Yesterday, Baptist Press reported that Fred Luter will nominate Alabama pastor Ed Litton for SBC President this summer in Nashville. Litton becomes the third announced nominee along with SBTS president R. Albert Mohler and Georgia pastor Mike Stone.
In his announcement, Luter cites his relationship with Litton that grew from pursuing racial reconciliation together, but even more so his shared commitment to evangelism and discipleship. Luter explains, “That’s why I am honored to nominate Ed Litton as the next president of the Southern Baptist Convention. With Ed’s commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, he is what our convention needs to help us refocus and recommit to the biblical principles of what this convention has been known for – evangelism and discipleship.”
Luter believes Litton is the right person in this season of SBC life. “Ed has a deep love for God and for people…I truly believe he can help ease divisions that are happening among us and point us toward our mission.”
Many people were hoping for other options when they get to Nashville. I, for one, am excited at this development and am pleased that messengers will have the opportunity to make a prayerful choice of men who have already served our Convention in other roles. To have three candidates announced this early is unique (historically, such announcements have been made in late Spring), and highlights the fact that there remains a diversity of viewpoints in SBC life. We have plenty of time between now and the Annual Meeting to weigh the merits of each of the men who will be nominated and, especially, to consider the visions they cast for the future of our cooperative work.
Ultimately, no group within the SBC gets to decide who will lead us. Rather, the next president will be chosen by we messengers who show up to Nashville to cast our ballots. It’s both a great responsibility and an exciting possibility. Looking forward to the discussion as we seek the Lord’s direction together.
