In a bizarre parliamentary situation, the nomination speeches for SBC Recording Secretary were given near the end of the business session this evening, but the vote will not take place until tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Messengers tomorrow may not get to hear the speeches again. We think it’s important for you to hear why a vote for Adam Blosser is a vote for change at the SBC Executive Committee.
Full Speech Text
Southern Baptists have come to realize how desperately the Executive Committee needs to change, and it is my pleasure to nominate Adam Blosser as Recording Secretary today as part of that change. Here are three reasons why I believe Adam is the right choice.
Adam Blosser is the lead pastor at Goshen Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Married to Ashley, the father of four children, he is pursuing a D.Min at Southeastern Seminary. His church cooperates with the SBC of Virginia where he serves on the state convention executive board. He leads his church to give 10% to the Cooperative Program, with increasing Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offerings.
First, I nominate Adam Blosser because I know him and his ministry. He was one of the key leaders in our 2017 Pastors Conference in Phoenix. I saw his competence and faithfulness in action leading our nationwide search process. He can do this job and will serve well as recording secretary. The SBC needs the kind of leadership that skilled pastors such as Adam can provide.
Second, I nominate Adam Blosser because of principle, a conviction we share that leadership needs to pass beyond the hands of a powerful few and be shared. The Recording Secretary is a voting member of the Executive Committee. Trustees of the EC may serve 2 terms of 4 years each – a total of 8 years. The current Recording Secretary has served for 24 years. We appreciate Dr. Yeats’ long and faithful service, but we believe that no one should be a voting member of the Executive Committee for a quarter of a century. If elected, Adam will limit himself to a term of service equal to what a trustee can serve and will advocate for term limits for this position.
Finally, we are in a critical moment here in Nashville. We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. We have come to realize that the issues of the SBC too often find their root in the Executive Committee – there must be changes, and the operation of the Executive Committee is where those changes must begin. We need to get serious and we need to do something now. Change in the SBC comes slowly, through appointments and nominations. But here’s one way we can make a difference right here, today. Elect Adam Blosser recording secretary.
