Bryant Myers, World Vision Leader and Fuller Professor, Dies at 76

Bryant L. Myers, one of the most influential voices in Christian international development, died in August 2026 at age 76. He served for decades as a vice president at World Vision International and later as a professor of international development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Myers is best known for his 1999 book, "Walking with the Poor," which became a standard text in Christian development circles. The book argued that poverty is not simply a lack of material resources but a condition rooted in broken relationships, and it pushed organizations to reject paternalistic aid models in favor of mutual transformation.

His approach influenced how World Vision and dozens of other faith-based nonprofits designed their programs. Rather than measuring success by dollars spent or goods delivered, Myers encouraged practitioners to ask whether relationships between communities and outside helpers were being built on dignity and trust.

Colleagues described him as a quiet, relational leader who spent as much time listening as teaching. Andrew Morley, a colleague who worked alongside Myers at World Vision, wrote that he was "heartbroken" to learn of his passing and called him a man who "lived what he taught."

Myers is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their family. No formal memorial service details had been announced as of publication.

His books and lectures remain widely assigned in graduate programs focused on international development, missiology, and poverty studies. Fuller Theological Seminary is expected to honor his legacy through its School of Intercultural Studies, where he taught for many years.