Alabama’s missionary to the state Legislature — Joe Godfrey — will wrap up his time serving as executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) in the spring of 2022. He made the announcement during the organization’s March 1 board of directors meeting via Zoom.
“It’s a good time for the organization as well as for me,” the 66-year-old Godfrey shared with ALCAP’s executive committee members prior to the full board meeting. “By the time this comes about, I will have completed 15 years at ALCAP and it will be the end of the current legislative quadrennium. It will be a good transition time.”
“Spectacular leader”
Chris Crain, chairman of the ALCAP board and executive director of Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, described Godfrey as a “spectacular leader.”
“He’s done an incredible job in taking ALCAP into the modern era, building off (longtime director) Dan Ireland’s leadership, and taking it to a whole new level. He’s had the upmost respect of every pastor I’m aware of. I don’t know anyone who does not respect Joe Godfrey.”
Godfrey’s plan to retire April 30, 2022, allows him to serve for the full length of the 2022 legislative session, which will run early January through mid-April. Following the 2022 session and prior to the 2023 session, members of the House and Senate will meet in an organizational session — quadrennium — to reorganize the Legislature (elect officers, appoint committees, adopt rules of procedure, etc.).
While its too early to know the specifics related to when the next executive director will be in place, Godfrey hopes for a few months of overlap, especially in the work with legislators.
“Important ministry”
“This is an important ministry, a missions opportunity,” Godfrey said, noting the role needs to be seen as a ministry to remain strong in its mission.
“I’ve loved working here. It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I believe it’s been a great ministry for the spiritual gifts and ministry skills that I have.’
Noting his greatest challenge has been dealing with a constantly changing culture and how that has been reflected in the Legislature, Godfrey added that his greatest joy has been the statewide ministry opportunities.
“I’ve been able to be part of a variety of churches and get a first-hand view to ministries across the state,” he said. “It has been a great joy to travel the state and meet other pastors.”
Godfrey’s wife, Joy, agreed the role has brought a lot of joy for him.
“I was nervous when we moved from pastoring to the role, but it has been a great fit for Joe,” she said. “It’s been exciting to see so many churches furthering the gospel in their own ways.”
Bio and background
Godfrey started at ALCAP in March 2007 and took the helm on June 1, 2008, when Ireland retired after 30 years in the position.
In his role, Godfrey lobbies the Alabama Legislature concerning moral issues such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling. He also consults with communities fighting wet-dry elections or gambling expansion and provides oversight for American Character Builders, ALCAP’s school-based program.
A native of Rome, Georgia, Godfrey earned a bachelor’s degree from Samford University in Birmingham, a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a doctor of ministry degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.
He also received an honorary doctor of divinity from Judson College in Marion.
Godfrey served for more than 26 years as a pastor prior to leading ALCAP, serving at First Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove; Taylor Road Baptist Church, Montgomery; and Calvary Baptist Church, Abbeville. He also served as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention for two years in 2003 and 2004.
In retirement, the Godfreys plan to enjoy some quality down time together, something they’ve not experienced in more than 40 years. They also plan to continue as active members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, where they have called home since taking the ALCAP position.
Search committee plans
Crain asked the ALCAP board of directors nominating committee, chaired by Fayette Association director of missions John Killian, to propose a search committee in the coming days to begin seeking the next executive director. The search committee will work in conjunction with the executive committee.
“The board is comprised of some wonderful people who love what ALCAP stands for and understand the need for an ethical voice at the state Capitol,” he said. “There has never been a greater need than right now to champion biblical morality.
“We will look for the person who follows in Joe’s footsteps to continue to be a missionary to the state Legislature, to be a pastor figure to the legislators and those who serve for the public good there, to get involved in their lives, pray for them and support them,” Crain said. “The person also needs to be a voice for the best interest of our citizens and to work to keep ALCAP strong and moving forward.
“ALCAP’s current board is the right board for finding God’s designated leader.”
Details related to the search committee and application process will be provided as they become available.
For more information about ALCAP, click here.
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