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CBP/Chalice’s Lyons departing at year’s end

October 14, 2026

After 15 years leading the Christian Board of Publication/Chalice Press, President and Publisher Brad Lyons will be departing at year’s end.

“I am honored to have led the CBP/Chalice for 15 years, through denominational and congregational change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ever-changing publishing landscape,” Lyons said. “I have been blessed to meet hundreds of authors who have important words that need to be shared with the world and thousands of readers who have been inspired by those words.

“Chalice’s publications have enriched the conversation and energized communities around anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health awareness, opposing Christian Nationalism, creation care, camp curriculum, faith-at-home practices, and more. Through all these, Chalice has helped equip leaders and everyday people to change the world. I will be forever grateful for these experiences and connections.”

Over the next year, the CBP board will guide a transition period rooted in Chalice’s mission, focusing on vision and operations so the ministry can continue equipping leaders, supporting authors, and strengthening the church’s witness in the world.

Starting his career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, Lyons began his work in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) when he joined the staff of what is now Higher Education & Leadership Ministries in 2000. During his time at HELM he supported a new generation of emerging leaders through work with the HELM Leadership Fellows Program, Student Ecumenical Partnership, and seminary scholarships and programs. In 2011 he was named president of the Christian Board of Publication, the publishing house of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its forerunners since 1911.

While at Chalice, Lyons cowrote three books on national parks, including The National Parks Inspiration Guide: Your Journey to Connection, Meaning, and Discovery.

To celebrate Lyons’ work at Chalice, you are encouraged to donate to the Chalice Press/Brad Lyons Endowment Fund at the Christian Church Foundation. To make a contribution:

  1. Go to christianchurchfoundation.org, and click “Donate” in the upper-right corner.
  2. On the next page, click the red “Donate Now” button.
  3. On the next page, under the Permanent Fund Contribution option, enter the amount of your gift and click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
  4. On the next page, type “Chalice Press – Brad Lyons Fund.”

Statements on Lyons's departure

"As Chair of the CBP/Chalice Press Board, I want to acknowledge Brad Lyons’ announcement of his intention to conclude his service at year’s end. Leadership in any ministry is a form of stewardship, offered for a season, and we are grateful for Brad’s years of commitment to Chalice Press and to the wider church.

"During his fifteen years with Chalice, Brad worked through significant changes in both the church and the publishing landscape. We appreciate his dedication to authors and readers, and his desire to keep Chalice attentive to the needs of congregations and leaders navigating a complex world.

"Transitions such as this remind us that the mission of Chalice Press does not rest on any one individual. It belongs to the church and, ultimately, to God. The Board is singularly focused on the work ahead — strengthening operations, clarifying vision, and ensuring that Chalice continues to provide thoughtful, faithful resources for pastors, congregations, and Christians everywhere.
"Since 1911, Chalice Press has been serving the church. We are committed to sustaining the long witness of this ministry and to trusting the God who has carried it for more than a century."
— Gary W. Kidwell, CBP board chair

“I’ve never worked with a leader more committed to the mission of their organization than Brad. It has truly been my privilege to serve as Chair of the Chalice Press Board during a portion of his tenure.”
—Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood Pickrel, former CBP board chair

"Brad worked to create a stable of publications to serve a progressive Christian audience in a time when such resources are still hard to find. The church has been blessed by his commitment to ensure these voices could speak to our church and wider society."
—Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).