Eighty-one of the 83 trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee are currently in executive session asking the presidential candidate Jared Wellman questions and discussing the possibility of him becoming the new EC president and CEO. Twelve of the 81 present are joining via Zoom due to health and other issues preventing their ability to attend in person. One staff member, the parliamentarian and legal council also are participating in the meeting.
While there are 86 trustee seats on the EC, three stepped down in recent days, including Wellman, who resigned from his trustee role and chair position April 17 in anticipation of today’s presentation.
The Baptist Paper is onsite at the Grand Hyatt DFW for the meeting, which started at noon Central time. The trustees voted to go into executive session around 12:25 p.m. after a few opening agenda items.
Meeting agenda
Newly appointed EC chair David Sons of South Carolina shared a welcome, Scripture reading from James 1 and prayer prior to search committee chair Adron Robinson of Illinois providing context for the nomination.
“When we interviewed Jared, we saw a few things, a man who has courage and compassion … will fight for the messengers … and treat all EC members the same no matter how they vote. He’s a humble leader with conviction,” Robinson shared. “We saw someone who met the criteria [and who is] not craving the stage or limelight. He has sought to bring order out of chaos in every church he has pastored. … He’s a bridge builder and … has a passion for missions and church planting.
“Overall, he is man who would lead with humility, integrity and Christ-like character … my word to you (as the EC) is to block out all the outside voices and vote … as Christ leads you. Whatever the EC determines today, we thank you for the opportunity to serve together.”
Wellman then brought his family to the platform to introduce them before the group moved into executive session. More details will be shared as they become available.
Editor’s Note — Update to this article and result of vote covered here.
