DALLAS, TEXAS, August 20, 2007 — Christianity Today International (CTI) board member emeritus Fred Smith, Sr. died Friday, August 17, 2007, at age 91. He had suffered declining health in recent years, including kidney failure. Two of our websites, ChristianityToday.com and LeadershipJournal.net, have details of Fred's life and work, including accounts of his vital contributions to CTI and Leadership over the past 30 years.

Smith joined the board in 1975, a time when the financial future of CT was uncertain. He was instrumental in bringing Harold Myra aboard as CEO, and he proved to be a board member whose opinions were sought and respected. Our current Editor in Chief/CEO, Harold Smith (no relation), says his contribution as a mentor is especially appreciated:

"Fred was the model mentor. Whether it was one-on-one, or as mentor to groups, Fred had few equals. He mentored for the entirety of his life, right down to the weekly breakfast meetings at his home in recent years, where people would gather around his bed and listen to his wisdom.

"He could tell the truth in a way that you could hear it; he could challenge, he could offer criticism with wit and humor, and you would welcome it. Frankly, it would be unwise not to listen to Fred.

"Fred played a key role in bringing my predecessor, Harold Myra, to Christianity Today. This legacy of mentoring rested mightily on Harold as well, as they introduced the second major phase in the life of the publishing ministry that would become Christianity Today International. When Leadership journal was launched, as the second of our print publications, Fred became a regular contributor and sage, and his insight found a deservedly wide audience.

"We at CTI are grateful benefactors of Fred's wisdom and godly influence."

Fred Smith, Sr. had recently completed his fourth book, Breakfast with Fred, drawn from the weekly mentoring sessions held at his home in recent years, after his health prevented him from traveling. The book, published by Regal, will be released September 4.

Fred Smith, Sr. will be honored at a memorial service September 7 in Dallas, Texas, where he lived. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

His son, Fred Smith, Jr., serves a member of the CTI board.

Christianity Today International was founded by Billy Graham in 1956. The publisher now produces 13 magazines, an award-winning website with more than 30 online-magazine channels and 2.5 million unique visitors per month, and a wide array of Internet resources for people of faith.

For more information, contact:
Eric Reed
Media Relations Director
Phone: (630) 260-6200 x4371
E-mail address: ereed@christianitytoday.com