Seven weeks — that’s the plan for the pool of candidates to be finalized for the transition and search team to consider as the next executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
Current executive director Rick Lance recently announced his plans to retire in January 2027, and the transition and search team went to work right away.
As the team, chaired by Buddy Champion of First Baptist Church Trussville, looks toward the March 31 deadline for submission of resumés and cover letters, they are spending these next weeks in prayer.
‘Time of intensive prayer’
“Alabama Baptists are clearly entering a new season on our journey with our Lord,” the team shared in a statement released on alsbom.org. “We are already praying that God will direct us to the anointed leader who can receive the mantle from Dr. Lance and build on his incredible leadership. Thanks to all those who would pray along with us for their partnership in this effort to seek God’s next leader for Alabama Baptists.”
“We are asking all who will to spend February in a time of intensive prayer as you gather within your local churches and associations,” Champion added. “Share the information with those who come to mind as potential candidates and feel free to submit nominations for our team to consider as well.”
Send submissions to sbomsearch@gmail.com. Resumés and cover letters for those being nominated and/or interested in applying must be received by email on or before March 31.
Team members
Those serving on the transition and search team along with Champion are Jim Cooley of FBC Birmingham, Ben Hayes of FBC Dadeville, Chad Hess of Woodmont Baptist in Florence, Neal Hughes of Montgomery Baptist Association, Allen Singley of Pilgrim Home Baptist in Newton, Ben Stubblefield of Spring Hill Baptist in Mobile, Derek Staples of FBC Jacksonville and James Watkins of West End Baptist in Clanton.
Serving as voting ex-officio members of the team are Jim Graham, SBOM board of trustees chair; Jarman Leatherwood, president of the state convention; Craig Carlisle, immediate past president of the state convention; and Jamie McGlaughn, president of Alabama WMU.
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