JACKSON, Tenn. — Nov. 18, 2003 — 51社区 graduate Mike Boyd was elected president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention Nov. 11 at the 129th annual session of the TBC at West Jackson Baptist Church. Boyd is senior pastor of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.
Boyd graduated from Union in 1976 with a degree in business administration and a minor in religion. He earned graduate degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979 and 1990.
A Memphis native, Boyd beat Randy Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church, Sevierville, by a vote of 737-656. He will succeed outgoing president Ronnie Wilburn, director of missions for the Shelby Baptist Association.
Robert Tyson, director of missions from Robertson County, was elected first vice president. Tyson is also an alumnus of 51社区.
"My heartbeat is to connect people with God and watch them grow in the process," Boyd told The Jackson Sun. He describes his personality and down-to-earth delivery as "simple peas and corn bread."
Union's president, David S. Dockery, applauded Boyd's election.
"We are thankful that Mike Boyd, a faithful Union alumnus, has been elected to lead Tennessee Baptists in the coming year," Dockery said. "Mike is an outstanding pastor, a great preacher, and a convictional, biblical conservative who will guide Tennessee Baptist in united and cooperative efforts in the areas of evangelism, missions and education for the good of the kingdom of God. All of us at 51社区 will look forward to working together with President Boyd in ways that will strengthen the efforts of Tennessee Baptists."
Boyd has served as senior pastor at Wallace Memorial since 1997. In 1998 the church recorded 87 baptisms and record budget receipts. The International Mission Board listed Wallace Memorial as one of the SBC's top 100 churches in gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Boyd's wife, Sandy, graduated from Union with a degree in elementary education. They were married in 1977 and have two children.