SerpApi.Org
Rick Melson has been elected the new president of Moody Bible Institute, months after his predecessor announced plans to step down.
In a press release provided to The Christian Post on Tuesday, MBI announced that Melson, current president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, has been elected by Moody’s board of trustees.
Melson will begin his term as Moody's 11th president Aug. 17, succeeding Mark Jobe, who concluded his seven-year tenure June 30. Tim Sisk, Moody's senior vice president and provost, has served as interim president since July 1.
Mark Flannery, a Moody trustee who chaired the presidential search committee, said in the press release that Melson's election followed "an extensive national search and much prayer."
“Melson is a deeply committed follower of Jesus Christ, an accomplished leader in Christian higher education, an exceptional fundraiser, gifted communicator and proven executive who understands how to lead complex ministry organizations while remaining firmly anchored in God's Word,” Flannery said.
Melson said in the release that he and his wife "are deeply humbled by the confidence the board of trustees has placed in us and grateful for the Lord's unmistakable leading throughout this journey."
“It is a great privilege to be entrusted with leading and stewarding this extraordinary ministry into its next chapter,” he stated. “I come to Moody with profound respect for its remarkable heritage and tremendous optimism for its future.”
“Together, we will seek God’s wisdom as we strengthen Moody’s educational mission, expand Moody Global Media’s reach, extend Moody Publishers’ influence, and make the Gospel available to more people than ever before.”
According to his biography on SBU’s website, Melson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Murray State University, a master’s degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctoral degree from Dallas Baptist University.
In the past, he has served on the pastoral staff at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, alongside Pastor John Piper, as well as the former Mars Hill Church of Seattle, Washington.
In January, Jobe announced he was stepping down as president of Moddy at the end of the academic year, believing it was time to “hand the baton” to new leadership.
Jobe is credited with growth in enrollment and improved financial reserves, arriving in 2019 amid controversies over the sudden departures of multiple Institute leaders following an article published by The Roys Report noting allegations of self-dealing, mission drift and intimidation.
