North American Mission Board expanding evangelism team efforts

The North American Mission Board plans to expand evangelism efforts with new team members and an adapted strategy, according to NAMB officials.

In June, Tim Dowdy was announced as the new leader of NAMB’s evangelism team, stepping into the position left vacant with the resignation of Johnny Hunt, who served as vice president of evangelism and leadership until mid-May.

Dowdy’s title is slightly different — executive director of evangelism and leadership — but his responsibilities are the same, overseeing NAMB’s work in evangelism. His role will involve a broader team approach, however.

Along with managing the day-to-day work, Dowdy will lead strategy and vision in this area and report directly to Kevin Ezell, president of NAMB.

Ezell shared the news in his report to messengers during the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

Dowdy said during Ezell’s presentation, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve in the area of evangelism. … It’s going to take all of us working together diligently day in and day out, faithfully sharing the good news of the gospel to change the world. Our aim is to help our family of churches share the gospel everywhere with everyone until the whole world hears.”

Also coming to the team is JJ Washington as NAMB’s national director of personal evangelism. Read more about Washington here.

Serving alongside Dowdy, Washington will oversee evangelism resources and be the liaison to state directors of evangelism.

Both Dowdy and Washington come to NAMB from roles at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and both have served as church pastors.

Nonstaff, advocate-type positions across the nation also are anticipated to be added to the team in the coming days.

‘Our urgent focus’

“Our mission to serve and equip pastors and churches with evangelism resources will continue as our urgent focus,” Ezell shared with The Alabama Baptist in mid-July. “Tim Dowdy is a great leader who is passionate about sharing Christ. In the 30 years he pastored his last church, they averaged 132 baptisms a year.

“With Tim leading strategy, vision and day-to-day ministry, we also will be utilizing several leading pastors who will assist us in promoting evangelism to our churches and training Southern Baptists in evangelism,” Ezell added. “We look forward to sharing more about this direction in the months ahead.”