Josh Newell brings a global range of experience to the role of Cru Vice President and Executive Director of the Jesus Film Project. Josh, a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Journalism, joined the organization in 1998. His first job was serving alongside his wife, Holly, as part of JESUS film's short-term recording team, producing new language versions of JESUS, which took him to 35 countries. He then moved from production to film distribution.
Josh and Holly moved their young family overseas to join Campus Crusade for Christ’s ministry in France, LifeAgape, assisting national staff members in broad evangelism, planting churches, and coordinating strategies with partners to ensure every person living in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia has an opportunity to hear about Jesus. Josh helped launch two leadership teams to serve 30 Global Church Movements more effectively using Jesus Film Project tools and resources in North Africa and the Middle East. He then served as Director of Leadership Development for North Africa and the Middle East.
In 2013, after receiving his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Josh served Jesus Film Project as director of the Marketing and Communication team, a position he held for five years. He recruited a team that launched a fresh brand strategy, positioning the organization as a media ministry for the 21st century. In 2017, Josh added co-leadership of the U.S. Strategy team to his responsibilities, working with the team to explore the use of new film content in social media. In 2018, he became the executive director of the Jesus Film Project.
Josh is passionate about changing the world through building partnerships, casting vision, and developing strategies that work in diverse contexts. As Jesus Film Project's Executive Director, Josh focuses on helping fulfill the Great Commission by supporting the body of Christ in its evangelizing and discipleship through media.
While the adventure of life in ministry takes Josh and Holly around the globe, their favorite place is at home, in Florida, with their three sons and daughter.
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