When Memphis pastor Dr. Adrian Rogers asked Bill Skelton in 1991 to come aboard his television and radio teaching ministry, Love Worth Finding (LWF), Skelton, then 54, undertook the challenge. Integrity in leadership was a valued commodity.
Under his twenty-year tenure LWF expanded from airing on three TV and radio networks to international scope—close to 14,000 radio and cable television outlets, six satellite networks around the globe and a growing worldwide outreach on the Internet.
Almost immediately, and until his death Thursday night, Skelton, 74, became an influential presence at National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the non-partisan international association of Christian communicators and umbrella organization for religious programming worldwide. He was instrumental in the December 2005 launch of the NRB Network.
In March 2008 at their 65th Annual Convention in Nashville TN, the membership elected Skelton to the three-year position as Chairman of the Board of NRB.
Skelton’s commitment to excellence and skill in organization, management and media combined with his ministerial gifts as pastor and teacher made him a well-suited choice for the position as Chairman of both NRB and Love Worth Finding.
The broadcast received the NRB Outstanding Television Program and NRB Outstanding Radio Program of the Year awards, and saw Adrian Rogers’ induction into the NRB Hall of Fame.
Cary E. Vaughn, current LWF CEO, said, “Bill Skelton was a pioneer for LWF and a catalyst for religious broadcasting. His leadership, fellowship and service are the foundation we will build upon for years to come. It is my joy to carry the baton forward.”
Joyce Rogers, LWF Board member and wife of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, states, “I would like to honor Bill for his faithfulness and his servant leadership spirit that partnered with my husband to call the people all over the world through Love Worth Finding Ministries to come to Jesus.”
Robert L. Sorrell, Chairman of the Board of LWF, issued this statement: “The true measure of a man is not so much in his accomplishments, though for Bill Skelton they are many. The real achievements are in the relationships enjoyed and the influence for Christ exerted. Bill's legacy is filled with a Godly dimension of both. His life is a tribute to his Lord, his family, and his ministry."
Cathy Allen, LWF COO, adds, “For nearly 15 years I had the privilege of knowing and working with Bill Skelton. In his leadership, mentorship and personal life he exhibited his love of the Lord. My own personal and spiritual life is far richer for having served the Lord side by side with him. His impact on this ministry and the kingdom of God has been enormous and instrumental in what Love Worth Finding has become today.”
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children and five grandchildren."
