Bobby Welch to retire from Florida pulpit

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bobby Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, Fla., and president of the Southern Baptist Convention, will retire Aug. 27 after 32 years as the church’s senior pastor.

A letter from Welch, a Fort Payne native, to members of the church was sent May 25 explaining that he would “officially” announce his retirement plans in the May 28 morning worship services.

Welch said he and his wife, Maudellen, will remain in the church after retirement, including maintaining an office as he becomes pastor emeritus, and will offer assistance to David Cox, Welch’s co-pastor since 2003, who will become senior pastor.

A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a decorated combat veteran, Welch is co-founder of the FAITH Sunday School evangelism strategy and the author of “You, The Warrior Leader.”