NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Lifeway Christian Resources trustees elected Ryan Blackwell as the organization’s 11th president and CEO during a special-called meeting April 22 in Nashville.
“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.
“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.”
Ministry experience
Blackwell, 42, comes to Lifeway from his role as executive pastor and teaching pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Ark., 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 this historic congregation from 2010 to 2019.
A native of Arkansas, Blackwell grew up at Cross Church and previously served as its pastor of young adults.
He has served in local church ministry for more than 20 years, including various ministry roles at churches in California, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
“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 said.
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“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.”
Blackwell will assume the role of Lifeway president on June 1, succeeding Joe Walker, who has served as interim president since July 2025.
‘Demonstrated ability’
“[Ryan] 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,” Stewart said.
“We believe Ryan has the capacity to broaden Lifeway’s reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ, while at the same time preserving Lifeway’s distinct culture and ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention,” he added.
In addition to Stewart, of Jackson, Miss., trustees appointed to the search committee include Beth Greene from Knoxville, Tenn.; Madeline Harris from Philadelphia; Caleb Iorg from Portland, Ore.; Michael Schmidt from Reno, Nev.; Rob Sumrall from Elizabethtown, Ky.; and James Carroll, from Bardstown, Ky., is an ex officio member in his role as Lifeway chair.
Blackwell graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, now Gateway Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gateway Seminary.
Blackwell and his wife, Rachel, have been married since 2006 and have three children—Brady, Allie and Mae.
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