Now that the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has an interim president in place (Gary Hollingsworth), its presidential search committee announced today (Sept. 17) the plan for those interested in applying to serve full time in the role.
ERLC trustees from across the country gathered Sept. 15–17 for their annual meeting, held this year in Washington, D.C.
During the meeting, the search committee approved a profile for the office of president and CEO of ERLC that the full board received.
Qualifications for the role
Spiritually Mature: The candidate must have an authentic testimony of personal faith in Christ; give an unqualified affirmation of the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of Scripture; and hold a firm conviction that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. These beliefs and an increasing love for Christ will be demonstrated in his humility, kindness, self-control, patience, gentleness, love of others, gospel courage, godly character and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ through faithfulness to Christ’s Church.
Convictionally Southern Baptist: The candidate must be a member in good standing of a cooperating Southern Baptist church. In addition, the candidate must have a full grasp of Southern Baptist life and polity and must unreservedly affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Pastoral in Heart: The candidate will not only be able to communicate to large audiences but must also exhibit approachability and a desire and ability both
to warmly engage with people and to communicate gospel truths one on one, whether with entity staff, a press member, a denominational leader or a pastor in need of counsel.
A Proven Unifier: On issues where Southern Baptists differ within the parameters of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, he should possess the ability to foster healthy dialogue that promotes understanding and unity. He likewise must be able to form relationships and promote godly dialogue among Southern Baptists of all ethnicities and with varying opinions on current issues and bring those groups together in order to advocate effectively on those issues.
A full description of the presidential profile is available online.
Search begins
“On behalf of the rest of the ERLC presidential search committee, I am happy to announce that we have begun in earnest the search for the next president and CEO of the ERLC,” said Mitch Kimbrell, chair of the ERLC presidential search committee.
“For over 100 years, the Southern Baptist Convention’s ERLC has worked both to assist churches and to represent Southern Baptists in the public square. The Commission’s work for and on behalf of Southern Baptists is necessary, important and strategic. Godly, excellent leadership is required for the ERLC to grow in the effectiveness of its work and to grow in being an entity Southern Baptists are encouraged by.
“Please pray for our committee regularly, brothers and sisters in Christ, as we work to identify this entity’s next leader. As you pray along with us, we are comforted by the Lord’s promise that any who perceives his need for wisdom and asks the Lord for it will receive His wisdom generously (James 1:5).”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written and provided by Elizabeth Bristow of ERLC’s communications team. The Baptist Paper contributed.
