Dr. John Hull Appointed as Crossroads' Chief Executive Officer

BURLINGTON, ON--(Marketwired - Sep 11, 2013) - Today Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. announced the appointment of Dr. John D. Hull as the Global Chief Executive Officer of the Crossroads Family of Ministries.

Hull most recently joins us from John C. Maxwell's EQUIP organization, where he served as President and CEO for thirteen years. Maxwell launched EQUIP in 1997 as a global initiative to train and resource leaders. EQUIP is now the world's largest and most comprehensive grassroots leadership/personal growth and development organization. Under Hull's leadership, the organization grew from six countries with materials in two languages to a global presence in 178 nations and materials in 65 different languages and dialects.

Canadians remember Hull from his leadership as the third pastor in the history of Peoples Church Toronto from 1993 to 2000. His weekly presence on national television in Canada is fondly regarded by Canadians from coast to coast. John appeared on 100 Huntley Street numerous times and also served on several advisory councils of Canadian evangelical initiatives through the EFC and made media appearances on CBC and CFTO.

Hull is excited about this role and said, "To return to Canada and serve as the Global CEO of the country's leading faith and values broadcaster is an honor I find humbling and motivating. Continuing to grow Crossroads within Canada, while expanding its influence into the US and around the globe, is central to my task."

Don Simmonds, who joined Crossroads four years ago as Chairman and CEO, will remain as Chairman of the Boards of Crossroads Canada, Crossroads USA and CTS, fully engaged in helping Hull lead the expanded vision introduced in 2009. It is stated this way: "To communicate a relevant message of Christian faith and values worldwide, to people of all ages, at all stages of their faith journey, using multiple forms of media communications and humanitarian efforts."

Simmonds explained, "John's incredible gifting will complement our strong leadership team, especially as Crossroads is expanding its activities in the USA and abroad." He continued, "John is a leader of leaders with the heart of a pastor. We have been praying for God's appointed leader for our time, who will continue the Crossroads legacy of a vision for the nations of the world, while carrying the pastoral mantle for our constituency."

Over the years, Hull has been a successful pastor, run a capital funds consulting company, and continues to speak to thousands of people annually in both the faith-based and corporate worlds. In addition, he is the voice of LEADERSHIP MOMENT a daily radio commentary based on John Maxwell's content, which can be heard on over 1500 stations and outlets. Hull holds earned degrees from the University of Georgia, Liberty University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has been married to Sharon since 1983. They reside in Atlanta and are the parents of two adult children.

John Maxwell says, "John Hull is a remarkably gifted man who is making a difference in countless lives worldwide. Most of all, I appreciate his heart for people. I've always been proud to have him represent me, so much so that if you want a picture of how I would personally lead, I'd tell you to look at him!" 

Under Simmonds' leadership, the expanded vision for Crossroads has been well established, building on the original vision of Founder David Mainse to use media to reach millions with the saving message of God's love. The commitment to take a clear message of Christian faith and values into mainstream media, with programs of excellence and relevance, is now central to the Crossroads ministry and critically important to reach a new generation of young people in a media-dominated culture.

Hull's appointment will also allow Simmonds to spend more time with his wife Fay, who is battling dual auto-immune diseases that have attacked her liver (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Auto-Immune Hepatitis). They remain grateful for so many prayers made on their behalf.

About Crossroads Christian Communications (Crossroads)

Crossroads is Canada's leader in providing faith and values media content for people of all ages. 100 Huntley Street, the flagship television program of Crossroads was founded by Rev. David Mainse and is the longest running daily Christian television program in Canada. Crossroads provides relevant messages of faith and inspiration for millions of Canadians and has done so for over 50 years. Its mission is to convey the unchanging message of God's love to people around the world. Crossroads interacts with its viewers via 24/7 prayer lines, and it has also been a highly respected and effective not-for-profit aid agency for over 25 years, having responded in times of natural disaster worldwide, raising funds and partnering with on-site, non-government organizations for emergency relief and long-term rebuilding strategies. www.crossroads.ca