You're taking the helm at a very difficult time for the NAE. What is your reflection on everything that has happened, and what are your plans for the future?
Anderson: I see this as a temporary disappointment or sadness, and not a long-term issue for the NAE. This incident is not unlike a plane crash. When a plane crashes, it is front-page news and it causes a lot of sadness. However, it doesn't have a permanent impact on the air travel industry, which is still the safest way to travel. As far as the NAE is concerned, I believe it will continue just fine. It will continue its public affairs work in Washington, its ministry and networking, and it will last as a healthy and ongoing organization.
During Rev. Haggard's tenure, there seemed to have been some internal disputes regarding the creation-care aspect of the NAE's major talking points. Do you see that changing?
Anderson: Well, my name is the first on the list of supporters to the Evangelical Climate Initiative, and I was one of the speakers who were in Washington to launch the initiative. This issue will not be of any higher priority than any other, but my stance is public and self-explanatory.
I heard the NAE has been receiving numerous calls of support and prayer. Is there anything you would like to say to your constituents?
Anderson: The primary message I want to give is that in the NAE, Jesus Christ is the leader and not anyone else. The center of loyalty and focus has been and always will be on Jesus Christ and his mission to the world.
Another thing I want to mention is that the NAE has been receiving emails from supporters everywhere - from Hong Kong to New Delhi. The interesting thing is that encouragement has not only come from the evangelical community, but from the secular press as well. Everybody I have encountered has been positive and affirming, and it's been wonderful to receive such support.
Leith Anderson is the senior Pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn. - a position that he was first called to on January 1, 1977, at a megachurch affiliated with the Baptist General Conference. During Dr. Anderson's tenure, the church has grown to 5,000 regular attendees and is known for its outreach overseas, including to victims of HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Anderson's education includes Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill.; Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. (B.A., Sociology); Denver Seminary in Denver, Colo. (Master of Divinity); and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. (Doctor of Ministry). He is the author of eight books and the radio voice of Faith Matters, which is heard on Christian stations across the United States.
Biography provided by the National Association of Evangelicals
