Ryan Blackwell Installed as President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources

Ryan Blackwell, formerly an executive and teaching pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, has been officially installed as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. The installation service took place on Monday in Brentwood, Tennessee, during a meeting of the organization's Board of Trustees. Blackwell succeeds Ben Mandrell, who stepped down from the role in July 2025 to lead Bellevue Baptist Church.

During his address, Blackwell emphasized that Lifeway’s primary mission is to support local congregations rather than compete with them. Drawing on the biblical account of Aaron and Hur supporting Moses in Exodus 17, he described the organization's role as one of coming alongside church leaders to help carry their burdens. The service included prayers and reflections from Ronnie Floyd and Nick Floyd, who highlighted Blackwell’s commitment to following divine guidance.

Blackwell was unanimously elected by the board in April following an eight-month search process. Lifeway, the publishing and resource arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, has operated for over 130 years and currently distributes materials to churches in more than 160 countries.