Press Release

Jerry White to receive the Missio Nexus’ Lifetime of Service Award

Dr. Jerry White, international president emeritus of The Navigators, was recently selected to receive the Lifetime of Service Award from Missio Nexus, an association of missionary agencies and globally-focused churches.

The annual Lifetime of Service Award “recognizes the value of finishing well in ministry to the nations.” Since 2014, the award has been given to field missionaries, missiologists, and builders of ministry organizations for their lifelong dedication to advancing the gospel.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Jerry says. “I greatly value the work of Missio Nexus, which has served The Navigators well through the years.”

Jerry will be officially recognized as a Lifetime of Service Award recipient later this year at Missio Nexus’ annual conference.

Dr. Jerry White exemplifies a lifetime of generational disciplemaking, with over 60 years of faithful gospel service in both formal leadership and personal ministry. His legacy spans military service, global mission leadership, and deep personal investment in others.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. White launched Navigator ministries at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Purdue University. He later served as regional director before becoming executive director of The U.S. Navigators in 1983. In 1986, he was appointed the third international president of The Navigators, a role he held until 2004. Concurrently, he served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a major general in 1992.

Upon his retirement in 2004, Dr. White has stayed engaged fully in various leadership roles. From 2004 to 2011, Dr. White chaired the board of The U.S. Navigators and served on boards of other ministries including Greater Europe Mission, Christian Leadership Alliance, Lausanne Movement, and New Horizons Foundation. He remains active as a consultant and speaker at military and government events.

Dr. White has authored or coauthored 15 books—many with his wife, Mary—on topics such as discipleship, masculinity, work, and relationships. Beyond his professional roles, he is known for his personal commitment to disciplemaking, impacting hundreds through one-on-one ministry.