Randy Covington has served Alaska Baptists as the executive director of their state convention (Alaska Baptist Resource Network) since he and his wife, Robin, returned home after 22 years on the international missions field in 2016.
Covington will continue in his current role until his originally planned retirement date of Sept. 30, 2025 — despite what was announced earlier this year following a disagreement over the extent of autonomy a church should have.
“I didn’t have a peace about resigning, and the more I prayed, I was more convinced that stepping out at this moment was the wrong thing to do,” Covington shared with TAB Media Group, which publishes The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper, during a phone conversation May 9. Alabama Baptists currently have an official partnership with Alaska Baptists and provide a variety of support and resources for the churches and pastors serving with ABRN.
How it all started
A somewhat complicated take on how Rabbit Creek Church in Anchorage fits into Southern Baptist life — as well as the ensuing investigation of the pastor’s decision to sign a document supporting women in ministry — sparked the controversy in February.
Covington stood up for the church, where he and Robin are members, rather than speaking against it, sharing his concern that the facts surrounding the situation had been misconstrued.
It does not have a female senior pastor nor promote items beyond the bounds with which Southern Baptists would be comfortable, he shared publicly in February in an attempt to clear up confusion over what was being reported about the church.
While Covington wants every church in the convention to be given the same respect and due process when challenges arise, the lines in this case were blurred a bit between his official convention role and what he was sharing individually as a church member.
A few pastors called for his resignation.
Not wanting to be the center of division, he initially conceded thinking it was the best way to calm a brewing controversy. Then roughly four weeks after submitting that 30-day notice on Feb. 27, he rescinded his resignation.
“I sensed the Lord saying, ‘You’ve not finished your race, stay the course, run your race and endure to the end.’ … So after much prayer and counseling and mentoring from other trusted leaders, I realized I needed to rescind my resignation.”
Where it is now
Five weeks later, Covington’s request to continue through his initial retirement plans was confirmed, according to Tracy Simmons, chair of the administrative and personnel committee of what operates like a board of directors for ABRN. Simmons serves as pastor of Christ Community Church in Anchorage.
“The executive board of the Alaska Baptist Resource Network, meeting in its regular Spring session on May 5–6, 2025, agreed to retain Dr. Randy Covington through his announced retirement date of Sept 30, 2025,” Simmons said in a statement to TAB Media Group.
ABRN president Bruce Rowell, pastor of First Baptist Church Palmer since 1997, shared with TAB Media Group that Covington received about two-thirds support toward the decision for him to remain in the position through the annual meeting, which will focus on ABRN’s 80th anniversary. It also allows the Covingtons to retire with a full 50 years of ministry under their belt — ABRN, International Mission Board work in Russia and the Balkans, and pastorates in Texas and Alaska, Rowell said.
“The move is a positive thing and allows us to continue through the summer with an executive director in place as we transition to the next season,” he added.
“I think everything’s going to continue running smoothly, and Alaska Baptists will continue doing what they do. … Randy’s given us good, quality leadership, and I’m certainly grateful for his leadership. We are stronger for what he’s done for us,” Rowell said.
‘Focus on the mission’
The ABRN board has 20 members — 16 at-large members and four officers (president, first vice president, second vice president and recording secretary). All are volunteers who serve in a local church and are elected by messengers to the annual meetings.
Most of the 104 church leaders and 100% of the convention staff have been supportive, Covington said.
And while he acknowledges disappointment surrounding the controversy, Covington noted, “I’m still in my job and still doing it and will do it until I retire.
“We need to focus on the mission of getting the gospel out there and this petty bickering is a distraction. We just need to get along,” he said. “My desire has always been to preserve peace and build relationships.”
The months of May and June will include a good bit of travel to SBC-related meetings and getting their retirement home in Arizona set up and ready for their October arrival.
In July, August and September, he’ll be busy organizing for the annual meeting and preparing to hand the executive director’s role to a new leader.
Search team ‘blessed’ with options
A search committee has been working since last November after Covington announced his retirement plans at the September 2024 annual meeting.
Covington said he hasn’t been involved in the process but did confirm the most likely next option for bringing a potential candidate before the board is during the upcoming September meeting.
Rowell asked for continued prayers as they progress through the process.
“I’d like for there to be a smooth transition without a gap,” he noted. “That’s what we are working toward, and I am optimistic.
“We’ve been blessed with the number and capabilities of the candidates we’ve received,” Rowell said.
“The committee is working well together, and the variety of expertise and experiences represented is providing good insights and making us stronger. We are seeking a clear sense of how God is leading us.”
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