Austin leaves MBC for South Carolina

JEFFERSON CITY—Jim Austin, associate executive director for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC), is moving to South Carolina to become executive director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Austin was called to his new ministry position April 26 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Irmo, S.C., when messengers to a called state convention voted unanimously for him. His final day on staff with the MBC was May 11; on May 13 he will finish his service as interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Marshall, before heading to his new post May 15.

“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving Missouri Baptists,” Austin wrote in a statement released to The Pathway. “My life has been enriched by the relationships that have been established, the work that has been accomplished, and the lessons that have been learned.

“It has been my joy to work with a terrific Missouri Baptist Convention staff team. I commend them all to you as the choice of God’s servants.”

David Tolliver, MBC interim executive director, wrote in an email to MBC staff that Austin is “a rare individual who seems to easily demonstrate humble servitude and servant leadership simultaneously. Jim Austin is a Christian gentleman and one of the wisest men I have met. I thank God for Jim’s service to Missouri Baptists—our convention is better for having known him.”

Austin joined the MBC staff in October 2005 after having served four years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va. He served a total of 21 years as a pastor in churches in Georgia and Virginia. He also has served as a trustee with the International Mission Board.