Joseph Tson. In Memoriam
Rev. Dr. Joseph Tson, a distinguished Romanian Evangelical pastor, theologian, and educator, passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 90. He was a prominent advocate for Christians in communist Romania. He became one of the most notable itinerant preachers of the Gospel during the latter half of the 20th century. Dr. Tson’s ministry echoed the legacy of Richard Wurmbrand, who endured profound suffering for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Tson was born on September 30, 1934, in Hirbovite, Romania. In 1951, he commenced his academic journey at the University of Cluj, where he pursued a degree in Romanian language and literature.
From 1955 to 1957, Tson pursued his studies at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Bucharest. Subsequently, he served as a theology instructor at the same institution from 1973 to 1974. Between 1969 and 1972, he further enhanced his theological education at Oxford University. In 1996, Tson attained his Doctorate in Theology from the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Heverlee, Belgium, where his doctoral thesis examined the themes of “Suffering, Martyrdom, and Reward in Heaven.”
Dr. Tson exemplified the qualities of a dedicated pastor, having served congregations in Ploiești and Brașov. His contributions to the Second Baptist Church in Oradea, one of the largest Baptist congregations in Western Romania, left a lasting impact on the community.
During Romania’s oppressive communist era, Tson emerged as a courageous voice advocating for relief from the systematic persecution faced by Evangelicals. In 1977, he took on the formidable task of editing the Christian Manifesto. This powerful document articulated the vital role Christians could play within the confines of Romanian socialist society. His outspoken activism drew the attention of the nation’s security services, leading to relentless surveillance and multiple arrests that underscored the risks he took for his beliefs. As the waves of persecution intensified, Tson made the difficult decision to leave his homeland behind in 1981, embarking on a new chapter in the United States, where he sought safety and the freedom to practice his faith without fear.
While residing in the U.S. with his family, Tson, a deeply committed missionary, assumed leadership of the Romanian Missionary Society (SMR) in 1982. Under his visionary guidance, the society undertook the monumental task of translating a wealth of Christian and theological texts into Romanian. With determination and resourcefulness, they skillfully navigated the challenges of evading surveillance at borders and successfully smuggled these invaluable books into Romania, where they could inspire and uplift those yearning for spiritual knowledge.
Tson passionately championed the plight of persecuted Evangelicals in Romania, using the powerful platform of Radio Free Europe to amplify their voices. His heartfelt sermons, eloquently delivered in Romanian, resonated through the airwaves every Sunday, offering a beacon of hope and solace to Christians enduring the harsh realities of oppression under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime. These broadcasts became a lifeline, enveloping listeners in a sense of comfort and strength during their darkest times.
Rev. Petru Lascau, a cherished friend of Tson’s, reminisced with deep emotion, “When we first heard Joseph Tson’s voice crackling through the radio waves, a wave of comfort washed over us. In that moment, our isolation in suffering for the name of Jesus faded away. Tson was a dear brother in Christ, a steadfast soul standing firmly in the gap for us, reminding us that we were not alone.”
Dr. Tson, keenly aware of the changing times, returned to Romania from the United States in 1989. Deeply passionate about his country and the Christian community, he took it upon himself to train the next generation of Christian ministers. In 1990, he founded the Immanuel Bible Institute (now known as Universitatea Emanuel) in Oradea.
At the same time, he established a Christian publishing house, Cartea Creștină, to produce printed Christian resources for Romanians. Tson also continued to preach the Gospel through a newly established radio station called The Voice of the Gospel (Rom. Vocea Evangheliei). Additionally, he was a key supporter of the formation of the Romanian Evangelical Alliance.
Joseph Tson, a prolific author, dedicated his life to exploring the depths of theology, pastoral ministry, and practical Christian living. His compelling writings resonate with readers, offering profound insights into faith and spiritual growth. With an unwavering passion for sharing the message of Christ, he traveled extensively across Romania, Moldova, and the United States. In bustling churches and intimate gatherings, he led dynamic seminars and transformative conferences, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual formation journeys and deepening their connection with God.
Dr. Tson had a wide-ranging apostolic vision for Eurasia. Thanks to his initiative, many pastors, theologians, Christian social workers, and educators from Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova received Bible-based training at Immanuel University during the 1990s. Today, numerous graduates serve in churches across Eurasia and in Romanian-speaking congregations in North America. Many of them regard Tson as their spiritual father and mentor.
The establishment of a theological college in Chisinau, Moldova, now known as Universitatea Divitia Gratiae (UDG), was made possible by the visionary leadership of Joseph Tson. The school’s first academic dean, Rev. Valeriu Ghiletchi, was one of the first Moldovan-born graduates of Immanuel University in Oradea. He later became the head of the Union of Christian Evangelical Baptist Churches in Moldova and served as president of the European Baptist Federation from 2009 to 2011.
Tson aimed to engage with the Turkic-speaking world. To achieve this objective, he recruited students of Turkic descent from Moldova to attend the school in Oradea. This initiative facilitated the establishment of a missions department at UDG, focused on outreach in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Currently, many graduates from this program are serving in various capacities throughout the region.
Tson had a unique vision for Russia, a country where communism had been the dominant ideology for nearly seven decades. He believed that “nothing can change Russia except for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Rev. Simion Placinta, one of Tson’s students from Moldova, recalled, “Dr. Tson passionately encouraged us to preach the Gospel in Russia. Because of his evangelistic zeal, we embarked on a trip to the far corners of Siberia.”
After the miraculous healing of his daughter, Dorothy, Joseph Tson joined the Evangelical Pentecostal movement known as Strajerii. His theological views began to include an acknowledgment of the gifts of the Spirit in the modern era. However, this shift was not well-received by everyone. Many of Tson’s students were taken aback, and the Baptist Union of Romania responded by revoking Tson’s ordination. Throughout his life, Tson was not afraid of controversy, yet he remained dedicated to preaching the goodness of God in congregations across Romania and beyond that welcomed him. With a blend of humor and sincerity, Dr. Tson often referred to himself as a “Charismatic Baptist.”
Hundreds of Tson’s students and his ministry colleagues, both in Romania and abroad, mourned the news of his passing. However, they take comfort in knowing that their beloved pastor, mentor, and friend has now met his Savior and Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his life.
Rev. Dr. Titus Coltea eloquently expressed the profound impact of Joseph Tson’s ministry, remarking, “His visionary influence radiated across the globe, spanning from the icy expanse of the North Pole to the sun-kissed shores of Australia, and from the vast, rugged landscapes of Siberia to the vibrant heart of California. Joseph Tson embodied the role of Christ’s apostle, not only ministering to Romanians but also reaching out to Moldovans, Ukrainians, and believers in Christ from diverse corners of the world. Personally, I am deeply grateful for the countless blessings I have received through his ministry, and I am confident that thousands of others share this sentiment, inspired by his unwavering dedication and faith.”
Joseph Tson’s memorial service was held on September 12, 2025, at the Agape Bible Church in Portland, Oregon. Pastors from around the world gathered to pay their respects and say goodbye to Dr. Tson. They offered their condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter, and the rest of the family. Joseph Tson was laid to rest at River View Cemetery in Portland.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Rev. 14:13, NIV)
Dr. Oleg Turlac is editor of Christian Megapolis.
Photo Credit: Alfa Omega TV.
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