Humphries, Howard, to lead GBC Administration Committee

New leadership was named for the Administration Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention last week. Chris Humphries, senior pastor of First Baptist Bainbridge, was named chairman and Brady Howard, pastor of Glen Haven Baptist Church in McDonough, will assume the role of vice chairman.

Tim Oliver, pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Milledgeville, who has served as chairman for the past two years will remain on the committee. “For the past two years,” Oliver said, “the Lord graced me with the privileged responsibility of serving Georgia Baptist churches as chairman of the Administration Committee. It has been a joy to do so. I am looking forward to what the Lord will do through the leadership of my dear friend and brother, Chris Humphries.”

During Oliver’s tenure, the committee oversaw several significant decisions. “I am thankful for the work we were able to accomplish together,” Oliver said. “From the sale of the Sugarloaf property to the reorganization and updating of our convention guidelines, I believe we are poised to move forward with this Gospel ministry!”

For his part, Humphries is eager to step into the role of chairman. “I am very honored to serve as chairman of the administration committee.  These are exciting times for The Georgia Baptist Mission Board and I am ecstatic to be part of the journey.”

Humphries is enthusiastic about the Send Georgia partnership between the GBMB and the North American Mission Board to plant more churches in the state. “The ability to enhance church planting within the state of Georgia with an experienced ministry partner should strengthen our efforts toward success in that area of ministry.”

Brady Howard, newly named as vice chairman, said, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the vice chairman of the Administration Committee for the Georgia Baptist Convention. It is an honor to work alongside Chris Humphries, who will lead us as chairman of this committee.

“These are truly exciting days for Georgia Baptists! The Administration Committee has the unique privilege of providing oversight and support for the ministry initiatives of the GBC. This year, we are presented with many opportunities to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our cooperative efforts.

“I am eager to serve our churches and contribute to the stewardship initiatives of the Georgia Baptist Convention. It is a blessing to be part of this vital work!”

Referring to the GBMB’s evangelism initiative, announced by GBMB Executive Director Thomas Hammond, Jr., at the convention’s annual meeting in November, Humphries declared, “The evangelism challenge!  The idea of seeing more professions of faith along with baptisms motivates and stirs my heart to do my part.  If we are able to see strength and growth in these ministry endeavors, then I cannot think of a better time to serve.  

“I am moved by the spirit of humility and unity that seems to be overshadowing the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and the great churches that make up our convention.  It is my hope that it never goes away.”

The full list of members of the administration committee:

• Chris Humphries (Chairman), First Baptist Bainbridge
• Brady Howard (Vice Chairman), Glen Haven Baptist Church, McDonough
• Fred Anderson, First Baptist Baxley
• Landon Dowden, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula
• Matthew Myers, Macedonia Baptist Church, Newnan
• Tim Oliver, Lakeside Baptist Church, Milledgeville
• Shane Roberson, Maysville Baptist Church
• Terry Ryan, Penia Baptist Church, Cordele
• Jamie Smith, Ebenezer Baptist, Toccoa

Ex Officio members:

• Steve Browning (Convention President), First Baptist Alpharetta
• Stephen Fountain (Executive Committee Chairman), First Baptist Buford
• Chad Mantooth (Executive Committee Vice Chairman), First Baptist Winder
• Thomas Hammond (GBMB Executive Director)