Moody Bible Institute of Chicago has named Dr. Michael J. Easley, a twenty-year veteran pastor from Virginia, to succeed Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who served as MBI’s seventh president for 18 years and concludes his tenure on Feb. 28, 2005

The 119-year old Moody Bible Institute (MBI) named Easley, 47, its eighth president on February 2, during the annual Moody’s Founder’s Week Conference.

“My vision is to guard the Moody legacy,” said Easley, as he was named before an audience of 3,500. “Training more men and women for Christian service; utilizing broadcasting and other technological advances to take the Gospel to more people; continuing to publish reliable, trustworthy materials. And as we look to the future, we will hold forth the Gospel clearly and impact our communities, our nation, and the world for Jesus Christ.”

According to a press release, Easley was selected by the Board of Trustees after a twelve-month search process. “Michael is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who has a passion for God’s Word,” said Dr. Chuck Swindoll, Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. “He is just the kind of President Moody Bible Institute needs–someone who can follow in the footsteps of Dr. Stowell.”

Easley has a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and has served several churches, including Grand Prairie Bible Church in Texas and, since 1993, Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Va. He and his wife, Cindy, have four children.