By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Thursday, April 23, 2026

Ryan Blackwell, an executive and teaching pastor of the multi-campus Cross Church in Arkansas, has been elected the 11th president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s publishing arm, Lifeway Christian Resources.

A press release from the organization said Blackwell, a 42-year-old married father of three, was unanimously elected by trustees during a special meeting in Nashville on Wednesday.

“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the trustees. Lifeway has a long and faithful history of serving churches, and I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Blackwell said in a statement. “I love the local church and believe deeply in its mission. My heart is to serve pastors and church leaders by helping provide biblically faithful resources that strengthen discipleship and advance the gospel.”

Blackwell has served at Cross Church since 2020 and helped grow weekly attendance from 7,000 to more than 11,000. Before joining the staff there, he served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of San Francisco for nearly 10 years.

Lifeway Christian Resources said Blackwell’s election followed an eight-month search led by the presidential search committee of seven trustees approved by the organization’s board in July 2025.

“The search committee and I couldn’t be more thrilled that Ryan will serve as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway. After diligently seeking the Lord throughout this important assignment, we are convinced Ryan is an innovative leader who will shepherd Lifeway into the future with a clear sense of purpose,” said Billy Stewart, chair of the search committee. “He is committed to Lifeway’s mission to honor God and serve churches by designing trustworthy experiences that fuel ministry. We believe him to be God’s man to lead Lifeway ‘for such a time as this.’”

Other Southern Baptist leaders, such as Hance Dilbeck, president and CEO of Guidestone, also praised Blackwell’s election.

“Ryan leads out of his authentic walk with Jesus. He lives with humility and confidence,” Dilbeck said. “He has proven to be effective in a variety of ministry settings. I know Ryan loves the local church and is deeply committed to helping our churches make disciples of Jesus.”

Nick Floyd, senior pastor of Cross Church, was among the first to endorse the nomination of his colleague and childhood friend. He said that while Blackwell’s departure from his leadership team is a significant loss for his church, it is a win for Southern Baptists.

“Ryan’s heart beats for the local church, and I’m confident in his ability to lead Lifeway into a bright future of serving churches worldwide,” Floyd said. “While this transition is a significant loss for Cross Church, it is a massive win for Lifeway and Southern Baptists.”

Lifeway Christian Resources, which is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, has been in operation since 1891. It is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies. It is also the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles.

“When I look back over the ministry journey the Lord has taken me on, I can see how faithful He has been in every season,” Blackwell added. “I’ve had the opportunity to serve in different churches and contexts and to learn through seasons of growth and change. At the same time, I’m very aware I have nothing to offer apart from the Spirit’s power at work.”

Lifeway's former CEO Ben Mandrell was hired last year by Bellevue Baptist Church in Tennessee to replace former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines as its senior pastor. Gaines died last month at age 68 after a two-year battle with cancer.  

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/ryan-blackwell-elected-president-of-lifeway-christian-resources.html