John C. Samples Remembered for Decades of Christian Ministry
John C. Samples, a longtime minister and Christian leader whose service spanned more than six decades, died Oct. 6 at age 93. His ministry included congregational leadership, work with Standard Publishing, and 27 years of service with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
- Samples served congregations, Standard Publishing, and East 91st Street Christian Church during a ministry career spanning more than six decades.
- His work included Christian education, senior-adult ministry, mentoring, pastoral care, teaching, and writing.
- A service celebrating his life will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
By Rick Cherok
John C. Samples, whose ministry career spanned more than six decades and included service with congregations, Standard Publishing, and East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, died Oct. 6 at age 93.
A Life of Ministry and Christian Leadership
Samples and his wife, Joyce, spent most of their adult lives serving in Christian ministry. Since 1999, he had been associated with East 91st Street Christian Church, where he served in several pastoral roles and became a respected mentor, teacher, and friend to the congregation. E91 described Samples as a “faithful servant” and a “highly respected and beloved pastoral leader” who had served the church for 27 years.
Before coming to E91, Samples spent approximately 15 years with Standard Publishing in Cincinnati, serving as director of Christian ministries. Earlier in his career, he ministered with several congregations, including Hales Chapel Christian Church, Fairfax Christian Church, West Lafayette Christian Church, Garden Grove Christian Church, and Mt. Pleasant Christian Church.
Samples was a graduate of Milligan College and earned a master’s degree in religious education from Emmanuel School of Religion. His ministry extended beyond preaching to Christian education, senior-adult ministry, mentoring younger leaders, pastoral care, and writing. Christian Standard previously identified him as a former Standard Publishing leader who continued serving the church following his retirement from publishing.
Even into his 90s, Samples remained active in ministry. A family website devoted to preserving his sermons and ministry materials notes that he delivered a communion meditation on Easter 2024, only a few months before his 91st birthday.
Service Information and Legacy
A service celebrating Samples’ life will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, in the Worship Center at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 E. 91st St., Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., with the service beginning at 4 p.m.
Samples leaves behind a legacy of faithful ministry, pastoral care, Christian leadership, and encouragement that touched congregations and Christian leaders across generations.
Author: Rick Cherok
Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Minister of the Phillips Christian Church in Salem, Ohio.
