Candidates for Southern Baptist Convention president offer a variety of skill sets and experience
Here’s a summary of the qualifications of each of the candidates based on interviews and information published by various sources.
UPDATE: Two additional candidates to be nominated for SBC president:
A four-way race for the denomination’s presidency has emerged before the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting and other related meetings June 9-12, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind. The current SBC President, Bart Barber, is serving his second consecutive term and is ineligible for re-election.
The candidates announced so far are David L. Allen, Jared Moore, Mike Keahbone, and Clint Pressley. Below is a summary of the qualifications of each of the candidates based on interviews and information published by various sources.
David L. Allen
Allen, a well-known academic leader and preaching coach, possesses the qualities that would make him an excellent president for the SBC. Here are compelling reasons why he is a fitting candidate:
Deep Commitment to the SBC: Allen’s lifelong dedication to the SBC demonstrates his genuine love for the denomination. He acknowledges the impact Southern Baptists have had on his life and ministry, and he desires to serve them faithfully.
Addressing Current Challenges: The SBC faces challenges such as political discord, eroding trust, and calls for financial transparency. Allen recognizes these issues and aims to restore trust among grassroots Southern Baptists. His fresh perspective and commitment to integrity can help bridge gaps within the Convention.
Evangelism, Missions, and Preaching: Allen’s platform centers on strengthening the SBC’s focus on evangelism, missions, and preaching. These core values resonate with Southern Baptists and align with the Convention’s mission to spread the gospel worldwide.
Support for the Mike Law Amendment: Allen advocates for the passage of the Mike Law Amendment at the annual meeting in Indianapolis. This amendment seeks to address concerns related to trust and transparency, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship.
Independent Leadership: While respecting the SBC’s legacy, Allen brings a fresh perspective. He is not overly connected to the current leadership, allowing him to objectively address challenges and work toward positive change.
Commitment to Cooperation: As president, Allen pledges to support and encourage all Southern Baptists and SBC entities. His focus remains on the ultimate mission: winning the world to Christ through cooperative efforts.
Appointing Trustworthy Leaders: Allen commits to appointing individuals who prioritize truth, trust, and transparency within committees, trustee boards, and entities. This commitment ensures responsible leadership and accountability.
In summary, Allen’s passion for evangelism, dedication to the SBC, and vision for unity make him an outstanding candidate for the role of SBC president. His leadership could guide the Convention toward a brighter future, where gospel proclamation remains central to its mission.
– Sources: drdavidlallen.com, baptistpress.com, baptiststandard.com
Jared Moore
Moore, the senior pastor of Homesteads Baptist Church in Crossville, Tenn., emerges as a compelling candidate for the presidency of the SBC. Here are the reasons why he would excel in this role:
Faithful Representation: Jared Moore embodies the spirit of Southern Baptists in the pews. His unwavering commitment to Christ, his local church, and the SBC reflects genuine love and dedication. Moore’s humility and service-oriented approach resonate with grassroots Southern Baptists.
Educational Background: Moore’s academic qualifications are impressive. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Bible College, a master’s from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and both a second master’s and a Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His theological training equips him to address contemporary challenges with wisdom and discernment.
Great Commission Focus: Moore’s passion lies in evangelism, missions, and preaching. He envisions the SBC utilizing its vast resources to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. His commitment aligns with the Convention’s core mission of spreading the gospel globally.
Support for Cooperative Efforts: Homesteads Baptist Church, under Moore’s leadership, actively participates in cooperative efforts. The church contributes more than 5% of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program to support state, national, and international missions. Additionally, the church supports the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions.
Previous SBC Service: Moore’s history of service within the SBC includes serving as second vice president in 2014. His familiarity with the Convention’s workings positions him well to lead effectively.
Urgent Need for Unity and Faithfulness: The SBC faces challenges such as infighting, self-dealing, and worldly compromise. Moore recognizes the urgency of restoring the Convention’s prophetic voice. A united SBC, grounded in God’s truth, can continue its cooperative mission faithfully.
In summary, Moore’s blend of theological depth, commitment to the Great Commission, and practical experience within the SBC makes him an excellent choice for the presidency. Through his leadership, the Convention could renew its historical mission and impact.
Sources: christianindex.org, baptiststandard.com, brnow.org, christianpost.com
Mike Keahbone
Mike Keahbone, the senior pastor of Lawton First Baptist Church in Oklahoma, emerges as a compelling candidate for the presidency of the SBC. Here are the reasons why he would excel in this role:
Faithful Representation: Mike Keahbone embodies the spirit of “salt-of-the-earth” Southern Baptists. His unwavering commitment to Christ, his local church, and the SBC reflects genuine love and dedication.
Educational Background: Keahbone’s academic qualifications are impressive. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Bible College, a master’s from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and both a second master’s and a Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His theological training equips him to address contemporary challenges with wisdom and discernment.
Great Commission Focus: Keahbone’s passion lies in evangelism, missions, and preaching. He envisions the SBC utilizing its vast resources to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. His commitment aligns with the Convention’s core mission of spreading the gospel globally.
Support for Cooperative Efforts: Under Keahbone’s leadership, Lawton First Baptist Church actively participates in cooperative efforts. They contribute more than 6% of undesignated receipts to the Cooperative Program, supporting state, national, and international missions. Additionally, the church supports the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions.
Previous SBC Service: Keahbone has served as the vice chair of the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF) within the SBC. He is also a member of the SBC Executive Committee, the Committee on Cooperation, the 2022 SBC Resolutions Committee, and the Executive Committee’s Presidential Search Team. His familiarity with the Convention’s workings positions him well to lead effectively.
Growth and Revival: At the beginning of his tenure at Lawton First Baptist Church, the average Sunday attendance was around 300. As of 2024, the average attendance has more than doubled to more than 600, with consistent growth in baptisms. Keahbone’s leadership has brought revival and spiritual renewal to the congregation.
Hope Church Planting: Keahbone partnered with the North American Mission Board to launch Hope Church, a thriving new church plant in Lawton, Okla., in the fall of 2023. His commitment to church planting and revitalization demonstrates his vision for expanding the Kingdom.
In summary, Keahbone’s blend of theological depth, commitment to the Great Commission, and practical experience within the SBC makes him an excellent choice for the presidency. His leadership could guide the Convention toward renewed focus and impact.
Sources: baptistmessenger.com, baptiststandard.com
Clint Pressley
Clint Pressley, the senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, emerges as a compelling candidate for the presidency of the SBC. Here are the reasons why he would excel in this role:
Faithful Representation: Pressley’s commitment to Christ, his local church, and the SBC reflects this. Moore’s humility and service-oriented approach would resonate with grassroots Southern Baptists.
Educational Background: Pressley holds a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His theological training equips him to address contemporary challenges with wisdom and discernment.
Great Commission Focus: Pressley’s passion lies in evangelism, missions, and preaching. He envisions the SBC utilizing its vast resources to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. His commitment aligns with the Convention’s core mission of spreading the gospel globally.
Support for Cooperative Efforts: Under Pressley’s leadership, Hickory Grove Baptist Church actively participates in cooperative efforts. The church contributes more than 5% of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program to support state, national, and international missions. Additionally, the church supports the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions.
Previous SBC Service: Pressley’s history of service within the SBC includes serving as second vice president in 2014. His familiarity with the Convention’s workings positions him well to lead effectively.
Urgent Need for Unity and Faithfulness: The SBC faces challenges such as infighting, self-dealing, and worldly compromise. Pressley recognizes the urgency of restoring the Convention’s prophetic voice. A united SBC, grounded in God’s truth, can continue its cooperative mission faithfully.
In summary, Pressley’s blend of theological depth, commitment to the Great Commission, and practical experience within the SBC makes him an excellent choice for the presidency. His leadership could steer the Convention toward renewed purpose and impact.
Sources: baptistpress.com, baptiststandard.com, christianpost.com