On Friday, October 23, in Torrey-Gray Auditorium on Moody’s Chicago campus, Dr. J. Paul Nyquist was formally inducted into the office of president. This ceremony was complete with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the historical occasion and protocols of academic inauguration ceremonies, including hosting delegates from more than 25 educational institutions around the country. Dr. Nyquist, who officially assumed the office in June 2009, is only the ninth president in Moody Bible Institute’s 123-year history.

Dr. Charles Ryrie, mentor and teacher to Nyquist during his studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, provided the inaugural charge to the new president. He challenged him to not only serve as the CEO, but also the CSO―Chief Shepherd Officer.

Following the presentation of the presidential medallion by Jerry Jenkins, board chairman, and Dr. Michael Easley, most recent former president, the trustees laid hands on Dr. Nyquist in a prayer of dedication for the task before him in leading and directing the ongoing work of Moody Bible Institute.

Before the close of the ceremony, Dr. Nyquist gave his inaugural address, in which he presented his vision for Moody’s future. 

In order to know where Moody should go in the future, he said it was important that we have an understanding of the times we live in. He outlined the four primary forces radically shaping our world today, which are globalization—ever-increasing interconnection through the mobile and wireless web; urbanization—people are increasingly moving to the cities and urban centers; secularization—the fastest-growing segment of our population claims to be non-religious; and pluralization—we live in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual world.

In light of these, he asked the question, “What would God want Moody to do to have maximum kingdom impact in this globalized, urbanized, secularized and pluralized world that is emerging?” His answer was summed up in four simple words—“Biblical Mission. Global Vision.”

The phrase “Biblical Mission” captures the 123-year legacy of Moody that is deeply rooted in God’s Word. “We are committed to standing in the gap against the growing tide of biblical illiteracy in our country, and equip people with both the knowledge of God’s word and the skills to powerfully proclaim it,” said Nyquist. “This will continue to be the clear focus in our schools, on our radio and through our publishing. We are about the Bible. This will not change!”

He went on to explain that the phrase “Global Vision” means two new commitments for Moody. First, that Moody will intentionally train students to minister effectively in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, urban-oriented world.  And secondly, that Moody will seek to establish a reciprocal relationship with the global church, learning from each other and helping each other become more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In order to accomplish these visionary directives, he outlined four key components that are necessary for Moody in order for the organization to be successful. These are being intentional in our movement toward greater ethnic, cultural and gender diversity; having the sufficient resourcing of current operation and ministries; being selective but effective in the use of new technology; and developing an agile and nimble organization that is able to adapt quickly.

Citing 2 Chronicles 16:9, he concluded his address by acknowledging that we can only accomplish this vision for the future with God’s help. “His promise is clear: if our hearts are right, His strong support will appear.”

Following the ceremony, delegates, trustees, student leaders and invited guests joined the president and his family in an inauguration luncheon hosted in Moody’s student dining room.