A New Missionary Assignment
It’s been an eventful week. On Tuesday, the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions extended a call to me to serve as the next Executive Director. I’d like to share some thoughts about this new season of life and ministry, but first, I want to speak to my family at First Baptist Tillman’s Corner.
A Church Like No Other
“No church knows how to love its pastor like First Baptist Tillman’s Corner.” I’ve heard that from every former pastor of FBTC I’ve had the opportunity to meet. You can add me to the list of those who know that to be true. For the past seven years, the FBTC family has loved me and my family so well. They have also supported me, encouraged me, and followed my leadership. You have been a model of Hebrews 13:17,
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
It has been my joy and honor to lead FBTC.
Even since I shared the news with the church this past Sunday, they have encouraged me, prayed for me, and cheered me on. I can’t say thank you enough, and my heart will always be with FBTC.
Once a year, I’ve encouraged our church to set aside at least one week to ask the Lord where He is calling them to invest their lives for the Great Commission. I’ve asked them to live with a blank check, already signed, waiting on the Lord to fill in the details. I’ve challenged them to say “yes” to the Lord before they knew what the question was going to be. As I have encouraged them to do so, Lindsay and I have laid our lives again and again before the Lord. Over the past several years, He has given us a heart for re-reaching our state with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What began as a conviction over the importance of state missions turned into a calling to the position of Executive Director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
A Missionary Calling
At its heart, this is a calling as a missionary to our state. I will lead a team of missionaries and staff dedicated to strengthening Alabama Baptist churches and stewarding our cooperative missions efforts. My prayer is that God will bring revival and renewal to our state and that we can build upon the 200-year legacy of Kingdom work through Alabama Baptists.
Thanks to the skillful leadership of Dr. Rick Lance and others, our state board of missions and state convention are strong and unified around the Great Commission. It is an honor and tremendous responsibility to step into this role and serve Alabama Baptists for many years. The gravity of the task that lies ahead is humbling, but I rest in the assurance of God’s call.
A Pivotal Moment
The Alabama Baptist family stands at a pivotal moment in its history. For over 200 years, God has blessed our combined mission efforts, and we now face new challenges that require us to prayerfully consider how we can faithfully steward what He has entrusted to us. At the same time, an incredible opportunity lies before Alabama Baptists. Built upon the faithful leadership of Dr. Lance and with the resources God has provided us, we are positioned to make a significant gospel impact on our state, in North America, and around the world.
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required. Luke 12:48
Before Alabama was a state, faithful Baptist missionaries crossed the territory on horseback, preaching the gospel and starting churches. With few resources and little formal training, they were driven by a passion to reach the people of Alabama. I believe that same gospel passion, coupled with the resources and institutions God has blessed us with, can catalyze a gospel movement that reaches our state and impacts the world.
I will begin serving on August 31st, and the first few months will be a time to listen and learn. I want to get to know the churches and leaders in our state, as well as the dedicated staff of the state board of missions. I want to hear the heart of Alabama Baptists and, together, refine a mission, vision, and strategy that drive our efforts to reach Alabama and impact the world.
A Thankful Heart
I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr. Lance for 28 years of faithful service and for his personal investment in this transition process. I look forward to learning from him and deepening our friendship. I would also like to thank the Transition and Search Committee for investing their time and wisdom in seeking the Lord’s will. Above all, they have set aside time to seek the Lord through prayer, and they continue to pray for me, my family, and our church family as we make this transition. I’m also thankful for the support and encouragement I have received from so many of you. I have tried to respond to every text message, email, phone call, and Facebook message, although I’m sure I have missed a few. I’m also deeply indebted to those who have committed to pray for me on a regular basis. I echo the words of the apostle Paul,
Brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
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