President | Testimony | Family | Q&A | Photos
Questions and Answers
Ministry
What are your greatest ministry passions?
I have a deep passion to see lives changed and societies transformed by the accurate and relevant teaching of God’s Word. I also have an abiding passion to see people from every tribe, tongue and nation worshiping the Lamb throughout eternity.
What have you found most rewarding over the past 20 years of ministry?
Working on a high-performance executive team at Avant that was linked tightly to a forward-thinking international board of directors. This teamwork allowed the organization to become bold, innovative and efficient in its global ministry.
How would you describe your philosophy of ministry?
I am a team builder. I strongly believe teams, as microcosms of the body of Christ, enable people to operate in the area of their strengths, promote accountability, create alignment and enable God’s servants to accomplish more than they could on their own.
How would you describe great leadership?
Leadership that is truly great inspires people to passionately pull together toward a common purpose. It motivates people to sacrifice, cooperate and work together because they own and share a mutual vision.
What was your first introduction to Moody?
Because I was not saved until college, I was not exposed to Moody and its graduates until I was in seminary.
Why do you value a Christian education such as Moody provides?
In today’s increasingly secular culture, there is no greater foundation for life than a solid understanding of God’s word and the development of a biblical worldview. Moody not only provides that, but also couples that education with real world ministry experience. This package is effectively equipping the next generation of servants for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
What intrigued you most about this opportunity at Moody?
Moody is absolutely unique in the world of Christian higher education. Its reach and its reputation transcend all other Bible colleges across the globe. When you have an opportunity to be involved in the top leadership of a ministry with the legacy and resources of Moody, it immediately captures your attention.
How did the Lord confirm in your heart that Moody was the next place of service?
Two ways. First, peace. While the presidency of Moody brings considerable demands, God gave me peace in my heart about the position. Any apprehension was always quickly dissolved by His perfect peace. Second, encouragement from those who know me the best. I don’t think anyone truly believes they have the requisite skills for this role. But those who know me well kept encouraging me that God had perhaps equipped me for this very position.
How do you feel God has uniquely prepared you for this ministry?
Every person’s adventure with Christ is unique. God has allowed me the opportunity to experience both breadth and depth in ministry. I have a theologian’s mind due to my Th.M. and Ph.D. from Dallas Seminary. I have a pastor’s heart due to my 18 years in the pulpit of two churches. I have a missionary’s passion due to my eight years in leadership of Avant Ministries. I have both classroom experience and executive experience. I have traveled all over the world. It’s a bit unusual but it has perhaps prepared me for what awaits at Moody.
Personal Life
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Oakland, Neb. and raised in Omaha, Neb. My parents still reside in Omaha.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy sports and working out. I am a big college football fan. I enjoy major league baseball and an occasional round of golf. When my boys were in high school, I served as a basketball coach and athletic director. I read voraciously and usually have several books going at the same time. I have many other interests, but little time to pursue them.
Do you have a life verse?
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
What book are you currently reading?
Just finished Riven by Jerry Jenkins and X-Teams: How to Build Teams that Lead, Innovate and Succeed by Deborah Ancona and Henrik Bresman. I am in the middle of a Ted Dekker novel and The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria.
Besides the Bible, what book has had the greatest impact on you?
This is a tough choice! Probably Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. My love for apologetics began with an exposure to his writings.
Family Focus
When were you married?
May 16, 1981 in LaMarque, Texas.
What is the quality you appreciate most about Cheryl?
She loves people and she values relationships. She is the consummate people-person. She lights up a room when she arrives and makes everyone feel comfortable.
What are her thoughts about this opportunity?
She is just as excited about this opportunity as I am! She is looking forward to moving to Chicago and building into the lives of the female students at Moody.
Tell us about your family?
God has blessed our family with four children. Natalie is a 2005 Moody graduate and married to James Ference. Taylor is a mechanical engineer in Wichita, Kan. and married to Jenny. Carson and Sawyer are students at Moody. No grandkids yet, but hopefully God will give us that privilege in the future.
How do your sons feel about you taking on this role at their school?
When this possibility began to emerge, we took time to carefully discuss it with them. We knew this would affect them on campus in a variety of ways and we didn’t want to unnecessarily complicate their lives. Because they were genuinely enthusiastic, we felt at liberty to continue pursuing the opportunity.