CarterBaldwin Executive Search is proud to partner with Lifeway Christian Resources trustees in the appointment of Dr. Ryan Blackwell as the organization’s 11th President and Chief Executive Officer.
Blackwell comes to Lifeway from his role as Executive Pastor and Teaching Pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, AR, where he has served since 2020. During his tenure, Blackwell provided leadership development, strategic planning and organizational alignment as the church grew from 7,000 to more than 11,000 in weekly attendance and expanded to a fourth campus. Prior to joining the staff at Cross Church, he served as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of San Francisco for nearly a decade, leading the revitalization of the historic congregation.
“Ryan is a man of keen vision, great humility, tremendous wisdom, and effective leadership,” Billy Stewart, chair of the search committee, said. “He distinguished himself from other candidates with his diverse pastoral experiences, his demonstrated ability to build successful operations and organizational culture even in complex situations, and his thoughtful and strategic vision for the future of Lifeway.”
A native of Arkansas, Blackwell grew up at Cross Church and previously served as its pastor of young adults. He holds a BA in religion from Oklahoma Baptist University, an MDiv from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and a DMin from Gateway Seminary.
Click here for Lifeway’s complete announcement.
About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.
