On April 15th, 2026, one of our own, Chris McRae, was called home to be with his Lord. Chris served with the Baptist Convention of Iowa from 2014 until his retirement in 2022, most recently as part of the Church & Pastor Support Team.
Reflection from Tim Lubinus, BCI Executive Direcotr
I first met Chris McRae in May 1985 and we immediately became fast friends with our interest in college student ministry and discipleship. We cultivated or relationship for the first decade through writing one another letters that were sent in the mail. By 1999 Chris and Sue decided to join Darlene and me in Central Asia to do mission work. We both moved back to the states and in 2014 after I became the executive Director of the BCI, one of my first calls was to Chris to become or director for discipleship ministry. Chris always had a heart helping new believers grow in their faith, become disciples of Christ, and disciple makers. Chris will be greatly missed for his ministry insights, his love of the Lord, and his commitment to see the great commission fulfilled in Iowa and around the world.
Remembering the Life & Ministry of Chris McRae
Chris and his wife Sue came to Iowa in 2014 to serve BCI, bringing a deep love for people and a desire to help others follow Jesus. Over eight years, Chris invested in pastors and churches across the state, often behind the scenes, listening, encouraging, and walking alongside leaders in both ordinary and difficult seasons.
Before coming to Iowa, Chris served in a wide range of ministry roles, including pastoring in New Mexico and serving internationally. Wherever Chris went, he built lasting relationships and was known as someone pastors could call anytime for counsel, prayer, or simply a listening ear.
A Life Changed by the Gospel
Chris’s life and ministry were shaped by a clear moment of surrender to Christ. While in college at Iowa State, he encountered the gospel and responded in faith. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “If this was true, everything changes… and then everything changed.”
From that point forward, Chris gave his life to helping others know and follow Jesus. He served in college ministry, church planting, pastoral leadership, and missions, including time overseas in Turkey. Through each season, his focus remained steady: helping people grow in Christ.
A Pastor and a Friend
Those who served alongside Chris consistently point to the same qualities, his humility, steadiness, and genuine care for others.
Tim Lubinus shared, “Chris always had a heart for helping new believers grow in their faith and become disciple makers. He will be greatly missed for his love of the Lord and his commitment to the Great Commission.”Pastors across Iowa experienced that care personally. Chris was known not just as a leader, but as a friend. He was someone who listened well, spoke with wisdom and humor, and faithfully encouraged others.
A Lasting Legacy
Chris’s lasting influence was in the many lives he impacted over decades of ministry. He strengthened pastors, supported churches, and pointed people to Christ in both word and example.
He is survived by his wife Sue, their sons, and grandchildren. Chris and Sue shared over 40 years of life and ministry together, serving side by side and building a legacy of faith that continues on.
