The Alabama Baptist State Convention will boast a new look following the election of officers at its annual meeting Nov. 14-15 in Montgomery.
While there will be at least one fresh face among new officers, two of the pastors now serving may seek other positions.
Buddy Gray, pastor of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, will complete his second one-year term as president and cannot succeed himself.
Gray said he looks forward to turning over the duties of convention president after serving two years, during which time Alabama Baptists rallied against statewide lottery gambling. “That will be the biggest thing for me,” he noted.
Also completing their second one-year terms as first vice president and second vice president, respectively, are Mike McLemore pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham, and John Long, director of missions with Madison Baptist Association. Like Gray, they cannot succeed themselves in their current offices.
McLemore confirmed his name will be submitted as president.
“I have not heard of anyone else’s name being mentioned for president,” McLemore said. “I’m not sure if there is someone else.”
A pastor in Alabama churches for 27 years, McLemore has been at Lakeside as pastor since 1983. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as associate pastor at Lakeside for two years.
A former chairman of the board of directors of The Alabama Baptist, McLemore has served on various committees of the Southern Baptist Convention and is involved with the Birmingham Baptist Association.
Long also said he may seek office again, after being asked to submit his name as first vice president, succeeding McLemore.
“I have not made a final decision,” Long said. “I’m praying about it and seeking advice from some trusted people.”
The former director of missions with Baldwin Baptist Association, Long has served as pastor of churches in Alabama, North Caroline and Colorado. Along with his service as an offer, he has also served on committees of the state convention and been involved in issues affecting Alabama Baptists.
McLemore said he has heard that Tom Whatley, pastor of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, and Joe Godfrey, pastor of Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery, will be nominated for first vice president.
Godfrey said he has been told his name may be placed in consideration, but he is not actively seeking the position.
“If someone wants to nominate me, I will run,” Godfrey said. “I will be happy with whoever the convention selects.
An Alabama pastor for almost 20 years, Godfrey has been at Taylor Road for 16 years. Prior to that, he served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Abbeville, for almost four years.
Godfrey has been active in the Montgomery Baptist Association and has served on various Alabama Baptist Convention committees.
Likewise, Whatley said he is willing to serve if elected.
“It’s something I have had people ask me to do,” he said.
Whatley has served in Alabama churches for 32 years, the last 23 at Woodward Avenue. Prior to coming to Woodward Avenue, he served five years as pastor of Central Baptist Church in Florence.
A previous second vice president of the convention, Whatley has also served on various convention committees.
McLemore said he has also heard the name of Larry Felkins, director of missions for Chilton Baptist Association, mentioned as a candidate for second vice president.
Felkins also downplayed his interest in serving as an officer, but said he has been approached and is willing to serve.
“I’m not running, I’m not campaigning,” Felkins said. “But I’m willing to serve on the team.”
A presence in Alabama Baptist ministry for 16 years, Felkins served as pastor of Maytown Baptist Church in Maytown for almost nine years before becoming a director of missions.
He has served on convention committees and has been involved with associational community efforts.
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