Campus Crusade for Christ International (Cru) has announced the appointment of seasoned ministry leader David Robbins as its new president.
Robbins, 46, becomes the fourth president of the evangelism and discipleship ministry, which is based in Orlando in the U.S. He takes over from Steve Sellers, who is stepping into a new, undisclosed role with Cru.
The new president will take part in a commissioning ceremony in Orlando on July 18, which will be livestreamed via Cru.org.
Robbins has worked for Cru for the past two decades and most recently served as chief executive officer (CEO) of FamilyLife, an offshoot of the main ministry, supporting families in discipleship and gospel witness.
"I am deeply humbled to get to serve the Lord in this new role alongside faithful and faith-filled staff, volunteers and partners around the world," Robbins said. "Together, we will continue to trust God to pursue our mission so that people in every tongue, tribe and nation can come to know and follow Jesus."
Robbins takes on leadership for the ministry’s vision to help fulfill the Great Commission given by Jesus by “winning, building and sending in the power of the Holy Spirit and helping the body of Christ do evangelism and discipleship”, according to a Cru statement.
Cru’s board of directors undertook an extensive selection process with a wide range of candidates before announcing the appointment of Robbins. This involved “much prayer, discussion and consideration”, according to the Cru statement.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of staff members, volunteers and donors worldwide who prayed for us as we sought the Lord's guidance for the next president. Throughout the rigorous search process, it was a privilege to witness the quality and calling of Campus Crusade for Christ International/Cru's faithful leaders across the globe," said Barry Cannada, chairman of the board of directors. "On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to announce David Robbins as the next president of Campus Crusade for Christ International/Cru."
The new president became CEO of FamilyLife in 2017 and served in different leadership roles before that time. His achievements include starting a ministry to New Yorkers in their 20s, leading students in a ministry team in Italy, Europe, and working as a regional director for the U.S. Campus Ministries in the Southeast Region.
In its statement, Cru stated that Robbins has “consistently demonstrated a passion for evangelism and discipleship, and a heart to reach the world.”
Sellers expressed delight at the announcement of his successor for the role.
"I've spent nearly five decades dedicated to this ministry, and I believe the best years of our ministry are still ahead," Sellers said. "It was a joy to serve for a season as president, and I feel absolutely confident that God has His hand on David Robbins to lead us into the future, focused on our unchanging mission of evangelism and discipleship."
Robbins will end his term as CEO at FamilyLife before taking up the presidential position next month, July. He lives in Orlando, FL with his wife Meg and four children.
