(BP) — Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary President Richard Blackaby announced his resignation from the seminary presidency in early June to become president of Blackaby Ministries International.
In a meeting with his staff and faculty, Blackaby said though he always felt that he would retire before leaving the seminary, God had been directing him toward the international ministry begun by his father, Henry Blackaby.
“This has been a very heart-wrenching decision for me because I love the seminary and it has been my incredible privilege to invest my life in its students,” he said. “Although I will not be the seminary president, I intend to remain in Cochrane and to continue to be involved in the seminary. I will continue to teach classes and to speak at events like chapel …. I also intend to use my opportunities to speak before various audiences to wholeheartedly promote the seminary. I intend to be one of its most dedicated ambassadors.”
Trustees and leaders at the seminary have named Blackaby its chancellor.
The presidential search committee has named Bob Tucker as the interim president. Along with serving as a professor at CSBS, Tucker previously has served as interim president before Blackaby's arrival. Tucker has also served as pastor at various churches as well as done pastoral interim work.
Mike McElroy, chairman of the presidential search committee, said he is excited to have Tucker come on board to serve during the transition.
“Dr. Tucker is very strong in building relationships. He relates well to students, and will be a good bridge as we take the time to find a new president,” he said.
Blackaby said his time at the seminary has been rewarding, and that he will continue to pray for the seminary while looking to the new opportunities that God has placed before him.
“I would appreciate your prayers,” he said. “God is leading me out of my comfort zone. I have a keen sense I have one life to live and I must invest it with all my heart where the Lord leads me.”