From the CTI Board - Christianity Today

We are pleased to announce the January 1 appointment of Dr. Robert E. Cooley as executive director of a new entity, the CTI Foundation. Bob is president emeritus of Gordon—Conwell Theological Seminary, has served as a CT senior editor, and is a thoughtful scholar, administrator, and visionary. With CTI board and staff, he will establish the Foundation to strengthen CTI and support its growth.

You may have noticed we recently changed the I in CTI from Incorporated to International. As CTI continues to grow—especially ChristianityToday.com—it faces a whole new world of opportunities for strategic ministry. Previously, barriers to international magazine publishing were high, but not so Internet communications.

Many have urged us to step up to the needs. One U.S. leader said, “What if CTI could have on the rest of the world the same impact it’s had here? What a profound effect for God’s kingdom!”

Yet embracing such a vision is a tall order. Our growth from one magazine in 1975 to a multimagazine, multimedia ministry was done through self-funding. Though nonprofit, we’ve avoided fundraising. We’ve used sound business principles, carefully saving to meet needs and opportunities.

But now in the Internet age, expanded challenges cannot be met with internal capitalization. Hence the CTI Foundation.

I am very excited to be working closely with Bob to bring this vital new entity into existence. Bob has a long track record of extraordinary leadership. Succeeding Harold Ockenga to become the second president of Gordon—Conwell, he strengthened and expanded its academics, opened a new campus, established many new programs, and led two capital campaigns totaling more than $65 million. He served as president of the Association of Theological Schools in North America and currently serves as chairman of the board of InTrust Inc., which provides leadership resources for theological educators. In 1997, after 16 years of dynamic seminary leadership, he retired—but only to keep up the pace in different ways.

Billy Graham, founder of CT and cofounder of Gordon—Conwell, remarked in a letter to Bob, “From time to time I have looked at your schedule and have been amazed at how much you manage to fit in.” If world traveler Billy is amazed, I’m more so. “Retired” Bob, computer in one hand and suitcase in the other, travels the world counseling parachurch and academic boards of trustees, leading groups in Israel (he’s a recognized archaeologist) and chairing the board of a new seminary in Kiev.

Now Bob takes up the challenges of CTI’s vision. In this new millennium we see forces of upheaval shattering old verities and transforming global communities. Opportunities abound for the gospel and for the church. We need Spirit-led leaders bringing fresh biblical responses to new paradigms. Part of our vision is to identify and connect such leaders from around the world. We sense a call to help provide the church with sound theology, a positive gospel, and a unifying spirit.

We are delighted to welcome Bob Cooley as a partner as we prayerfully step up to our new challenges.