Harley Hunt

Harley Don Hunt (1940 – October 2004) was a prominent American Baptist pastor and denominational leader.

Harley Hunt was born on February 19, 1940 in Boise, Idaho to Don and Wynnie Hunt. He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington, Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, and American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California.

Hunt served as associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Port Angeles, Washington (1966–1968) and as senior pastor of Gregory Heights Baptist (now Burien Community) Church in Seattle, Washington (1968–1974), Clearfield Community Church in Clearfield, Utah (1974–1983), Emerald Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon (1983–1985), and Grace Baptist Church in Tacoma, Washington (1994–2004).

Harley Hunt was executive director of the Ministers Council of American Baptist Churches USA during 1985–1993, based in Valley Forge, PA. In that role he provided national leadership in advocacy, support, resources, continuing education, and fellowship opportunities for American Baptist professional leaders. Previously, he served on the General Board of American Baptist Churches (ABC), the Board of Educational Ministries, the Board of Managers of The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, the regional ABC boards in the Northwest and Oregon, and the board of Linfield College.

While in Utah, he served a term on the Clearfield City Council.

He was the author of "The Stained Glass Fishbowl: Strengthening Clergy Marriages" published in 1990.

Harley Hunt was married to Karin Victoria (Poggi) Hunt from 1964 until his death. They had two children: Dave Hunt (born in 1967) and Tim Hunt (born in 1969) and three grandchildren. His son Dave served as national president of American Baptist Churches USA and as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Harley Hunt died in October 2004 after a long illness.

"Harley became executive director of The Ministers Council when I was serving as senator from Rhode Island; it was a privilege to work with him in many capacities as our leader and advocate, and to learn from him about serving our colleagues in the ministry through The Ministers Council," said the Rev. Dr. Kate Harvey, his successor as executive director of The Ministers Council.

The Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, said: "Harley continued a long Hunt family tradition of outstanding leadership in the denomination. He was deeply respected by us all for his ferocious commitment to ABC life while not fearing to challenge us wherever he felt we were failing to fulfill our potential. We will deeply miss his prophetic, yet pastoral, voice in our midst."