BWA President David Coffey visits Alabama, reflects on time at helm

After five years, seven continents and more than 80 countries, David Coffey is looking forward to a little light reading as he prepares his upcoming final address as president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). Reading through his stack of travel journals, that is, in order to connect the dots of his time leading, encouraging and learning about the more than 100 million Baptist believers worldwide.

Since his election to the five-year position in July 2005, Coffey has been somewhere other than his Oxford, England-area home almost monthly. And in April, he was in Alabama.

As he reflects on his time at the helm of BWA, Coffey told The Alabama Baptist that transitions and restructuring among BWA leaders and members will likely be the big story from his time.

“I think the biggest thing I have had to handle is a change of leadership in the general secretary position from Denton Lotz to Neville Callam,” Coffey said. “Transition of leadership, whether it be a local church or an international organization, is an important moment in the life of an organization.”

The second thing was the Implementation Task Force’s study of BWA and work to restructure as necessary to focus the vision, values and commitments to match the 21st century, he said.

And as far as his legacy is concerned Coffey hopes he will be remembered for helping grow young leaders among Baptists.

“Developing emerging leaders is one of my passions and in passing the baton to my successor I hope the BWA will continue to give ministry opportunities for a new generation of Baptist leaders,” he said.

Coffey was in the state visiting Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham and preaching in chapel April 19. He also spoke to ministers of Birmingham Baptist Association and met with leaders of national Woman’s Missionary Union that day.

He preached at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, during the April 18 morning worship services.

Just a few days prior to his Birmingham visit, Coffey lectured at Northern Seminary in Chicago. (TAB)