Former Southwestern music professor Gordon Borror passes away

Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary faculty member Gordon Borror passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 89, having taught and ministered through music in varying places for more than 50 years.

“Dr. Borror was a beloved member of the music faculty,” said Allen Lott, professor of music history and faculty member of Southwestern for almost 40 years. “As a scholar, he made a lasting contribution to worship studies. As a teacher, he brought a pastor’s heart to the classroom and was known for his kindness, gentleness, and great wisdom. In many ways, he was a spiritual mentor to his students as well as his colleagues.”

Born to C. C. and Irene Borror on November 15, 1936, in Dearborn, Mich., where he became a follower of Christ at the age of 8, Borror moved to California in 1947. He graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education in 1960 and California State University with a Master of Arts in Music Education in 1968.

Beginning in 1960, Borror taught music at a California public school while also serving as minister of music in part-time and full-time church positions for almost 20 years. He and his wife Janine and three children then moved to Oregon, where he taught at Western Seminary in Portland from 1977 to 2000, while also serving as music minister at Milwaukie Baptist Church, where he was ordained in 1981. From 1997-2000, he served as senior pastor of that church.

In 2001, he came to Southwestern Seminary as a professor of church music and would teach there until 2010 while teaching Sunday School at Southcliff Church for several years. Even after his return to Oregon, Borror remained involved in music as the choir director at Village Church.

Borror’s wife Janine passed away in 2017 and he retired in 2018. In 2019, Borror married Shelley Plaep.

He co-authored Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel, published by Wipf & Stock in 2000, and wrote other articles and guest lectured throughout the years. He taught private piano lessons throughout his career and also built organs during the summer months with his friend Richard Unfried.

Borror is preceded in death by his wife Janine of almost 60 years. He is survived by his wife Shelley; his children Sherilyn (Scott) Philips, Greggory (Kelly) Borror, and Kenton Borror; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Mountain Park Church in Lake Oswego, Ore., on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m.