History

Corporate About Timeline RD

Timeline

LifeWay Christian Resources holds a rich and enduring history, tracing back to the beginning of the 18th century at the very beginning of early Baptist life.

From the humble beginnings of the founder and first president, J.M. Frost, to the large corporate campus of today, LifeWay is committed to helping people and churches by providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and cultures.

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Jump to dates:

1700-1800 • 1801-1900 • 1901-1950 • 1951-1990 • 1991-present

1707

• The first Baptist association is organized in Pennsylvania.

1845

• The Southern Baptist Convention is organized in Augusta, Ga.

1890

• Dr. J.M Frost dreams about starting a publishing house just for the Southern Baptist.

1891

• Frost makes a resolution that is passed at the Southern Baptist Convention held in Birmingham, Ala. The Sunday School Board is authorized to begin.

Frost • Dr. J.M. Frost is elected first chief executive of the Baptist Sunday School Board.

1893

• The Baptist Sunday School Board begins the practice of contributing funds toward the support of other denominational agencies.

• Dr. T. P. Bell is elected second chief executive.

1896

• Dr. J.M. Frost is re-elected as chief executive.

1898

• BSSB publishes its first book, a venture which later results in Broadman Press.

1904

Hymnal • BSSB's first published hymnal helps standardize worship in Southern Baptist churches.

1916

• I.J. Van Ness is elected third chief executive of the BSSB.

1920

Store • The Baptist book store operation begins.

• The department of survey, statistics and information begins.

1928

Old Ridgecrest • The Baptist Sunday School Board assumes responsibility from the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee for the operation of Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly.

1935

• T.L. Holcomb is elected fourth chief executive of the BSSB.

1940

• The Broadman Hymnal is produced.

1941

• The church music department is organized.

1943

• The church library service is organized.

1952

Glorieta sign • A second conference center is established in Glorieta, New Mexico.

1953

• James L. Sullivan is elected fifth chief executive.

1954

• The church recreation department is started.

1966	• The Life and Work Sunday school materials for youth and adults are created.
1975	• Grady C. Cothen is elected sixth chief executive.
1978	• The Bible Book Series for youth and adults is started. • The Baptist Hymnal is translated into Spanish. • BSSB begins a Bible correspondence program and production of "At Home with the Bible."
1979	• The BSSB purchases the Holman Bible Company.
1981	• Baptist Tel Net (BTN) is started.
1984	• Lloyd Elder is elected seventh chief executive.


1991	• Dr. James T. Draper, Jr. is elected eighth chief executive. • The Baptist Sunday School Board celebrates its centennial anniversary.
1992	• The New American Commentary Series is produced by Broadman and Holman.
1993	• True Love Waits, a sexual abstinence program, is started for teenagers. • Broadman and Holman merge to form one division.
1997	• The first employee-led mission trip is taken to Kenya.
1998	• Baptist Sunday School Board changes its name to LifeWay Christian Resources after receiving a positive vote from the annual Southern Baptist Convention meeting.
2000	• A new warehouse and distribution center for undated resources is opened in Lebanon, Tenn.
2002	• Holman Christian Standard Bible begins initial publication. • Renovations to the downtown Nashville facilities for LifeWay are completed including a new visitor entrance, visitor parking, employee parking garage, cafeteria and coznference space.
2004	• The full Holman Christian Standard Bible releases to the public.
2006	• Dr. Thom S. Rainer is elected ninth chief executive. • LifeWay Research is launched and releases data from its inaugural study. • B&H Academic is launched.
2008	• Released new Baptist Hymnal.
2009	• Opened Johnson Spring Convention Center at Ridgecrest.

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