40 Facts About Chris Wright

Chris Wright is a man of many talents and achievements. From basketball coaching to conservative activism and Old Testament scholarship, his contributions span various fields. Here are 40 fascinating facts about Chris Wright.

Early Life and Education

Chris Wright's journey began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and his early years were shaped by his family's missionary work.

1. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1947, Wright's parents were missionaries in Brazil before returning to Belfast after World War II.
2. Wright grew up as an Irish Presbyterian, which influenced his spiritual and academic pursuits.
3. He studied classics at St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, during the 1960s.
4. Wright pursued a PhD in Theology at Cambridge University, focusing on Old Testament economic ethics.
5. His PhD work led to the publication of "God's People in God's Land" by Eerdmans and Paternoster.

Teaching and Ministry

Wright's career in teaching and ministry has taken him across the globe, impacting many lives along the way.

6. Wright began his career as a high-school teacher at Grosvenor High School in Belfast, teaching classics and theology.
7. In 1977, he was ordained in the Anglican Church of England.
8. He served as an assistant pastor at the Parish Church of St. Peter & St. Paul in Tonbridge, Kent, England.
9. In 1983, Wright and his wife, Liz, moved to India to teach at Union Biblical Seminary in Pune.
10. During his five-year tenure in India, Wright taught various Old Testament courses at both B.D. and M.Th. levels.

Leadership in Christian Education

Wright has held significant leadership roles in Christian education, shaping future leaders and scholars.

11. Wright returned to the UK in 1988 as the academic dean at All Nations Christian College.
12. He was appointed principal of All Nations Christian College in September 1993, a position he held for eight years.
13. In September 2001, Wright became the International Ministries Director of the Langham Partnership International.
14. He has been instrumental in providing literature, scholarships, and preaching training for pastors in Majority World churches and seminaries.
15. Wright chaired the Lausanne Theology Working Group from 2005-2011 and was the chief architect of The Cape Town Commitment from the Third Lausanne Congress in 2010.

Notable Publications

Wright's scholarly work includes numerous publications that have contributed to theological studies and Christian ethics.

16. Wright has written several books, including commentaries on Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel.
17. His notable works include "The Mission of God," "Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit," "Old Testament Ethics for the People of God," and "Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament."
18. Wright dedicates about three months each year to his writing projects when not traveling for ministry.
19. His passion for bringing the relevance of the Old Testament to Christian mission and ethics is evident in his writings.
20. Wright's books have been widely used in theological education and have influenced many scholars and pastors.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional achievements, Wright has a rich personal life filled with various interests and family commitments.

21. Wright enjoys running, birding, and watching rugby football.
22. He and his wife, Liz, live in London and have four adult children and 11 grandchildren.
23. Wright is an honorary member of All Souls Church, Langham Place in London, UK.
24. He participates in Langham Preaching seminars around the world, sharing his knowledge of the Old Testament.
25. Wright's leadership in mission has been instrumental in shaping the Langham Partnership International.

Basketball Coaching Career

Chris Wright's impact extends to the world of men's basketball coaching, where he has led several teams to success.

26. Wright has been a head coach at Langston University, Talladega College, and Central Baptist College.
27. At Langston University, he led the Lions to a 35-2 record in the 2023-2024 season, reaching the NAIA National Championship Game.
28. Wright's team at Langston University won the Sooner Athletic Conference title for the second consecutive season.
29. At Talladega College, Wright led the Tornadoes to a 25-4 record in the 2020-2021 season, capturing the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship.
30. Wright's leadership at Central Baptist College resulted in the Mustangs' first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance.

Achievements in Basketball

Wright's coaching career is marked by significant achievements and milestones.

31. Wright began his coaching career at Fresno Pacific University, where he had two twenty-win seasons.
32. He successfully transitioned Fresno Pacific University's program from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
33. Wright's recruiting skills transformed Fresno Pacific University from a bottom-tier GSAC team to a nationally prominent program.
34. His efforts in recruiting led to 140 wins over seven years, including victories over Division I opponents USC and the University of San Francisco.
35. Wright's teams at Fresno Pacific University finished with a combined record of 88-35, including a 58-7 record at home.

Conservative Activism

Chris Wright is also known for his conservative activism, advocating for various policies and reforms.

36. Wright founded a small business and is the President of the Conservative Republican Alliance of New York.
37. He is running for Congress to fight for the American people, not special interests.
38. Wright believes in empowering children and parents with options for high-quality education.
39. He advocates for efficient government spending and lower taxes, aiming to reduce waste, abuse, and fraud.
40. Wright supports law enforcement, veterans' rights, and securing the southern border to protect Americans and preserve local services for citizens.

Chris Wright: A Multifaceted Trailblazer

Chris Wright's life is a tapestry of diverse achievements. From his early life in Belfast to his academic pursuits at Cambridge, he has made significant contributions in various fields. His teaching career spans high school classrooms to international seminaries. As a basketball coach, Wright led teams to remarkable victories, showcasing his leadership and strategic prowess. His role as a conservative activist highlights his commitment to education reform, tax efficiency, and veterans' rights. Wright's scholarly work on Old Testament themes has enriched theological studies, while his community involvement underscores his dedication to service. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or advocating for policy changes, Chris Wright exemplifies a life dedicated to excellence and impact. His journey inspires many, proving that one can excel in multiple arenas with passion and perseverance.