Kay Lee Arthur (1933–2025) was a well-known Bible teacher, author, and co-founder of Precept Ministries International. Through her books, studies, and broadcasts, she encouraged believers to engage Scripture deeply, helping them see God’s Word as alive and practical for everyday life.
Early Years and Faith Journey
Kay was born in Jackson, Michigan, in 1933. She grew up with church influence but didn’t fully grasp a personal relationship with Jesus until July 16, 1963. That encounter with Christ transformed her life and set her on a new path.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105
From that point forward, her mission became clear: to help people see Scripture as their guiding light.
Founding Precept Ministries
Kay married Jack Arthur, and together they co-founded Precept Ministries International (PMI). Their focus was the inductive Bible study method—a way of studying Scripture that teaches believers to observe, interpret, and apply God’s Word for themselves.
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” —Acts 17:11
Under their leadership, Precept grew from a small local effort into a global ministry with studies translated into over 90 languages and taught in nearly 190 countries.
Books, Teaching, and Media
Kay authored or co-authored more than 100 books and Bible studies, including:
- How to Study Your Bible
- Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today: A Devotional Study on God's Power for Daily Living
- A Marriage Without Regrets: No matter where you are or where you've been, you can have…
- The New Inductive Study Bible
Her daily program Precepts for Life reached millions of households worldwide, making her one of the most widely heard Bible teachers of her generation.
Recognition and Impact
Kay received numerous awards, including the ECPA Gold Medallion Award for Christian publishing and induction into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame. But her deepest legacy was not recognition—it was the countless lives changed by learning to study and live God’s Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” —2 Timothy 3:16
Kay embodied this verse through her ministry.
Chronological Summary of Kay Arthur’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Born November 11 in Jackson, Michigan |
| 1955 | Graduated nursing school; married Frank Thomas Goetz Jr. |
| 1961 | Marriage ended in divorce |
| 1963 | Gave her life fully to Christ (July 16) |
| 1965 | Married Jack Arthur |
| 1970 | Co-founded Precept Ministries International in Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| 1975–2000s | Published dozens of books and Bible study resources |
| 2000s | Precepts for Life broadcast globally |
| 2010s–2020s | Continued to teach, write, and mentor |
| 2025 | Passed away on May 20, leaving a worldwide ministry legacy |
