Michael Easley

Dr. Michael J. Easley became the eighth president of Moody Bible Institute (MBI) on March 1, 2005. A gifted Bible teacher and church leader, he shares the passion for ministry, heart for people and love for God that have distinguished previous MBI presidents for over 120 years.

Casual photo of Dr. Easley, President of the Moody Bible InstituteHe came to MBI after successfully serving in pastoral ministry for 20 years. From 1993 until 2005, he was the senior pastor of Immanuel Bible Church, an influential church serving the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas. At Immanuel, he oversaw a staff of more than 75, and served a congregation of approximately 5,000 members. Immanuel ministered to men and women in government service, political and professional fields, and many in uniform. His love for ministry and the teaching of the Word, along with his desire to be part of a team, encouraged the churches where he served to grow and prosper.

His pastoral career began as a youth minister intern at Trinity Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, before becoming senior pastor of Grand Prairie Bible Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he served for nine years.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, he received a bachelor of science in education in 1980. His ministry training, including a master of theology degree in 1985 and a doctor of ministry degree in 2003, was undertaken at Dallas Theological Seminary. In recognition of his doctoral work, the seminary awarded Dr. Easley the John G. Mitchell award for outstanding scholarship and effectiveness in ministry.

As president of Moody, Dr. Easley oversees the entire scope of MBI's ministries, including education, broadcasting, and publishing. Moody Bible Institute functions on an annual budget of around $90 million and has an employee base of more than 600 full-time employees. MBI also has a global constituency that is ministered to through its graduates, various enterprises, and the Internet.

Dr. Easley married his wife Cindy in 1980, and together they are raising four children: Hanna, Jessie, Devin, and Sarah.

Dr. Easley retired from the presidency due to chronic debilitating back pain June 30, 2008. He will remain on as President Emeritus until the end of 2009.