New President Named to Lead Moody Ministries

CHICAGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Michael J. Easley was named president of Moody Bible Institute (MBI) before an audience of 3,500 at Moody's historic Founder's Week Conference. Dr. Easley is only the eighth president of the Chicago-based ministry, which was founded in 1886 by preeminent 19th-century evangelist D.L. Moody.

"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."

After a twelve-month search process, the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Easley, 47, as president of the Institute. He comes to MBI with more than twenty years of successful pastoral ministry experience: first at Grand Prairie Bible Church in Texas, and most recently at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia. His journey into fulltime ministry began while a college student at Stephen F. Austin University, and led him to Dallas Theological Seminary where he received both his Master of Theology and his Doctor of Ministry degrees. He and his wife, Cindy, have four children.

"Michael is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who has a passion for God's Word," said Dr. Chuck Swindoll, Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. "He is just the kind of President Moody Bible Institute needs -- someone who can follow in the footsteps of Dr. Stowell."

Dr. Easley succeeds Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who served as MBI's president for 18 years and concludes his tenure on Feb. 28, 2005. "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."

The Moody Bible Institute exists to equip and motivate people to advance the cause of Christ through ministries that educate, edify and evangelize. MBI is best known for its education branch, which includes an undergraduate school, graduate school and distance learning center. Other primary ministries include Moody Publishers and the Moody Broadcasting Network.