DOMs set precedent with officers, hear of state support

For the first time in memory, a retiring director of missions (DOM) was elected to serve as president of the Alabama Baptist Conference of Directors of Associational Missions.
   
Charles Stroud, retiring DOM for Shelby Baptist Association, was elected president of the conference for 2006 during the DOMs’ Nov. 14 meeting at Hillwood Baptist Church, Huntsville, in Madison Baptist Association.
   
“I look forward to it,” Stroud said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity because it will give me the opportunity for fellowship (with DOMs) throughout the next year.”
   
John Marks, DOM for Central Baptist Association and chairman of the nominating committee, said the nominating committee took the unusual step of asking Stroud to serve because of his leadership. “We feel that even though he is planning to retire, because of the person he is … and the leadership he has given the state of Alabama, we asked that he stay on,” Marks said.
   
The DOMs also elected Larry Felkins, DOM for Chilton Baptist Association, president-elect and Jim Jackson, DOM for Elmore Baptist Association, secretary/treasurer.
   
During their meeting, the DOMs also heard about the many resources available to them through the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions’ (SBOM) office of associational missions and church planting.
   
“Our purpose is to encourage and enable associations and churches to fulfill their call to missions and ministry,” said Gary Swafford, director of that office. “We are partners. We can identify with you.
   
“I am convinced the future DOM will be more active as a missions strategist,” he said. “We must train pastors to see the opportunities for missions in the world around them.”
   
Along with learning of the resources available from SBOM, the DOMs recognized new and retiring DOMS and expressed appreciation to outgoing president Jack Collins, DOM for West Cullman Baptist Association.