Lloyd Elder will retire as director of the Moench Center for Church Leadership in Belmont University’s School of Religion, effective June 1. The Moench Center, established in 1996, provides resources, conferences and training events to ministers in 26 states.
“Lloyd has helped us maintain a healthy balance between church and academic life at Belmont. He is the classic example of a pastor-theologian,” said Steve Simpler, dean of the School of Religion. “He has distinguished himself as a respected religious leader, yet he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I’ve been with him at Moench Center workshops in rural churches where we had half a dozen people. I’ve been with him when he led worship at large urban churches. He’s the same guy in both places. He’s a genuinely good person who reflects God’s grace.”
Elder joined the School of Religion faculty in August 1991, filling the Paschall Chair for Biblical Studies and Preaching, Elder. He along with Joyce Byrd as associate director established the Moench Center in 1996, to provide leadership skills to ministers. The center was made possible by gifts from the late Ernest J. Moench Sr. and his wife, Anna.
With his retirement, Elder will be named Founding Director of the Moench Center. As invited, Elder plans to continue working part-time with the center in conducting research, writing articles and textbooks and leading conferences. “I believe in the ministry of this center and I want it to have the best from me,” Elder said.
Elder said he plans to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Sue, two children and five grandchildren.
The Moench Center has partnered with five Baptist state conventions
