Christianity Today Appointed New Editor in Chief
Erik Petrik has been named chief content officer and editor in chief of the publication.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Christianity
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Christianity Today has appointed Erik Petrik as its new chief content officer and editor in chief. The leadership change comes as the organization prepares for the upcoming retirement of Marvin Olasky in mid-October 2026.
Why it matters
The organization aims to integrate its editorial vision across journalism, audio, video, and creative departments. This shift seeks to honor the publication's founding mission while adapting to modern media consumption trends.
Christianity Today reported an annual media reach of 35 million people as it celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2026. Erik Petrik, who joined in 2020, previously served as the organization's chief creative officer.
The players
Erik Petrik
He is the founder of CT Media and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary who has served at Christianity Today since 2020.
Marvin Olasky
He served as the editor in chief of Christianity Today for eighteen months and is slated to retire in mid-October 2026.
Christianity Today
This American media organization reached its 70th anniversary in 2026 and produces content including The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.
The details
Christianity Today has consolidated its journalism, audio, video, and creative departments under one unified leadership structure. This move follows the conclusion of the organization's One Kingdom Campaign.
Timeline
Erik Petrik began serving as chief creative officer in 2020.
Marvin Olasky began his role as editor in chief in 2025.
Marvin Olasky will retire from his position in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition follows the conclusion of the One Kingdom Campaign and reflects a broader industry movement toward unifying disparate media platforms. This consolidation mirrors a trend where traditional religious media houses modernize their creative output to remain relevant in digital-first ecosystems.
The leadership change will determine the editorial direction of the publication's 35 million-person reach. Readers can expect to see increased integration between the organization's various audio, video, and written media platforms.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new chief content officer signals a focus on cross-platform digital integration for long-standing religious media outlets. Readers should expect a more unified creative approach across the organization's future audio and video projects.
Further reading
For additional context on faith-based media, visit Christianity.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ChristianityToday.
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