Dr. Easley Steps in as New President of Moody Bible Institute

The Moody Bible Institute (MBI) in Chicago welcomed its eighth president, Dr. Michael J. Easley, to office on March 1, 2005.

The MBI Board of Trustees selected Dr. Easley after a twelve-month search process, and announced his election exactly one month prior to the March 1 installment.

"This is God's man for this time in Moody's history," stated Paul Johnson, Chairman, as he publicly presented Dr. Easley during Moody's historic Founder's Week Conference in February.

At the same ceremony, Easley shared his visions and goals for the "Moody legacy" with the 3,500-plus audience.

"My vision is to guard the Moody legacy," said Dr. Easley. “Training more men and women for Christian service; utilizing broadcasting and other technological advances to take the Gospel to more people; continuing to publish reliable, trustworthy materials. And as we look to the future, we will hold forth the Gospel clearly and impact our communities, our nation, and the world for Jesus Christ."

Born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Easley earned his B.S. Ed at Stephen F. Austin State University and a Th. M and D. Min at Dallas Theological Seminary. He also received a John G. Mitchell Award for outstanding doctoral research in 2003.

His successful ministry experiences of 20 years began while a college student at Austin State, where he served as a Youth Pastor Intern at Trinity Fellowship in Dallas. He then served as a Senior Pastor at Grand Prarie Bible Church from 1984-1993 and at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, VA from 1993-2005, during which he has also served as National Conference Speaker at FamilyLife Marriage Conferences.

Dr. Easley, 47, succeeds Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who served as MBI's president for 18 years.

Stowell, who concluded his tenure on Feb. 28, said Easely has the right characteristics to lead the historic institution into the future.

"I am impressed with his unique giftedness and preparation to lead us into our next season of ministry," said Dr. Stowell. "His integrity, love for people and passion for the advancement of the cause of Christ will serve MBI's future well."

March 1st marked the first day of Easley's tenure; his inauguration will be held later in the year, pending his return to the country.

"The president is out of country right now. He will be back in the country the fourth week of March and be here for Palm Sunday," said Madison Trammel from the Media Relations & Corporate Communications center at MBI.

Moody Bible Institute was founded in 1886 by world-renown 19th-century evangelist D.L. Moody. It is best known for its ministry in education, designed to train students for full-time ministry in churches and para-church organizations. Other primary ministries of MBI include Moody Publishers and Moody Broadcasting Network.