Longtime Texas Baptist leader Chris Liebrum transitions to HPU role

DALLAS - Chris Liebrum, director of Cooperative Program Ministries, is retiring from his position with Texas Baptists and has accepted a new role with Howard Payne University (HPU) as Vice President for External Affairs. Liebrum, who has served the Convention for more than 35 years, is one of a number of staff who accepted a voluntary retirement offer earlier this year.

During his time with Texas Baptists, Liebrum has held a variety of positions including youth ministry, discipleship, human resources director, director of disaster relief, special assistant to the Executive Director and his present role in Cooperative Program Ministry. In each of these roles, he has served with determination and distinction. Having always valued the work of the local Church, Liebrum’s assignments have always come naturally, and he has always kept what is best for the Church in mind.

Liebrum’s life has been a testament to the impact of cooperative missions and ministry and the importance of institutional partnerships. He often drew from his rich personal testimony when talking about the Cooperative Program. Executive Director David Hardage, reflecting on Liebrum’s contributions to Texas Baptists, said, "I have known Chris for many years and am so deeply grateful that for the past 8 1/2 I have had the opportunity to work with him on our BGCT staff. He is more than just a colleague in ministry, he is a dear friend. I know the Lord still has plans to use him in a special way."

As a proud 1973 graduate of HPU, Liebrum has remained dedicated to Christian higher education. Liebrum also holds a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was awarded an honorary doctorate from HPU in 2006. As he joins the HPU staff, Liebrum’s commitment to sharing Christ and showing love through Christian higher education is certain to continue. 

Liebrum will work on a part-time, contract basis in order to complete a number of projects in the coming months, but the bulk of his work promoting and informing Texas Baptists about the positive effects of cooperative giving will be transferred to Bruce McCoy, current director of the Texas Baptist Ambassador Program. Also, CP Ministry Assistant Barbara Forbis will work with McCoy to ensure that Texas Baptists remain fully engaged and informed in the effectiveness of the Cooperative Program.

Additional information on other retirees is forthcoming.