Paul Santhouse Retiring, Randall Payleitner Promoted to Vice President of Publishing

Moody Bible Institute announced today that Paul Santhouse, a 40-year veteran in the publishing industry, will be retiring from his role as vice president of publishing at Moody Publishers. His retirement is effective June 30, 2024.

“Under Paul’s leadership, Moody Publishers has grown and expanded their reach and impact, as well as acquired significant resources from authors such as Dr. Gary Chapman, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Kate McCord and many others,” said Mark Wagner, chief operating officer for Moody Bible Institute. “Millions of readers around the world have been blessed by Christ-centered, biblically-based resources because of Paul’s leadership and our incredible team at Moody Publishers. While we will deeply miss Paul’s thoughtful and humble approach to leadership, I am excited for him and his wife, Rebecca, as they step into this next season to spend precious time with their kids and grandchildren and serve the Lord in a new capacity.”

After receiving his diploma from Moody Bible Institute, then a business degree, Santhouse came back to serve at then Moody Press in the mid 1980’s. He returned again in 2005. During his tenure as vice president, which he began in 2014, more than 500 resources have been published, including One Volume Seminary. This cornerstone book was written by Moody faculty and was the culmination of a multiyear vision to equip pastors and lay leaders who may never be able to attend seminary. He also served as chair of the Board of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

“What a privilege it has been to serve in this crucial work for more than 20 years,” Santhouse stressed. “Publishing is a team effort requiring dozens of teammates. I am eager to cheer them on as they continue to carry the ministry into the future, and am praying God uses their work to glorify His Name and extend His influence far beyond what any of us can imagine.” He added, “Moody Publishers’ resources transcend the boundaries of geography and time, and the seeds we sow through them will still be bearing fruit throughout the world when Jesus Christ returns.”

With Santhouse’s retirement, Moody also announced today the promotion of Randall Payleitner to serve as the next vice president of publishing, effective July 1, 2024.

Payleitner currently serves as publisher. He has also held roles in the Acquisitions, Editorial, Copywriting, and Marketing departments at Moody Publishers. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005) and Moody Theological Seminary (2009), he also enjoys teaching on publishing and writing at various conferences and in classroom settings. He has also served on several committees with the ECPA.

“As a graduate of Moody, Randall is deeply passionate about, and committed to Moody’s overall mission of helping equip men and women for their calling,” added Wagner. “With his deep knowledge of the publishing industry, and his strategic mindset to grow the impact of Moody through our publishing ministry, Randall is the perfect choice for this next season of Moody Publishers. With Randall at the helm serving alongside our stellar publishing team, I’m excited for what God will do.”

During his time, he has had strategic leadership roles in the continued development of the 5 Love Languages family of resources, The Moody Bible Commentary, the A.W. Tozer line of products and many other projects.

“Paul’s vision, care, expertise and love for the Lord, along with his appreciation for books has been such an encouragement to me. His legacy will be felt for generations,” Payleitner reflected. “Looking to the years ahead, there will always be constant changes within the publishing environment, which means there are wonderful opportunities for us to partner together here at Moody to bring hope to the hurting, equip leadership and tell great stories. My prayer is that the Lord would continue using Moody to resource the Church’s mission of making disciples all over the world.”

He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 15 years and have two young sons. They are active in their home church in the area of children’s ministry. Randall also has led a number of small group Bible studies over the years.

For more information about Moody Publishers, please visit www.moodypublishers.com.