS Global President and CEO, Dr. Jim Ramsay. “He has been a key figure on which the groundwork for TMS Global was laid. In that sense, we all at TMS Global are part of his legacy.”

“Dick’s love for God and for those around the world who do not know Him has energized his whole life and ministry,” tells long-time Good News board member, Helen Rhea Stumbo. “Only eternity will reveal the influence of Dick’s life here on earth.”

Please keep his wife Pam, children Heather, Josh, Joey, and their families in your prayers. In lieu of flowers, per the family’s wishes, gifts in memory of Dick can be sent to TMS Global at tms-global.org.

To stay connected to TMS Global, contact Kenda Hembrough at khembrough@tms-global.org, call 678-542-9045, or visit www.tms-global.org and subscribe to our mailing list.