Working one’s way up through the ranks usually earns one much respect from those around him or her.
Henry Cox knows this concept well, and on Nov. 17 he reached the pinnacle of his journey through the ranks in Alabama Baptist life garnering what he describes as a “goodwill ambassador” role.
Cox, pastor of First Baptist Church, Bay Minette, was elected president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention during the annual meeting in Montgomery without opposition.
This election follows four one-year terms of service in the two convention vice president roles, making him the first Alabama Baptist in recorded history to have gone through the three offices in consecutive terms.
“I feel very honored to represent Alabama Baptists at this point in my life,” Cox said. “I want to honor Christ and represent the Alabama Baptist State Convention with integrity and dignity.”
Self-described as a “traditional Alabama Baptist,” Cox said he has a good understanding of Alabama Baptist life.
“My convictions and my beliefs are in line with the majority of Alabama Baptists,” he said.
Mike Northcutt, pastor of Eastmont Baptist Church, Montgomery, agrees. “He knows Alabama and Alabama Baptists well,” Northcutt said. “He was born here. His wife, Barbara, is also from here.
“He understands that we don’t always have to see eye-to-eye to walk hand-in-hand,” Northcutt said. “We don’t have to be identical twins.”
Northcutt, who nominated Cox for president, said Cox is a servant leader who is well respected, genuine, warm and willing to listen, while also standing strong for his beliefs.
Cox led First, Bay Minette, to give 20.5 percent of its 2003 budget through the Cooperative Program (CP), Northcutt added.
“I learned as a young boy to support the Cooperative Program,” Cox noted.
Saved and baptized in Schultz Creek Baptist Church in Riverbend, Cox spent his formative years at Centreville Baptist Church in Bibb Association.
The pastor of Centreville Baptist at the time, Forrest Hicks, passionately promoted the CP, Cox said. “I learned to be dedicated to it then and I have been ever since.”
Cox also was called to preach at 16 years old in Centreville Baptist Church. “I preached my first sermon there and then began to get invitations to preach in churches across Bibb County,” Cox recalled.
In 1957 he headed to Howard College (now Samford University) and then New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) for postgraduate work and later a doctor of ministry.
“I owe my education to Alabama Baptists,” he said, noting he received much-needed scholarships from Alabama Baptist groups to go to school. “I’m thankful to be an Alabama Baptist and blessed beyond words for the support of Alabama Baptists,” he said.
Just a few years after entering college, Cox accepted his first pastorate — Central Baptist Church, Gardendale. He was there from 1960 to 1962. He then served as pastor of two churches in Louisiana while he attended seminary.
After completing his first degree at NOBTS, Cox was back in Alabama and pastor of Gilgal Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa (1966–1968), Trinity Baptist Church, Montgomery (1968–1977), and First Baptist Church, Headland (1978–1981).
And since 1981, Cox has served as pastor of First, Bay Minette. He also has served on the board of Judson College, on the State Board of Missions, as chair of the committee on boards and commissions and on several tasks forces for the state convention.
“It has given me the big picture of what Alabama Baptists do,” Cox said. “It gives me a clear understanding.
“I’ve seen the macro and the micro. I’ve gotten both views.”
Cox said he believes in being respectful to everyone. “Everyone and his or her opinion is important.”
While he doesn’t plan on making changes in the system and sees moving through the state leadership ranks as a healthy trend for Alabama Baptists, Cox said he would maintain a listening ear.
“We have a unity and a fellowship that is a model for other state conventions,” he said. “We are second to none, and I want to promote that.”
Other officers were also elected without opposition. They are:
-First vice president — Roger Willmore, pastor of First Baptist Church, Boaz.
-Second vice president — Gary Hollingsworth, pastor of First Baptist Church, Trussville.
-Recording secretary — Mary Sue Bennett.
-Statistical secretary — Bobby DuBois.
-Registration secretary — Billy Austin.
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