Sermon
Interview with Pastor Ryan Blackwell
Cross Church
Speaker: Nick Floyd, with Ryan Blackwell
May 18, 2026 · 37 min
Summary
Pastor Nick and departing Executive Pastor Ryan Blackwell share how Proverbs 16:9—"the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps"—shaped Ryan's unexpected call to become president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. Through their testimony, listeners witness how God prepared Ryan through ministry seasons in California and Arkansas, tested his obedience through Scripture and prayer, and demonstrated that trusting God's plans often requires surrendering our own.
Highlights
It was obedience versus disobedience. Ryan, do you trust me? Or will you obey me? Even if I'm calling you into something hard, even if you're calling into the unknown, even if you've got to put your kids in my hands, do you trust me?
Jesus, you're worthy, you're worthy. We're gonna live open-handed with our lives. We're gonna live open-handed with our kids, with our future, because you're worthy. We can trust you.
It is only boring if you're living like this, if you're living closed off to the Holy Spirit's leadership in your life. What could it be that God's calling you to say yes to?