The Twitter board got a little giddy yesterday when North American Mission Board, search chairman Ted Traylor told Florida Baptist Witness that they had found “God’s man.” He had earlier said to the Trustees and recorded by Baptist Press: "I am delighted to report to you that our search team has found God's man to be nominated as the next president of NAMB.” At this time, Ezell’s name was yet to be released. Only a few hours later, Traylor revealed the identity of the candidate to Witness Executive Editor, James Smith, Sr.
Thrilled about Kevin Ezell going 2 NAMB! This is great news 4 the SBC! A great leader with a great heart and vision! I am pumped!I have known Kevin Ezell [ @kevezell ] for over 15 years as pastor, friend, & visionary leader. He is a man of honor, truth, & conviction.
Praying for @kevezell as he is nominated to be @namb_sbc president: http://is.gd/eOcC Encouraging news via @JamesASmithSr
Kevin Ezell is one of the godliest men, and most visionary leaders I have ever known. This is fantastic news for the SBC.
Indicative of a momentary reenactment of Pentecost’s “one accord.” the shakers and movers of the Southern Baptist Convention poured their anointing oil over the head of Kevin Ezell. Now please understand: I do not know Dr. Ezell. I have never shook his hand or heard him preach. And, I just started following him on Twitter. So my thoughts about his nomination need to be tempered against such a backdrop.
To be fair, however, I suspect 99%+ of the Southern Baptist Convention would describe a similar scenario concerning its personal knowledge and acquaintance of Dr. Ezell. Hence, not personally knowing the candidate does not count against raising general questions or expressing concerns about a candidate.
Even so, what may one initially make of Kevin Ezell’s nomination as president of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention? We know what our most vocal, public leaders of the SBC think as the twitter records show. But what do plain vanilla grassroots Southern Baptists to think of his nomination?
I’ll let you know some of my personal reflections in the next post.
With that, I am…
Peter
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Proud beyond words that my precious friend @kevezell will lead NAMB. Whatever that search committee thinks of him, the truth is even better.
Ezell to NAMB: This is the happiest SBC news I’ve heard in a long time. I can’t imagine a better leader for NAMB. ... http://bit.ly/dkg6la
One of the things I love about SBTS: people only leave here for the most important jobs in the world. Congrats to my professor for NAMB prez
I have known Kevin Ezell [ @kevezell ] for over 15 years as pastor, friend, & visionary leader. He is a man of honor, truth, & conviction.
RT @JamesASmithSr: BREAKING NEWS: Kevin Ezell nominated NAMB president http://on.gofbw.com/ // alright!!
RT @JimmyScroggins: SBC just put one of it's best leaders in one of it's most influential posts. The future is looking better all the time.
Thrilled about Kevin Ezell going 2 NAMB! This is great news 4 the SBC! A great leader with a great heart and vision! I am pumped!
SBC just put one of it's best leaders in one of it's most influential posts. The future is looking better all the time.
Happy @kevezell is heading to #NAMB. Old seminary classmate then model pastor/leader now NAMB president. Well done, #SBC
BREAKING NEWS: Kevin Ezell nominated NAMB president http://on.gofbw.com/9ncNEJ // wow, great pick imo
RT @drmoore: BREAKING NEWS: Kevin Ezell nominated NAMB president http://on.gofbw.com/9ncNEJ //homerun pick... i hope imb swings for fences 2
Praying for @kevezell as he is nominated to be @namb_sbc president: http://is.gd/eOcC Encouraging news via @JamesASmithSr
Kevin Ezell is one of the godliest men, and most visionary leaders I have ever known. This is fantastic news for the SBC.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
It seems that the "ol boy" network of the ultra-political SBC is very alive and well.
Again, it ain't WHAT you know, it's WHO you know.
All of that said, I pray that God uses this fellow in a mighty way.
Posted by: tom jefferson | 2010.09.02 at 11:53 AM
Tom, just because Kevin Ezell knows certain recognizable SBC personalities does NOT mean he's unfit for the job. I don't consider his hiring to be the result of the "ol' boy" network, but rather the result of a praying trustee board and the gracious hand of Almighty God.
You can sugarcoat your veiled insult with well wishes, but a drive-by potshot at Kevin Ezell or the SBC needs substance before it carries any weight.
Posted by: Ed Goodman | 2010.09.02 at 03:32 PM