By Grace Thornton
The Alabama Baptist
Tim Cox said he thought he knew a lot about Alabama Baptists. He grew up with a pastor father. He was a Royal Ambassador when he was a boy. He attended college at the University of Mobile and then he became a pastor himself.
“I was physically born into the Alabama Baptist family and I was raised in Alabama Baptist church life,” said Cox, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Chelsea. “But this year I have learned a whole lot more.”
‘Real passion’
For the past year Cox has served as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and he said that experience has “pulled back the veil” and allowed him to see more about how state Baptists cooperate together.
“It’s been nice to see the heartbeat of the entities as I’ve gone to trustee meetings,” he said. “There is a real passion for the Great Commission. It’s not just a motto — it really is our DNA.”
Cox said he’s been inspired by the scope of work achieved by the entities and the way trustees serve vigilantly with a Kingdom focus.
“We’re a Baptist family with a right focus, a Baptist family that is cooperating well,” he said.
And he said he’s been impressed with the way the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) maintains a fruitful ministry with a lean staff.
“I think Alabama Baptists maximize our impact with minimal resources,” he said.
Across the board Cox said representing state Baptists has been “a thrill, refreshing, encouraging and inspiring.”
“Even in the culture we live in today — a culture that is changing every day — we are a people with a right focus who are cohesive in our mission and we need to stay the course,” he said. “Our theme for this [past] year has been ‘Faithful’ and I have witnessed many staying the course.”
Starting at the state convention annual meeting in November, Alabama Baptists’ theme for the year will be “Fruitful” and Cox said he has already witnessed that in action too.
‘Staying the course’
“Alabama Baptists are staying the course and being faithful and I pray we’ll press on being fruitful,” Cox said. “I believe if we are faithful in the main thing we will be fruitful. Those are great themes that push us forward.”
Rick Lance, SBOM executive director, said Cox has served state Baptists in an “exemplary way” this past year and has a servant’s heart that is “most evident.”
“Personally Tim Cox has been and continues to be an encourager to me as a state missionary. Other state missionaries have echoed that same sentiment,” he said. “In committee meetings with the State Board of Missions and with gatherings of entity trustees Tim has been a voice of wisdom. His focus has always been on prayer. During those important times when decisions were being made Tim Cox, the prayer warrior, called us to prayer.”
Lance said he looks forward to experiencing his leadership again at the meeting in Daphne.
“I believe the messengers will see something of what many of us have observed through this year as Tim wisely and prayerfully gives us leadership,” he said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To view the full Alabama Baptist State Convention program and corresponding Pastor’s Conference program, click here.
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