Joe Walker has been named interim president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources following the departure of Ben Mandrell, who led the organization for the past six years.

According to The Christian Post, Walker, a 39-year Lifeway veteran currently serving as chief operating officer, will guide the organization while a national search is conducted for its next permanent leader.

The Lifeway Board of Trustees unanimously selected Walker to step into the interim position after Mandrell announced his resignation to accept a pastoral role. Mandrell, who began his tenure as the 10th president and CEO of Lifeway in 2019, will become the senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee. He is scheduled to preach his first sermon there on August 10, 2025.

Veteran CPA and longtime executive steps in

Walker has worked for Lifeway Christian Resources for nearly four decades, accumulating experience across several financial and operational leadership roles. He is a Certified Public Accountant and studied accounting at the University of Tennessee. His most recent role, executive vice president and COO, began in March 2025.

Before becoming COO, Walker held the position of chief financial officer for six and a half years, preceded by 12 years as corporate controller. His long-standing career within the organization was a significant factor in the trustees’ decision to appoint him to the interim role. His commitment to advancing Lifeway’s mission has remained a constant throughout his tenure.

Lifeway trustee chairman James Carroll described Walker as a trusted and experienced leader. “Selecting Joe Walker to lead was an easy and unanimous decision,” Carroll said, citing Walker’s multifaceted leadership over several decades. “We have the utmost confidence in him and his ability.”

Leadership transition linked to Southern Baptist ties

Walker expressed a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and underscored his appreciation for outgoing president Mandrell. "I'm so grateful to have served with Ben for the past six years," Walker said. "During this time of transition, I will work closely with our leadership team and our trustees to continue the strong culture and financial results Ben led us to achieve."

He reflected on the changes Lifeway has undergone during his career, particularly the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During my 39 years of service at Lifeway, I have seen God’s hand and provision,” Walker said. “That was especially true as He brought Lifeway through the pandemic when revenue plummeted as many churches were not meeting for several months.”

Walker added that the organization has since made a full recovery, returning to a position of strength in service to local churches. His remarks underscore his focus on continuity and stability during the leadership change.

Trustees begin national search process

In tandem with Walker’s appointment, Lifeway trustees have initiated a process to identify the next permanent president. An eight-member search committee has been formed to lead this effort, headed by Billy Stewart, a retired community college president and executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Alongside Stewart, the committee includes Beth Greene of Knoxville, Tennessee; Madeline Harris of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Caleb Iorg of Portland, Oregon; Michael Schmidt of Reno, Nevada; Rob Sumrall of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and Matt Surber of San Antonio, Texas. Chairman James Carroll will participate as an ex-officio member.

The full Board of Trustees and Lifeway’s executive leadership team are scheduled to take part in sessions led by the search committee during the upcoming August 2025 meeting. These discussions will help shape the path forward as the organization evaluates its leadership needs.

Past selection process indicates extensive timeline

With the new search underway, past experience indicates the process could take several months. When Mandrell was selected in 2019, it followed a 10-month national search. Reflecting on the responsibility ahead, Carroll emphasized the spiritual and organizational weight of the decision.

“The selection of Lifeway's next president is an enormous responsibility,” he said. “First to the Lord and then to our fellow Southern Baptists. We will seek God's help at every step of the process to move with wisdom, prudence, and appropriate swiftness.”

Throughout his interim role, Walker is expected to provide stability as the organization moves through another major leadership transition. His extensive experience and close collaboration with both the leadership team and board are seen as key assets during this period.

Continuing mission amid organizational change

Walker’s appointment ensures that, even amid executive transition, the mission of Lifeway Christian Resources will continue without disruption. The organization serves thousands of churches and ministry leaders with publications, discipleship resources, and training materials nationwide.

Founded to support Southern Baptist churches, Lifeway has faced both growth and challenge under Mandrell’s tenure, from the pandemic to evolving ministry needs. With Walker stepping in, the trustees hope the organization can sustain momentum while preparing for its future leadership.

As the August board meeting approaches, organizational focus will turn to charting Lifeway’s long-term direction, informed by conversations between executive leaders, trustees, and the search committee. The coming months mark a critical time for discernment and planning in Lifeway’s ongoing ministry work.