Frank Damazio, the former longtime pastor of Mannahouse Church, formerly City Bible Church in Portland, Oregon, and influential Christian author and leader, has died at the age of 75.
“With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved former pastor, Frank Damazio,” Portland Bible College announced Monday night on Facebook.
Dr. Damazio served faithfully as the senior pastor of Mannahouse for more than 25 years and was also a professor and president of Portland Bible College. “His life was marked by lasting fruit & faithfulness that will continue to echo for generations, as his influence has shaped churches, leaders, and ministries around the world,” the church shared.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
He was remembered as “a spiritual father, a visionary leader, and a man of deep conviction whose legacy lives on through the many lives he impacted.” The statement added, “He remained steadfast in faith, demonstrating strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus.”
Damazio’s ministry spanned over four decades, during which he authored more than 30 books addressing Christian leadership and church management. His work left a lasting impact on many, including former Mannahouse youth pastor Benjamin Windle.
“At the age of 22, at a youth camp in Central Oregon, Pastor Frank Damazio invited Cindi and I to work for him as youth pastors,” Windle wrote in a social media post. “So we left our home in Australia [and] moved to Portland to serve him at City Bible Church / Mannahouse.”
Windle recalled how Damazio embodied a rare combination of spiritual gifts. “For the first time in my life I saw a true prototype of what I could become in ministry,” he said. “With Frank, I saw that both of these gifts and passions could coexist within the one person.”
Reflecting on their time planting a church together for 14 years, Windle added, “I think it pulled the best out of us. Other than my family, no one has shaped my ministry as much as Frank Damazio. He was loved by our kids and family. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
“Please join us in lifting up Sharon and the entire Damazio family in prayer as they walk through this time of grief, honoring the life and legacy of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and pastor!”
“The family has requested privacy at this time” the statement concluded.