12 April 2016 | St Albans, UK [Victor Hulbert/Fylvia Fowler Kline/Andrew McChesney] British born Derek Morris was named yesterday as President of Hope Channel Inc., the global Christian television network of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Morris, who currently serves as editor of Ministry magazine, will now oversee the operations of the Hope Channel network of 43 affiliate channels.
Morris succeeds Brad Thorp, who served Hope Channel as president since its inception in 2003. Billy Biaggi, Chairperson of the Hope Channel Board of Directors states, “We thank the Brad and Kandus Thorp for their dedication, commitment, and faithful ministry. We pray that the Lord continues to bless Brad in his new function as field secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, focusing on urban centres in cities around the world and bringing hope to millions.” Kandus will continue as Director for International Development. The Thorp’s were instrumental in developing Hope Channel on the Hotbird satellite in Europe. As technology and viewing habits changed, they also encouraged the development of national channels and internet delivery platforms such as Roku.
Taking up his new role Morris states, “I believe God has a great work to be done through television.” He adds, “We need to tap into all media platforms to reach everyone we can for God’s Kingdom. And Hope Channel has opportunities every moment of every day to reach searching hearts with the message of God’s redeeming love.”
Morris started his theological education at Newbold College, England, but after graduating took a summer holiday in the United States from which, he says, he never returned. He holds a DMin in Preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina and another DMin in Practical Theology from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. As president, Morris will work with the Hope Channel Board of Directors to create and implement a strategy that effectively shares with the world God’s good news for a better life today and for eternity.
“Pastor Morris has a very biblically-focused approach to his work and to lifting up Christ, His righteousness, and His soon coming,” said Ted Wilson, President of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church. “God has blessed Hope Channel enormously over the last number of years, and it is now poised to expand its programming and donor participation. What an opportunity to reach the world with the three angels’ messages!”
Brown will focus on theological education, clergy leadership development, and clergy families. He will also serve as Associate Editor of Ministry magazine.
“He brings a breadth of experience and is known for a deep spirituality,” said Jerry Page, secretary of the Ministerial Association. “Everyone who knows him likes him.”
And what does Newbold think of its two illustrious sons? College Principal, Dr John Baildam, simply smiles as he states, “Newbold continues to be proud of the international impact its alumni make within and outside the Church right around the globe.” [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
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