After nearly three decades of leadership by Rick Lance, Alabama Baptists are preparing for a time of transition.
Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, announced retirement plans for Jan. 31, 2027, during the Feb. 3 meeting of the SBOM board of trustees.
New chapter of ministry
“Life is lived in chapters,” Lance said. “Some chapters are longer than others and some are more brief. Sensing the direction of the Lord, I have come to believe that a new chapter of ministry is needed in my life. I also believe the State Board of Missions and the Alabama Baptist family need a new chapter of ministry as well.
“For 28 years, I have had the privilege to serve alongside Alabama Baptists as a state missionary in the role of executive director,” Lance shared. “This has been the most meaningful time in my more than 55 years of gospel ministry. I am humbled that the Lord has chosen to use me in this capacity and grateful for the trust that Alabama Baptists have placed in me.
“I plan to conclude my time of service on Jan. 31, 2027. During this next almost 12 months I will work with our leadership to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to new executive director leadership. This is my commitment to the State Board of Missions and the Alabama Baptist family.
“I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord with Alabama Baptists throughout all these years. I embrace the words of the Apostle Paul speaking to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:24, ‘I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.’”
Next steps
Lance outlined a possible process timeline and explained the SBOM’s executive director is elected by the SBOM board of trustees. The goal is for a candidate to be presented before the board in August and, if elected, then he could work alongside the staff and Lance for the remainder of 2026.
It would be a shadowing opportunity with the state convention annual meeting in November as well. By nature of the office of the SBOM executive director, that person becomes treasurer of the state convention.
Jim Graham, chair of the SBOM board of trustees, also announced the transition search team members he appointed. The team will be chaired by Buddy Champion, pastor of First Baptist Church Trussville and a past president of the state convention.
Transition search team members serving along with Champion are Jim Cooley of FBC Birmingham, Ben Hayes of FBC Dadeville, Chad Hess of Woodmont Baptist in Florence, Neal Hughes of Montgomery Baptist Association, Allen Singley of Pilgrim Home Baptist in Newton, Ben Stubblefield of Spring Hill Baptist in Mobile, Derek Staples of FBC Jacksonville and James Watkins of West End Baptist in Clanton.
Serving as voting ex-officio members of the team are Graham; Jarman Leatherwood, president of the state convention; Craig Carlisle, immediate past president of the state convention; and Jamie McGlaughn, president of Alabama WMU.
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