Ryan Blackwell Installed as Lifeway’s 11th President, Commits to ‘Come Alongside’ Church Leaders

Ryan Blackwell was installed as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources on Aug. 24, 2026, during the organization’s biannual Board of Trustees meeting. The event brought together Southern Baptist leaders and Blackwell’s ministry mentors to encourage and challenge the new leader. Blackwell expressed gratitude for the role, stating, “I never expected or aspired to be in this role,” but added, “I’m grateful the Lord has entrusted me with the leadership of Lifeway.”

Blackwell emphasized Lifeway’s purpose, explaining, “Lifeway does not replace the church, nor do we compete with the church. We exist to come alongside the church.” He drew a biblical analogy from Exodus 17, where Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms to help the Israelites win the battle against the Amalekites. “Church leaders are carrying burdens that many people never see,” he said. “They need people who understand the weight they carry and are willing to come alongside them.”

Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, urged Blackwell to “maintain missional discipline.” Iorg, who was a member of Blackwell’s church in San Francisco, called for Lifeway to be “lashed tightly to its mission” and for Blackwell to “expend your life fulfilling that mission with passion, integrity and service.”

Ronnie Floyd, who served as Blackwell’s pastor at Cross Church in Arkansas, read from Isaiah 43 and prayed over Blackwell. Nick Floyd, current pastor of Cross Church and a lifelong friend of Blackwell, reflected, “No greater thing can be said about a man than that he will do whatever God tells him to do.” This statement underscored Blackwell’s commitment to his calling.

On behalf of the organization and his fellow trustees, board chairman James Carroll, pastor of Parkway Baptist Church in Bardstown, Kentucky, pledged to pray for Blackwell and support him in his leadership. “When you need us, we will help you,” Carroll said. “We will offer you unwavered but not blind support.” He added that the trustees would ask challenging questions to encourage and guide Blackwell and Lifeway.

Blackwell’s installation marked a new chapter for Lifeway, with a focus on supporting church leaders and advancing the organization’s mission. His background as a product of Lifeway’s resources and discipleship programs informed his vision for the future. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit among Southern Baptist leaders and the shared commitment to equipping and empowering church leaders.

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