A New Chapter for BioLogos: Celebrating Deb Haarsma’s Leadership and Embracing Our Future
It is with gratitude for her years of service that we share that Dr. Deborah Haarsma will be stepping down from her role as President of BioLogos on December 31, 2024.
“Deb has led BioLogos with vision and wisdom, expanding the reach from an initial focus on origins to critical areas including public outreach, public health, climate change, K-12 Christian education, and artificial intelligence,” says Dr. Francis Collins, Founder and Senior Fellow of BioLogos. “Deb has led with a winsome and Christlike spirit, committed to gracious dialogue. Countless lives have been touched and changed. I will always be deeply grateful for her leadership.”
Deb started her tenure as President in January 2013, following a 20-year career in astrophysics. Previously she was Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Calvin University, where she served as department chair. Her research focused on extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology, with several publications in the Astrophysical Journal and the Astronomical Journal, building on her doctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She reached Christian audiences on science and faith through her book Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design co-authored with her husband and fellow physicist, Loren Haarsma.
A Season of Growth and Impact
Under Deb’s leadership, BioLogos grew in both numbers and influence, from private events and a small website to extensive programs and widespread impact (see Our History [LINK]). BioLogos’ online presence expanded dramatically, into multiple social media channels and a rich website of articles, videos, and personal stories that has reached millions. Our network of writers and speakers grew to encompass leading experts from many areas of science, theology, and biblical studies, as well as top pastors, best-selling authors, teachers, physicians, and community leaders. Our national conferences and speakers have reached audiences across the country, and thousands of people listen to our podcast Language of God weekly. Our Integrate curriculum is now used in hundreds of Christian schools and homeschool networks.
Over the last dozen years, BioLogos became the leading resource on the viewpoint of evolutionary creation and went on to help Christians wrestle with other complex issues like climate change, AI, gene-editing, and human flourishing—all while staying anchored in biblical faith. This growth reflects Deb’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thoughtful and gracious dialogue amidst a rapidly changing landscape. On topics where Christians bitterly disagree or mock those of other views, she brought an emphasis on shared faith, kindness, and honest dialogue. In places where debates were engrossed in intellectual details, she brought a celebration of wonder and worship that pointed us directly to Christ the Creator.
Dr. Haarsma’s values of Christ-centered faith, rigorous science, and gracious dialogue are the heartbeat of BioLogos. We give thanks to Deb for her years of service, dedication, and vision. Her leadership has been a gift to BioLogos and to the many people whose lives have been enriched by the work she has championed.
Looking ahead
Dwight Baker, chair of the BioLogos board, writes “As we look to the future, our mission remains the same—to explore God’s Word and God’s world to inspire authentic faith for today. We are committed to continuing this important work, inspired by the foundation Deb helped build.”
BioLogos is dedicated to showing that faith and science do not have to be at odds, but in fact work hand in hand. The need is greater than ever! Many people feel forced to choose between rigorous science and Christian faith, with “science” being one of the largest concerns cited by those of no religious faith and of young people leaving the church. The topics and issues will continue to change, but, by God’s grace, BioLogos will be here to equip the church, engage the world, and empower the next generation.
We have begun the search process for the next president, and more information will be shared soon. As we enter this new chapter, we do so with hearts full of gratitude, eyes fixed on the future, and trust in God’s continued provision. We invite you to join us in prayer for Deb, for the BioLogos team, and for the leader who will guide us into the next exciting phase of our journey together.
If you want to share a word of thanks or a story of Dr. Haarsma’s leadership, please complete this form no later than Nov. 30, 2024.