Longtime LifeWay Christian Stores President Mark Scott has decided to retire following several months of significant health issues.

Scott will be replaced by Tim Vineyard, vice president of LifeWay's technology division, according to LifeWay Christian Resources CEO Thom Rainer, effective immediately. Rainer, who has been named as acting president of the retail division until LifeWay trustees can review and affirm the change at their next scheduled meeting in February 2013.

"In his 30 years of service to LifeWay, Mark Scott has had an incalculable impact on the stores division as well as the broader LifeWay organization," Rainer said. "When he took over the division in 1992, there were 63 stores and 800 employees. Today we have 160 LifeWay Christian Stores with 2,400 employees."

Rainer said Scott has made a remarkable recovery after experiencing a stroke in June, followed by heart surgery to correct the congenital condition that caused the stroke.

"Mark needs to devote significant effort to achieving 100% recovery," he said. "However, I'm very pleased that his progress to date will allow him to serve as executive consultant to me, providing LifeWay the benefit of his vast knowledge and experience."

Serving at LifeWay has been "the greatest adventure of my life," Scott said. "I believe the future of LifeWay is brighter than ever as the organization continues to focus on providing the highest quality biblical resources to individuals and churches. Working in close partnerships with our suppliers, the CBA trade organization and other industry relationships has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my role."

Rainer said Scott's retirement leaves a "huge, strategic hole in our executive leadership team."

"After much prayer and consultation, the Lord has already provided us the individual who perfectly fits these stringent qualifications," Rainer said. "The Lord has provided Tim the experience, passion and commitment we need in a visionary executive to lead the stores division into an even brighter future."

Before coming to LifeWay in 2000 as director of the e-business group, Vineyard served 23 years as vice president of an Apple computer retailer. He was named vice president of LifeWay's technology division two years later, leading the development of business systems and websites, including LifeWay.com, corporate technology infrastructure, and voice and data systems.

Rainer said LifeWay will quickly begin a national search for a vice president of technology.