Mike Rakes


Mike Rakes is an American pastor, educator and academic administrator. He is the fifth and current president of Evangel University. Rakes became Evangel's president in July 2021, taking over responsibilities from George O. Wood, who was interim president after Carol Taylor retired in November 2020.

Early life and education

Rakes graduated with a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministries from Central Bible College in 1985 and a master's degree in Biblical Literature from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 1993. He received a Master of Divinity in 1997 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2000 from Biola University.

Career

Rakes started his career in higher education in 1993 as a faculty member at Southeastern University, an Assemblies of God institution, and became the school's vice president for student development in 2000.
While serving as Pastor at Winston-Salem First Assembly of God, Rakes established Bridges Christian College in 2011 and was president until 2015.
Beginning in 2013, Rakes was on the board of trustees at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He resigned when he became a finalist for Evangel University president.

Publications

  • 2015 Slings and Stones: How God Works in the Mind to Inspire Courage in the Heart
  • 2021 Surrendered & Unafraid: The Flourishing of Faith During Seasons of Suffering
  • 2025 ''The Black Start Leader: Reigniting Power and Purpose When Everything Goes Dark''