12/16/2024
On Thursday, December 12, I tendered my resignation as Association Mission Strategist to the Administrative Team Chairman, Pete Baker. My notice is effective from that day to January 12, which includes some unused vacation days.
About two years ago I was asked to serve on a task force to help the Evangelism Team of the Kentucky Baptist Convention rethink its strategy. Over those months, Church Replanting became part of that conversation. I am convinced that Church Replanting must be a "front and center" conversation in Southern Baptist life. I had suggested that perhaps the KBC Regional Consultants could undergo a certification process with NAMB and be prepared to lead the conversation in their regions. Instead, the Evangelism Team opted to create a new position: Church Replant Strategist.
I was first contacted about this role in March. Following a formal interview in April with Rob Patterson (Evangelism Team Leader) and Andrew Eaton (Church Planting Team Leader), I was recommended to Dr. Todd Gray, Executive Director / Treasurer of the KBC, whom I interviewed with in September. Following this interview, it was shared with me that this was a national search, and there were now 3 candidates, including me. In mid-September, Rob Patterson called to inform me that I was the lead candidate, and would be recommended for the position.
The Mission Board of the KBC is in session twice a year, May and December. This is when new hires are presented. On Monday evening (12/9) I sat with the KBC Administrative Committee, and upon their approval, was presented for a full mission board vote on Tuesday (12/10). This vote was unanimous, and I accepted the call as Church Replant Strategist.
The past 6+ years have been an incredible, indescribable joy. I have been honored to peach in most of the pulpits in this Association and invest in the lives of pastors and church leaders. It has been a blessing to represent the GBA across the state and nation in various roles. We have endured a strategic mission transition following the sale of the Association property in 2017. We rallied together during a pandemic that gripped us for almost two years. Through it all, God has been gracious beyond measure.
-Four new churches have been planted
-Over 1000 people have been baptized, with many more making professions of faith.
-$7.6 million has been given to state, national and global missions, not to mention giving to local ministries such as Two Hearts, Amy for Africa, Rose Hill Christian School, Helping Hands, and church operated mercy ministries.
-Over 16,000 personal missional contacts have been made.
And there is so much more that could be shared, stories that numbers on an ACP could never tell. But the truth is, these results are the effect of faithful pastors like you. Pastors who teach the gospel unashamedly. Pastors who love unconditionally. Pastors who lead courageously.
Thank you for the honor of serving you. My family and I will remain in Ashland until the school year concludes and then we will relocate likely to the metro Louisville area. Since my position is a statewide role, I will need to be more center of the state.
In the meantime, I am working with the Administrative Team in the transition process. You can expect to hear more from them soon after the Holidays about next steps.
But as always, from now until Jesus returns or calls me home, I am here to serve you. January 12 does not end that relationship. I will always be a phone call away to serve you in whatever capacity I am able.
The Greenup Baptist Association is forever in my heart and prayers. Keep Moving Forward Together for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom!
Grateful,
Brian
