The update doesn’t say how many are being interviewed, but “several” candidates have risen to the top for the search team seeking the next president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Search team chair Neal Hughes, director of missions for Alabama’s Montgomery Baptist Association, released an update late this afternoon (Oct. 23), stating the hope of presenting a candidate for a vote at the group’s next meeting (scheduled for February) looks to be a realistic goal.
Following what Hughes described as a “harvest of resumés” by the cut-off date of Sept. 30, “each candidate has been carefully reviewed and discussed,” he said. “We are currently working through the interview phase with several of the candidates.”
Hughes asked for continued prayers for the search team and noted the next update will be released on or before Nov. 27.
Interim role
In related news, Jonathan Howe, the EC’s vice president of communications, continues as interim president. He stepped into the position in August following the resignation of Willie McLaurin and reportedly would only be in the position temporarily.
EC officers stated in September they were looking for a transitional interim — someone who will not be considered for the permanent role but would serve until the EC elected a new president. No updates regarding a transitional interim have been released since the initial announcement.
Background details
For background information related to the vacancy and search, check out this September article from The Alabama Baptist:
