Sandy Willson Named Interim President of The Gospel Coalition

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) has named Sandy Willson as its interim president starting May 1. He replaces Julius Kim, who has served as president for the last three years. In the meantime, TGC will begin a national search for the next president.

Willson was the senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, for 22 years before retiring in 2017. He now holds the title of pastor emeritus at the church. Before Second Presbyterian, he led two other Presbyterian congregations in Tennessee.

About his appointment, Willson said, “I am deeply humbled to be asked to serve TGC in this interim period.”
“I will do my best to steward the great work being done by TGC’s top-notch staff, making sure we carry on in our work to equip the church and promote the gospel for all of life,” Willson added.

Willson has served on the TGC board of directors and was an original member of the TGC Council, a separate body from the board of directors. It is described as a “collection of pastors and qualified elders who provide direction and leadership to TGC.”

He holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia and an MDiv. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

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About the departing president, TGC board chairman said, “Julius [Kim] is a gifted preacher, a joy-filled brother, and a kind-hearted leader. He began as president during a challenging time, mere months before the COVID-19 pandemic started, and he has led us to stronger financial health. We wish him the best and support him fully as he transitions to a new place of ministry.”

According to TGC, Kim will stay on staff in an advisory capacity during the transition, and will be a keynote speaker at TGC’s upcoming TGC23 conference in Indianapolis.

Founded by Don Carson and Tim Keller in 2005, The Gospel Coalition provides resources, training, and conferences in accord with its mission to “renew faith in the gospel of Christ.” In 2020, TGC voluntarily resigned its membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, citing financial considerations.

Main photo: Sandy Willson / Courtesy of The Gospel Coalition