Company Profile
LifeWay Christian Stores
Company Overview
LifeWay, one of the world's largest providers of Christian products and services, is a nonprofit organization that reinvests income above operating expenses in mission work and other ministries around the world. LifeWay Christian Stores operates over 180 stores in 29 states. Our mission is to “See lives transformed by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Company History
In 1891, Dr. J. M. Frost had a desk, a corner of a newspaper office, and a little money he borrowed from his wife. More importantly, he had a blessing.
He put these four things together to begin what is known today as LifeWay Christian Resources. The organization, formerly called the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, was established by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1891 after its meeting in Birmingham, Alabama.
The vote gave Frost the approval he needed, but no funds were allocated to him. Undaunted, Frost put his vision and his work space in the office of Tennessee's Baptist newspaper, the Baptist and Reflector, to good use. Frost laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential entities in Southern Baptist life.
LifeWay's first assignment was the publication of Sunday school literature. More than a century later, LifeWay continues to provide that service, along with 10 other ministry assignments.
Change in Name, But Not Identity
At the time of the organization's inception as a Southern Baptist agency in 1891, the name was officially "The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention." So it was recorded in the Convention minutes then, and remained for more than 100 years.
Over the years, however, The Sunday School Board expanded its range of resources. The name no longer encompassed the wide array of products and services that the company offered. Nor did it reflect the broadening scope of the organization's mission.
Beginning as early as 1971, the LifeWay name was used in limited applications. Since then, it has been used both as an imprint for LifeWay resources and as a retail store identity in select markets.
The decision to change the name and adopt the LifeWay identity corporate-wide was not an easy one. The actual process itself took more than two years to complete.
The LifeWay name communicates that Jesus is at the very heart of all work and ministry.
The LifeWay Logo
The LifeWay logo is a simple, crisp, dynamic design that clearly reflects the organization's vision: As God works through us, we will help individuals and churches by providing biblical solutions for life.
The word "LifeWay" is rooted in Jesus' words in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The three words — way, truth, and life — illustrate the many dimensions of the saving work of Christ.
* "Way" speaks of the link between God and mankind.
* "Truth" reminds us of the complete reliability of Jesus in all that He is and does. Truth is the commodity of our organization.
* "Life" stresses far more than mere physical existence. The only life worthy of the name is that which Jesus brings, for He is life itself.
* LifeWay points to the essence of our Christian faith — the way to a full and meaningful life.
* The LifeWay theme, "Biblical Solutions for Life," expresses the corporation's vision and purpose. Two separate studies of Southern Baptist ministers and laity indicated that this phrase clearly identifies the ministry of LifeWay.
LifeWay Today
Today, LifeWay Christian Resources is housed in a facility that encompasses more than one million square feet of office space in downtown Nashville, Tennessee; a conference center in Ridgecrest, North Carolina; and over 180 LifeWay Christian Stores in 29 states. LifeWay resources minister in more than 120 countries around the world seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Benefits
We are based in Nashville, TN, which has been named by Forbes Magazine and the New York Times as one of its top “Cool Cities”. LifeWay offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, 401k, vacation, free parking and much more!