LOUISVILLE – Chuck McAlister, the fiery evangelist best known for his outreach to sportsmen, has left the Kentucky Baptist Convention to move back into full-time evangelism and evangelism consulting.

McAlister had headed the KBC’s Evangelism and Church Planting Team since 2012.

“I’ve known Chuck for 15 years and can honestly say that he is one of the most gifted evangelists I’ve ever met,” said KBC Executive Director Paul Chitwood, who announced McAlister’s departure to staff Friday afternoon. “Chuck’s passion for souls has significantly elevated the work of evangelism in Kentucky and beyond. He is a dear friend and brother and I wish him well as he expands his ministry. Chuck has helped develop and advance initiatives like ‘Tell Your Story,’ an online evangelism tool now being utilized across North America and even overseas, as well as our Twelve24 strategy for helping churches reach the rising generations.”

While pastor at The Church at Crossgate Center in Hot Springs, Ark., McAlister launched a national cable television program called “Adventure Bound Outdoors” on the Outdoor Channel. That show launched McAlister as a popular speaker at outdoorsmen’s events, including church wild game dinners that are especially popular in rural congregations across the South.

McAlister, with the help of his wife Janice, continues to lead Promise of Hope Ministries, which he founded in 2000. He also serves on the board of directors of Baptist Global Response.

“It is with great anticipation that Janice and I embark on this new chapter of our lives and ministry as we begin the process of expanding the evangelism initiatives that we have helped launch during our time with the KBC to areas beyond Kentucky,” McAlister said. “It has been a joy to lead the Evangelism, Church Planting, and Collegiate Ministry Team these past 4 years as I have had the privilege to serve with my friend of over 15 years, Dr. Paul Chitwood. I am certain that, under his leadership, the cutting-edge work the Lord is doing through the KBC will continue to reach even more people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Stepping out on faith is never an easy decision, but each time Janice and I have made the decision to do so, we have been greatly blessed and have seen our ministry expand. We will continue, from our personal ministry and evangelism consultation role, to be available to help the churches of Kentucky and beyond reach Kentucky and the world for Christ.”