Thomas announces retirement, MBC restructuring
By Allen Palmeri
Staff Writer
July 20, 2004
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) is being condensed from four ministry teams to three as Larry Thomas, outgoing associate executive director of the Support Services team, eases into retirement.
MBC Executive Director David Clippard announced at a staff meeting July 13 that personnel who previously reported to Thomas are being distributed among the Church Outreach, Church & Family Equipping and Communications and Development teams.
Thomas went on sabbatical July 14 — the very day he turned 65. He will officially retire Dec. 31, Clippard said. Thomas said he ultimately plans to relocate to Kansas City.
“I want to do some preaching,” said Thomas, who has been employed by the MBC since 1984. “I would like to continue to serve and help you (the MBC staff) as you accomplish your tasks.”
Controller Jay Hughes, who previously reported to Thomas, will now report directly to Clippard. Hughes was given more supervisory responsibilities in the restructuring and will now oversee two areas—Building & Properties Management and Human Resources. The Baptist Building receptionist and Mail Room have been placed under Building and Properties Management.
Technology has been moved to Communications & Development, with Ministerial Services becoming part of Church & Family Equipping. The administrative assistant position under Thomas has been moved to Church Outreach, in the evangelism department.
Clippard said that ultimately, the staff position being relinquished by Thomas will be replaced by a staff position in evangelism. Clippard said he strongly desires to hire a personal evangelism specialist who would be a catalyst for spiritual awakening. This is important as the MBC pursues excellence in church planting, evangelism and missions, he said.
Thomas had been in charge of arrangements for the MBC’s annual meeting. Hughes will now have that responsibility, Clippard said.
Thomas also served as co-interim executive director for several months following the resignation of former Executive Director Jim Hill, who resigned because he said he could not work with the convention’s theologically conservative executive board.