What Others Are Saying About Thom Rainer

Written by Staff

"Thom Rainer is a man of absolutely incredible gifts. I have no doubt that he is God’s man to lead LifeWay Christian Resources into its future. He combines an incredible intellect with a real love for the church, an intense love for the Gospel and an understanding of how to reach people. I think Thom is the man who can really help LifeWay seize the opportunity to help churches face the 21^st Century and to prepare themselves in terms of ministry, solid Bible teaching and substantial church programs that I think will set the pace for the future of the evangelical world.

"Thom is a man who has truly been a friend as well as a colleague during his time at Southern Seminary. He has given incredible leadership to the Billy Graham School as its founding dean; he really helped to flesh out the entire concept. He has built a world-renowned team. Thom is himself both a researcher and one who has been able to lead others to join in that research. His books are some of the most popular and helpful among pastors. I think this is just a wonderful development for the Southern Baptist Convention and for our churches.

"Thom has an incredible sense of humor. He and his wife Jo are a wonderful couple and, along with their three sons, a marvelous family. They will make Southern Baptists proud. As president of LifeWay, Thom will bring everything he is, everything he knows, and everything he believes to the service of the local church in a whole new way."

Dr. R. Albert Mohler
President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Thom is one of the most talented and gifted men I know. He has been a pastor, is the leading church growth expert of our day in my judgment, is theologically sound and informed, and has a business background as well … I think he (will) do a tremendous job in building on the excellent foundation laid by Dr. Draper. I also believe, given his experience and background, that he (will) bring to LifeWay a perspective and expertise that organization has never known."

Daniel L. Akin
President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"I have known Dr. Rainer for nine years. I have been blessed to be his family’s pastor and his personal friend during that time. Thom has a passion for evangelism and seeing believers grow in their faith. He has a finance and business background that (is) very helpful in leading a ministry the size of LifeWay. He possesses innovative and visionary skills that set him in the upper level of leaders in the SBC. He has a tremendous amount of experience in consulting with churches and working with publishers. He has a heart for God and a passion for people."

Kevin Ezell
Pastor, Highview Baptist Church
Louisville, Ky.

"We are confident that Dr. Rainer is God’s man for LifeWay in the years ahead. He is committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message (a summary of Southern Baptist doctrines). He is an effective communicator with a proven track record of servant leadership and a consistent walk with the Lord."

Rick Evans
Chairman, presidential search committee
LifeWay’s board of trustees

"Thom is a visionary with fresh, innovative ideas. He will appeal to our younger ministers. He is a capable, creative strategist intimately acquainted with the needs of the local church … a prolific author with a keen understanding of trends and culture. What thrills me most is his passion for God’s Kingdom work and his emphasis on evangelism."

Tom Woodson
Sr. Pastor, Sheridan Road Baptist Church
Tulsa, Okla.
Recording Secretary of LifeWay trustees
Member of the presidential search committee


"I am excited to hear about Dr. Rainer’s selection to be recommended as LifeWay’s next president. Once again we are reminded that God always is prepared to provide a man for His Kingdom’s work in His perfect timing. Dr. Rainer’s experience as a pastor, preacher, theologian, teacher, church growth expert, analyst, entrepreneur, banker, and businessman makes him an outstanding nominee for this position. His character and integrity are impeccable. He has a scholar’s mind, a pastor’s compassion, and an evangelist’s passion for unsaved souls to come to Christ.

"He loves Southern Baptists and has all the skills and characteristics to give far-reaching visionary leadership to LifeWay and the Convention for years to come. I commend the members of the search committee for having chosen him from the superlative panel of Southern Baptist champions they had identified as finalists. I will be praying for him and his family as they face the adjustments of transition and resettlement. They will be heartily welcomed to Nashville by the Southern Baptist family that resides in the city."

Morris H. Chapman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Executive Committee
Southern Baptist Convention

"In so many ways, the president of LifeWay has his hand upon the rudder of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as the evangelical church world of North America and beyond. This post is a critical position at this point in time. My full confidence is in the Lord working His will and way through LifeWay's trustees and search committee. While I do not know Dr. Thom Rainer on a personal level, I have come to have a deep respect and appreciation for him through his research, writings, commitment to the Bible, evangelism and discipleship.

"Because of his passionate urging for evangelism and discipleship, no one should doubt these two things will be in the forefront of LifeWay's initiatives and resources in the future.

"As president of the convention, it will be a delight to be a part of the full board at LifeWay when they meet and greet him. Believing that all will go forward, it will also be a privilege to be a part of his inauguration as the 9th president of LifeWay. Further, it will be a privilege to be a part of his presentation to the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, next year.

"I've already communicated to Dr. Rainer my overwhelming commitment to the SBC and LifeWay and I will help them in every way I possibly can -- now and in the future. It's going to be a thrill to join hands, head and heart with Dr. Rainer as we form a unity of purpose in this convention for the sake of Christ's Kingdom and lost souls."

Dr. Bobby Welch, president of the Southern Baptist Convention

 

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