Eric Eugene Horst

Eric Eugene Horst, 52, of Birmingham, AL died peacefully at his home on February 12, 2024. Eric was born May 6, 1971 in Goshen, IN to Oren and Arlene (Sauder) Horst. Eric was raised in a Christian home and given a great legacy of faith. His parents instilled in him at a young age the value of hard work and faithfulness to Christ and the church. At the age of 16, Eric surrendered his life to Jesus and to the plans God had for him. As a boy in Indiana, Eric attended Westview Schools, and graduated from Bethany Christian High School in 1989. After a couple of gap years, Eric attended Hesston (KS) College where he received an associate degree in Bible. He then attended Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries and Youth Ministry. During his college years, Eric enjoyed intramural athletics, served as a Resident Assistant, peer tutor, Campus Pastor assistant and Small Group Bible Study leader. It was during these college years God began to cleanse and heal Eric from lies he had believed about himself, revealing to him the truth of who he is in Christ. God’s call on Eric’s life to be involved in pastoral ministry was also revealed and developed during these years. An ordained pastor, Eric served churches in Hartville, OH (Cornerstone Mennonite), Hopedale, IL (Boynton Mennonite), and Quakertown, PA (Swamp Mennonite). Before moving south to Alabama, Eric worked as Director of Adult and Family Ministries at Spruce Lake Retreat, Canadensis, PA. The six years Eric served at Spruce Lake held many fond memories of campers, staff, guests, speakers, music groups and dear friends. Eric modeled servant leadership, working long summer nights to provide experiences that pointed people to Jesus. Independently, Eric also served as a speaker, worship leader, and concert artist for a variety of camps and congregations. Most recently, Eric worked as Operations Manager for the Harbert Center in Birmingham, AL where he helped run the front office and assisted in the day-to-day details of events. Eric provided invaluable help to clubs and civic organizations as audio visual specialist and was recognized by one club leader as a “big deal” to that community—hard working, personable, kind, caring, smart and funny. In addition to his work at the Harbert Center, Eric used his knowledge and leadership skills in audio-visual technology, to bless Grace & Truth Church as Media Director where he faithfully built and led the AV team. Many will remember Eric for his passion to share Jesus with others, his willingness to sit with people in their hardest moments, his playful sense of humor and hearty laugh, and his love for playing Rook. Eric was passionate about helping people find freedom in Christ and wanted them to understand that God has a unique plan for their life. He knew that surrendering to God and His plan is the most fulfilling and rewarding life a person can live. This message was expressed through Eric’s love for words and music, as he authored and composed many original songs and poems. Eric began a ministry called Cry 4 Freedom focused on helping people find freedom in Jesus. Eric’s prayer was “that as I walk this journey, others will join and run with me into freedom.” Eric is survived by his father, Oren Horst, Pinson, AL; brother Doug (Becky) Horst, Pinson, AL; Nephews Josiah, Luke and Landon Horst; Niece Leah Horst He is preceded in death by his mother Arlene (Sauder) Horst; Maternal Grandparents Roy and Selma Sauder; Paternal Grandparents Melvin and Elizabeth Horst. Friends may visit with the family Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home, 5360 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL. A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Grace & Truth, 515 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace & Truth Church, P.O. Box 55316, Birmingham, AL 35255—designated to Spruce Lake Retreat or to the Grace & Truth AV Team.

Eric Eugene Horst

May 6, 1971 - February 12, 2024