William Culbertson Grave

William Culbertson

“Occasionally he would gently say, ‘I want my life to end well.’ That should be our aim.”
(Paul W. Powell)

William Culbertson (1905 – 1971): Educator, Leader, and Evangelical Visionary

Born on 18 November 1905 in Philadelphia, William Culbertson emerged from modest beginnings to become a major figure in mid-20th-century evangelical education and church leadership. His story is one of scholarly pursuit, administrative acumen, spiritual conviction and institutional expansion. In reflecting on his life and legacy, we find a helpful example for Christian leadership, though—as with any figure—both strengths and challenges must be acknowledged.

Early Life and Ministry Formation

William Culbertson was the only child of William and Lydia (Roper) Culbertson. From an early age he displayed a temperament both studious and spiritual: at nine years old he “went forward” in an evangelistic meeting to profess faith. In 1924 he entered the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia, and by 1927 he graduated and took up his first pastorate at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.

Between 1927 and 1933, Culbertson pastored at several congregations—Collingdale, then Ventnor City (New Jersey) and Germantown (Pennsylvania). Concurrently he taught Greek, biblical geography and English Bible at the Philadelphia School of the Bible and the seminary. He married Catharine Gantz on 16 March 1929. His pastoral years shaped his theological convictions: a high view of Scripture, the primacy of Bible teaching, and a church-centred ministry rooted in personal shepherding and sound doctrine.

Transition to Educational Leadership: Moody Bible Institute

In 1937, at the age of 31, Culbertson was elected Bishop of the New York & Philadelphia Synod of the Reformed Episcopal Church—a testament to his leadership capacity early on. In 1942, he accepted an invitation to serve at Moody Bible Institute (MBI) in Chicago—first as Dean of Education, then as Acting President in 1947, and formally President in 1948.

Under his 23-year presidency (1948–1971), the Institute experienced significant growth: day-school enrollment surpassed 1,000 students, and five major buildings were added to the campus. He oversaw curricular reforms (e.g., extending the basic program to three years, converting courses to three credit hours) and the creation of new mission-aviation and radio programs. His leadership thus blended administrative strength, gospel passion and educational innovation.

Ministry Philosophy and Character

Culbertson’s ministry was grounded in two abiding convictions: the authority of Scripture and the centrality of mission. As president of MBI, he said he cared less about buildings and programs than about “the spiritual welfare” of students. His weekly chapel messages and radio broadcasts reflected his passion for the Word. His many published works—such as Christ the Hope of the World, God’s Provision for Holy Living, The Offense of the Gospel—demonstrate a consistent engagement with biblical themes and evangelical conviction.

Culbertson was also known for his personal integrity and his commitment to Christ’s cause beyond mere church interests. He moved the institution forward without sacrificing the gospel’s core. Colleagues said the hallmark of his presidency was faithful leadership amid changing times.

Impact and Legacy

When Culbertson stepped down as president on July 31, 1971, and was installed as the Institute’s first Chancellor on August 1, he left behind a transformed institution. His final months were marked by ill health—he was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away on November 16, 1971, his 66th birthday.

Key elements of his legacy include:

• Educational Growth: The expansion of Moody Bible Institute under his watch provided many thousands of students a gospel-centered training ground for ministry and mission.
• Institutional Infrastructure: The physical campus improvements and program innovations (aviation, radio, missions) positioned MBI for future relevance in a changing world.
• Global Influence: Culbertson’s role as a conference speaker around the world and as President of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges extended his influence beyond the USA.
• Emphasis on Scripture and Mission: His life modelled a synthesis of biblical fidelity and evangelical outreach—a combination that remains relevant for institutions seeking faithfulness in mission.
• Enduring Example of Leadership: His life offers a blueprint for how one leader can steward institutional change while maintaining gospel commitments.

Lessons for Today

Several practical lessons emerge from Culbertson’s life:

• Root education in the Word: Institutions grow physically but must remain spiritually anchored. Culbertson’s priority on students’ spiritual welfare reminds modern leaders of the heart of theological education.
• Innovate without compromise: His embrace of new programs (mission aviation, radio) shows that evangelical institutions can engage new methods while holding to their convictions.
• Lead with humility and integrity: Culbertson’s reluctance to personal glory and focus on the cause rather than self provides a leadership model.
• Prepare successors: By becoming Chancellor and supporting a transition in leadership, Culbertson highlighted the importance of planned succession in institutions.
• Remember your beginning: From church pastor to educational president, his roots in pastoral ministry grounded his vision. Leaders who start small can steward large institutions well when they remember their formative experiences.

Conclusion

William Culbertson’s path—from pastoral beginnings in Philadelphia to global leadership at Moody Bible Institute—illustrates how faithful service, evangelical conviction and institutional vision can co-exist. He was an educator who preached, a leader who taught, and a pastor who administered. His legacy continues through the thousands trained, the buildings erected, and the gospel advanced.

While all leaders have complexities, the core of his life remains instructive: to invest in the Word, train others, expand responsibly and serve faithfully. In an age of rapid change, Culbertson’s emphasis on mission, scripture and discipline continues to resonate. For those who serve in education, church leadership or mission, his life stands as a compelling chapter in the story of evangelical enterprise in the 20th century.