Search committee reopens Executive Director nomination opportunity

DALLAS—The Executive Director Search Committee of the Baptist General Convention of Texas is reopening the opportunity for nominations to be submitted in consideration for the next Executive Director of Texas Baptists. The new window of opportunity is set for Apr. 6 - May 7, 2023.

“It has been a true delight to experience the Spirit-led cohesion among every search committee member. Each shares the common goal of following the Lord’s leadership,” said Wendell Wright, search committee chair.

“In light of recent committee changes and following careful consideration, the committee has felt led to reopen the nomination process. Our desire is to ensure ample opportunity for candidates to be nominated.”

Wright went on to acknowledge candidates already nominated for the position.

“We are thrilled by the current list of candidates and their exceptional Christian leadership. In no way does this decision reflect negatively on their strength, but affirms our commitment to prayerfully follow God’s leadership in this extraordinary effort. I am confident we are doing just that,” Wright said.

In its most recent update published to the search committee page of the Texas Baptists website, the search committee stated it is again accepting nominations and applications “in order to give ample opportunity for the Texas Baptists family to have input into the Executive Director search process.” Nominations were previously accepted Jan. 10-31 of this year.

The update instructs nominators to submit their nominations by clicking the “Nominate” button on the search committee webpage and completing the fillable form. Individuals may nominate others or nominate themselves through the process. Those already nominated during the first opportunity do not need to be re-nominated at this time.

In the midst of this new nomination period, the search committee “will not pause [its] work but will continue to pray and process those who have previously been nominated.”

Per the update, all new nominations should be submitted to the online form by Sunday, May 7, 2023.

“This is an exciting time for all who are part of the Texas Baptists family,” said Bobby Contreras, chair of the executive board.

“My hope and prayer is that this reopening timeframe serves as a positive and diligent season for the important search ahead.”

Wright, a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, and Suzanne Liner, a member of First Baptist Church in Lubbock, were named chair and vice-chair of the search committee, respectively, in March of 2023. David Mahfouz, pastor of First Baptist Church in Warren, preceded Wright as search committee chair.

The Executive Director Search Committee was initially formed in July of 2022 after David Hardage announced his retirement earlier that month. 

“May God lead the search committee as they receive submissions. I would encourage everyone to pray for this process and ask that God would be seen in all that is done,” said Contreras.