Tributes are being paid to Christian broadcaster, author and Bible teacher Andy Peck, who has died aged 64 following a short battle with cancer.

Andy had been part of Premier Christian Media for more than two decades, serving as Deputy Editor of Premier Christianity magazine, editor of Premier NextGen, presenter of The Leadership File radio programme and podcast, and overseeing Voice of Hope and Premier's annual review.

Premier CEO Kevin Bennett said Andy would be remembered for his kindess. 

"Andy was a kind and gentle member of the team, with a rock-solid faith which he built his life around," Bennett said. "He had a passion to teach and help others come to understand their faith more deeply."

He added: "It feels tragic and unfair. It is a reminder of the brokenness of the world and the fragility of life. But 'we do not grieve as the world grieves' because of the sure and certain hope that Andy is now safe and whole with Jesus, where one day we too will be with him."

Among those paying tribute was Andy's close friend Martin Saunders, who worked alongside him at Premier in the early 2000s and described him as someone whose influence far exceeded his public profile.

"I think he's a man who was hugely underestimated because he was never a man who chased the spotlight," Saunders told Premier Christian News. "He was often having huge impact behind the scenes, either through his writing and broadcasting, or as a mentor and a leader to leaders."

Saunders recalled recruiting Andy to serve on the youth team at St Mary's Reigate, despite Andy having no previous experience in youth ministry.

"He threw himself into the deep end because he felt that was what God was calling him to do," he said.

"He had this incredible servant heart. He was known as the guy who would be there at the end of every youth session with the hoover, and then on his hands and knees getting chewing gum out of the carpet. He loved God so much, he loved the Bible so much, and he wanted young people to know that. He modelled in this incredible way what it is to follow Christ in your actions as well."

Saunders also described Andy as a devoted husband and father. In the final days of his life, even while seriously ill in hospital, Andy recorded a message for the young people he had continued to serve for almost a decade. Saunders said the recording reflected Andy's unwavering confidence in Christ.

"He spoke for about four minutes about the hope he had in Jesus. He quoted scriptures that were very dear to him," Saunders said.

Recalling the end of the message, he added: "He said, 'You might hear from people, Andy has died'. "Then he laughed and said, 'Andy hasn't died. Jesus says, He who believes in me will never die.' "

For Saunders, that confidence was rooted in a lifetime of faithful discipleship.

"He lived his life incredibly well," he said. "He just didn't waste a moment of it, and his death reminds us all that that's how we should live our lives, asking God every day, 'How shall I live for you today?' Because, sadly, sometimes that might be your last."

Andy Peck is survived by his wife, Nicola, and their two sons, Josh and Cam.

You can read all of Andy's articles on Premier Christianity magazine here.