Craig Webb has been named executive director-treasurer of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, according to an Aug. 19 HPBC news release.
The convention’s executive board affirmed the decision the evening of Aug. 18 and noted Webb “brings vast church and convention experience and a history of humble servant leadership.”
Webb, who has served as the assistant executive director for the past six years, shared, “I am so honored to serve you. I am profoundly grateful for the confidence that the search committee and the full board have placed in me to provide leadership to the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention in this next season.”
Search process
Webb follows Craig Martin, who left in February after nine years in the role to serve as director of state, association and network partnerships at the International Mission Board. Executive board president and pastor John Endriss served as interim during the search process.
Endriss also served on the search committee along with Larry Hale, Paula Higuchi, James Kinoshita, Sterling Lee, recording secretary Naomi Ashman and chair Brian Frable.
Frable said in a video announcement, “We met together and we prayed. We sought the Lord to discern His will in this process and for His provision. We read your emails and letters. We listened in town hall meetings across four different islands. … We received training. … After reviewing all the applicants and resumés and conducting interviews and discerning the Lord’s will in all of this process, we are thoroughly pleased with what God has provided in giving us Dr. Webb as our executive director-treasurer.”
Webb’s bio
According to the HPBC release, Webb was born on Oahu and spent his first three years in Manoa when his dad, Henry Webb, was the Baptist Student Union director. He then spent his elementary years in Kalihi (Island of Oahu), where his dad was the pastor of Kalihi Baptist. They moved to Tennessee when Craig was 11.
After graduating from Samford University (BA) in Birmingham, Alabama, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv) in Louisville, Kentucky, Webb served as a pastor in Clarksville, Tennessee, from 1991 to 1994. He then became pastor of Lahaina Baptist Church on Maui from 1994 to 2003.
He worked at Lifeway Christian Resources from 2003 to 2008, at The Glade Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, from 2006 to 2015 and at First Baptist Church Mount Juliet, Tennessee, from 2015 to 2017. Craig received his doctor of ministry in 2010 from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Webb and his wife, Barbara, have three grown children and two grandsons.
The Webbs said they are excited for this next chapter in their service to Hawaii Pacific Baptists.
To watch the Aug. 19 video announcement, click here.