Leadership

The People Who Guide Our Ministry

Don Lough, President and CEO of Word of Life

Don Lough

Don Lough, Jr. follows a great legacy of leadership as president and CEO of Word of Life Fellowship. He brings more than 30 years of experience and service in the ministry as he shares the passion of those who have gone before him – holding forth the Word of Life.

Don is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute, Cedarville University (B.A.), and Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and he holds a doctorate in strategic leadership from Capital Seminary. He has received honorary doctorates from Tennessee Temple University and Davis College. Don has served as the contributing author of multiple books and publications, sharing insights on biblical faith and leadership strategies.

Don previously served as the vice president of the International Ministries Division of Word of Life. In 2011, he stepped into his current role as the president and CEO of Word of Life as well as the chancellor of Word of Life Bible Institute. Don also serves on the board of trustees at Cedarville University. He and his wife, Darla, have been married for over 30 years and rejoice as the parents of four adult children who are engaged in ministry.

John nelson

John Nelson

Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Word of Life Foundation

John has served with Word of Life for more than 40 years in several leadership roles. He attended Cornerstone University and then graduated from Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Economics in 1980. After teaching high school business for two years and working on Word of Life Island during the summers, his full-time ministry with Word of Life began in 1982 as publications manager. He has since served in leadership roles in camps, operations, finance and advancement. John has served directly under all of the previous Word of Life leaders including currently in his role as executive assistant to Don Lough, Jr. He has a passion to serve and to help develop the next generation of Christian leaders. John and his wife Elizabeth have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Rich Andrews VP of Florida Ministries

RICH ANDREWS

Vice President of Youth and Family Camps

Rich serves as the Director of Word of Life Florida. He has a B.S. in Business Management and Ethics from Trinity College of Florida. Rich and his wife, Lynn, have served in various capacities at Word of Life for over 25 years. In his current role, Rich serves at camp, in the conference center, and at the Bible Institute.

Brian Baker VP of the New York Bible Institute and Camps

BRIAN BAKER

Vice President of Bible Institutes

Brian serves as the Vice President of the New York Bible Institute and Camps. He is passionate about helping young people develop a biblical foundation upon which they can build the rest of their lives. Brian loves preaching, teaching, and building into current and future leaders.

John Collins Director of Youth Ministries

John Collins

Director of Youth Ministries

John has been in youth work for over 35 years, and he applies that knowledge as the Director of Word of Life Youth Ministries. He is passionate about mobilizing the next generation to reach their generation with the gospel. John loves the outdoors, sports and his family.

Scott Foreman

Scott Foreman

VP of Growth and Impact Strategies

Scott and his wife, Rachel, have been in full-time ministry since 1999, serving with Word of Life and in pastoral ministry. Their greatest treasure is the four sons that the Lord has entrusted to them. Scott dedicated his life to the Lord when he was 16 years old at Word of Life Canada. His desire is to use his giftedness to see the Lord’s work move forward with intentionality, passion, and wise stewardship. Scott is a graduate of Carolina University (B.S.) and Liberty University’s School of Divinity (M.Min.).

Eric Messer VP of Operations and Central Services

Eric Messer

VP of Operations and Central Services

Eric and his wife, Karalie, have been serving Jesus with the ministry of Word of Life for over ten years. They are passionate about building teams of people who desire to work harmoniously to reach young people with the gospel. Eric is a graduate of Liberty University (B.S. Religion, MBA). He currently serves in the capacity of Vice President of Operations and Central Services.

Chip Nightingale

Chip Nightingale

VP of Advancement

Chip serves as Director of our Advancement Department. He is a passionate leader who brings 25 years of experience in business, coaching, pastoring, and fundraising to the team. Chip uses those skills to serve those who faithfully serve Word of Life through their giving.

Kris Stout Executive VP of International Ministries

Kris Stout

Executive VP of International Ministries

Kris oversees our more than 1500 missionaries both here in the United States and around the world in over 80 countries. He is a connector of people whose passion for spreading the Gospel is evident in how he leads and guides the ministry.

Mark Strout Executive Dean of Global Bible Institutes and Professor

Mark Strout

Executive Dean of Global Bible Institutes and Professor

Mark serves as Executive Dean and Professor of the global campuses of Word of Life Bible Institute. In addition to leading the Florida Bible Institute, he provides accreditation oversight for eight international campuses. Mark also serves as an adjunct professor on our Florida campus, New York campus, and around the world.

Past Directors

JACK WYRTZEN Director 1940-1990

JACK WYRTZEN
Director 1940-1990

Jack founded the ministry after trusting Christ as a young man. His passion was to share the Gospel and to reach young people. Jack’s contagious enthusiasm and his desire to be used of God were hallmarks of his leadership.

HARRY BOLLBACK Director 1940-1990

HARRY BOLLBACK
Director 1940-1990

Harry was invited by Jack Wyrtzen to become the Co-Director. He was used of God to launch the International Ministries of Word of Life and in later years, he began the Tour Ministries (Gospel Productions) which presented the Word of God through music, drama and multi-media.

GEORGE THEIS Director 1991-1999

GEORGE THEIS Director 1991-1999

George followed the leadership of Jack Wyrtzen and Harry Bollback and led Word of Life to expand the International Ministries into ten new locations – a total of 44 countries. Under his leadership and through his vision was born the need for a new teaching facility and library at Word of Life Bible Institute.

JOE JORDAN Director 1999-2011

JOE JORDAN Director 1999-2011

Joe served as Executive Director after founding the ministry of Word of Life in Argentina in 1970. His dynamic leadership was instrumental for numerous capital project upgrades to facilities, the growth of the ministry into 63 countries and the development of a new generation of leadership around the world.

OTHER LEADERS

Other Leaders that Help Guide the Ministry

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our board of directors includes both business and ministry leaders who have proven themselves to live by Godly wisdom that shows in their lives and areas of influence. We rely on these men for valuable leadership and advice as the ministry moves forward.

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FULL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Discover all of the leaders that make the ministry of Word of Life a reality. Below is the list of all of our directors who head up the major areas of the ministry around the world. These are the men responsible for moving the ministry forward each and every day.

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OUR MINISTRY HAPPENS THROUGH THE DONATIONS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

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