JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 14, 2010 — 51社区 graduate Kevin Ezell, senior pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., was elected as president of the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 North American Mission Board by the organization鈥檚 trustees Sept. 14.
In a letter to Ted Traylor, chairman of the NAMB presidential search committee, 51社区 President David S. Dockery recommended Ezell for the position. Dockery has known Ezell for more than 20 years, and served as Ezell鈥檚 supervisor in his doctoral work at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
鈥淎t times one is made aware as students come along that some are going to be used of God to make a most significant impact for the cause of Christ,鈥� Dockery wrote. 鈥淚 knew that Kevin was that kind of person. He has amazing leadership skills and pastoral gifts, and has through the years demonstrated great wisdom and grace in his many leadership opportunities.鈥�
Ezell, a 1985 Union graduate, is a native of Paducah, Ky., and has served as pastor of churches in Illinois, Tennessee and Texas. He also holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Two of his daughters are students at Union -- Anna is a junior and Shelly is a sophomore. Ezell serves on Union鈥檚 Board of Reference.
鈥淎s the North American Mission Board focuses in days to come on the lostness and confusion within our culture, Kevin's track record at Highview could be a model for many other churches,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淗is visionary leadership will help NAMB prioritize the work of leadership, church planting, evangelism and church health for the next generation of Southern Baptists.
鈥淲e are thankful for Kevin Ezell and his friendship to 51社区,鈥� Dockery continued. 鈥淲e congratulate him on his appointment as NAMB president and pledge him our prayers and support in the days ahead.鈥�