Speer to be nominated for GBC presidency

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Jerry Speer Jerry Speer

Dear Christian Index:

Thank you for receiving this letter concerning my upcoming nomination of Rev. Jerry Speer of Northside Baptist Church in Columbus for president of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

About four years ago I felt that Jerry should be nominated, but I found out that we had two gifted and qualified men that were already selected to be nominated so I let it pass. The same thing happened two years ago. This past February I really felt that it was time for Jerry to be nominated, so I have decided to announce my intention to place the name of Jerry Speer in nomination for president of the Georgia Baptist Convention at the annual meeting November 10-11, 2015.

It has been my honor to know and to have partnered in ministry and missions with Jerry for 20 years in the Columbus Association. I believe that our friendship enables me to know his heart and character extremely well. A quick summary would be: “Jerry Speer seeks to bring all people to the Cross of Christ.” I believe that Jerry would continue the same message of prayer and revival that the previous two presidents emphasized, and that Jerry Speer would rally us all around the cross.

Jerry has been the pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Columbus for 33 years. During his initial year at Northside, he led the church to raise their Cooperative Program giving to 10%, and has continued to lead his church to be a stalwart supporter of the Cooperative Program. He has also been very consistent with giving 3% to the local association. But giving is not all that Jerry has sought to accomplish as he tirelessly and willingly serves whenever called upon.

Jerry is an experienced leader in our state convention, having served on every level, including two terms as chairman of the Executive Committee. Jerry has the experience, wisdom, and seasoning that makes him uniquely qualified to serve as president of our state convention. His evangelistic heartbeat and his pastoral leadership exalt Jesus and rally souls to the cross.

Jimmy Blanton, associational missionary

Columbus Baptist Association

Columbus, GBC meeting, nomination, president