Parr to take role as director at Gwinnett Metro Baptist Association

Note: an earlier version of this story mistakenly said Parr would begin his new position Feb. 5. In actuality, that is the day he will be presented to the executive board of the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Association. 

DULUTH — Steve Parr, current chief strategist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, has accepted a position as director of the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Association, beginning March 15.

“I will be so honored to serve the churches in the county where I have lived most of my life,” said Parr. “I will miss my work and friends at the Mission Board but will be a faithful partner as they continue to move forward.”

Parr began in March 1998 with the Georgia Baptist Convention (now Georgia Baptist Mission Board) as a consultant in Bible Study Ministries before becoming a specialist in Sunday School & Open Group Ministries in 2000. In 2006 he stepped into the role of vice president of Sunday School & Evangelism, then was named vice president for Staff Coordination and Development in 2012. His most recent title change to chief strategist came early last year. 

Prior to joining the state convention Parr was on staff at Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula. Over the years he has continued serving several congregations as interim pastor in the Gwinnett County area. Those churches include Rolling Hills in Dacula, Mount Zion Baptist in Snellville, Annistown Road in Snellville, Grayson First Baptist, Shadowbrook Baptist in Suwanee, Calvary in Lilburn, and Hebron Baptist in Dacula. He has also been an adjunct professor for New Orleans Seminary.

Parr is the author of the series “Sunday School That Really Works” and co-author of “Why They Stay,” which explores keeping young people in church. His most recent book is “The Coffee Shop That Changed a Church.”