The story
Founded by James Marion Frost in 1891.1
The story of Lifeway Christian Resources begins in 1891, when James Marion Frost, a 43-year-old pastor, founded "The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention" after that year's annual SBC meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. Frost carried a bold and untested vision, but he laid the foundation for what Lifeway would ultimately become. His early leadership was brief, ending in 1893, but his dream endured.
During the next three years, T. P. Bell took the helm (1893–1896). Fierce in conviction and unafraid of opposition, Bell fought tenaciously for the Board's legitimacy. He believed the work was essential to Baptist life and refused to compromise, even under intense criticism.
In 1896, J. M. Frost returned for a second, much longer term that stretched twenty years (1896–1916). Though he lacked complete clarity about the future, his renewed leadership solidified the mission and trajectory of the Board.
Upon Frost's departure in 1916, I. J. Van Ness became president and served for nearly two decades (1916–1935). Van Ness elevated the role of Christian education within the convention, recognizing that resources alone were not enough, and that Baptists needed to be trained, equipped, and formed. His influence helped shape the educational spirit that remains at Lifeway's core. In 1925, the Board began operating retail bookstores under the name "Baptist Book Store". According to Jeffrey Gros, the Sunday School Board was "one of the principal sources of literacy across the South."
Leadership then passed to T. L. Holcomb (1935–1953), a man who preferred preaching and revival ministry to the administrative demands of institutional life. Even as president, he remained a pastor at heart. His tenure emphasized Lifeway's fundamental connection to the local church, a value still cherished today.
In 1953, James L. Sullivan assumed the presidency and served for twenty-two years (1953–1975), making him the longest-tenured president in Lifeway's history. Sullivan guided the organization through significant transitions with unmatched knowledge of both the denomination and the Board. Under his leadership, the “LifeWay” imprint was first used around 1971 on some of its materials and as the name for retail stores in certain markets, reflecting an expansion of items sold which included items produced by others, some of whom were not Southern Baptist. His legacy was physically honored in downtown Nashville, where the Sullivan Tower was built and stood as a tribute to his lasting leadership and vision.
Gene Mims, former Lifeway Vice President, summarized Sullivan's impact: “He is arguably the greatest leader we ever had. He served in the transition of the greatest magnitude and moved easily between business and ministry. He knew the denomination like none before him and knew the Board and all the details of it. His hallmark position was to always keep the Board in the center, not the right and not to the left, of every issue and opportunity. We learn from him the lessons from the center.”
Sullivan was followed by Grady C. Cothen (1975–1984), whose background and love for Scripture fueled a spirit of innovation. Cothen led boldly and embraced new technologies and methods, encouraging the organization to dream big and take risks during a time of denominational change.
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Next came Lloyd Elder (1984–1991), who inherited leadership during one of the most turbulent eras in Southern Baptist history. With the Convention undergoing fundamental shifts, Elder remained steady and diligent, determined to do all he could with what he had. His tenure exemplified perseverance and kingdom focus during difficult times.
In 1991, James T. Draper Jr. began a fifteen-year presidency (1991–2006). Draper's leadership was marked by relational warmth, pastoral care, and a deep love for church leaders. His legacy is rooted less in accomplishments and more in character. He embodied the belief that leadership flows from who one is, not merely what one does. From 1996 to 1998, the Board rebranded its stores under the LifeWay banner and officially changed its name. In 2002, LifeWay acquired Serendipity House, a publisher of Bible studies for small groups.
Thom S. Rainer succeeded Draper in 2006 and served until 2018. Rainer emphasized research, church revitalization, and the changing dynamics of ministry in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. His twelve years saw Lifeway modernize and reposition itself for a digital future. During his tenure, in 2017, LifeWay moved out of the Draper Tower and the Sullivan Tower (named after President James L. Sullivan) into new headquarters in the Capitol View area of Nashville.
Following Rainer's retirement, Ben Mandrell became president in 2019. His leadership has spanned a period of transformation for Lifeway, including the challenges of the COVID-19 era, the relocation of the organization's headquarters, and a renewed emphasis on church-centric ministry. Mandrell's presidency (2019–2025) reflects innovation, adaptability, and a continued commitment to serving pastors and congregations.
In January 2019, LifeWay announced that it would cut staff and close some of its 170 stores. Two months later, it announced that it would be closing all of them and shift its focus to the e-commerce side of the business.
In January 2021, Lifeway unveiled a new logo, which made its name's w lowercase. Also in 2021, it was announced the building would be sold in favor of a smaller office as staff continued the trend of remote working.
From Wikipedia’s article on LifeWay Christian Resources, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4