Belhaven was honored with a visit from Dr. Harold Smith, President & CEO of Christianity Today International (CTI) at Belhaven’s weekly chapel service on January 17.  Smith spoke on the topic of “Christians Engaged in the Public Square.” Being head of a national and international publication, Smith knows about being in the public square.

His introduction to the chapel service was a complementary observation of Belhaven’s creative spirit. He then spoke about the importance of giving all to God. He believes that just like Christianity Today tries to make meaningful connections with their readers, that in the same way students should reach into other’s lives.  Smith added that Belhaven students should be men and women ready and waiting to be used by the Lord.

During the chapel, Smith discussed CTI’s new project called This Is Our City and talked about the importance of becoming a creative counter-culture wherever God has placed us. He also discussed the importance of bringing restoration to one individual at a time, and then letting God do the multiplying.

In his conclusion, Smith gave three keys to engaging the public square:  a hungry faith, a deepening trust and a confidence that God, who began a good work in you, will complete it.

Smith is a resident of Carol Stream, Illinois, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He holds a BA in history from the University of Michigan and studied and taught journalism at Michigan State University. Smith and his wife, Judy, have two adult sons. Smith’s resume includes service with the National Association of Evangelicals prior to joining CTI.

Smith joined the staff of Christianity Today magazine as special projects editor in 1984, and was promoted through various positions. Most recently he served six years as executive vice president. With this appointment, he becomes only the fourth top executive in the company’s 50-year history.

Christianity Today magazine was founded by evangelist Billy Graham in 1956 in an effort to give the fledgling evangelical movement coverage of faith news and the changing Christian culture.

Today CTI publishes 13 print magazines including Today’s Christian Woman, Leadership Journal, and Ignite Your Faith (formerly Campus Life), operates award-winning websites with more than 30 channels for men, women, teens, and church leaders reaching more than 2-million unique visitors monthly, and produces more than 40 electronic newsletters reaching 1.4 million subscribers.