By Allen Palmeri
Associate Editor
SPRINGFIELD—John Marshall, pastor, Second Baptist Church, Springfield, and first vice president, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC), announced Sept. 30 that he will run for president at the 176th annual meeting of the MBC here Oct. 25-27 at Expo Center.
Marshall, who has served as an officer the last three years, texted The Pathway that he wants to become president for the sake of unity. For Marshall, who served as second vice president in 2008 and first vice president in 2009 and 2010, that means he is in solidarity with MBC Executive Director David Tolliver. Marshall texted that he will “look forward to standing alongside Dr. Tolliver as he continues his effective leadership of Missouri Baptists.”
As of press time there were no other announced candidates for president. There also were no announced candidates for first vice president.
Marshall came to Second Springfield in 1995 and is known throughout the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) for his dedication to the cause of missions. In 2009, he preached the SBC annual sermon in Louisville, Ky. He was only the fourth Missourian to do so.
Aaron Weibel, pastor, New Site Baptist Church, Monett, has announced that he is running for second vice president. He leads a missions-minded congregation that dates back to 1848 and is believed to be the oldest church in Barry County. Weibel’s missions strategy is largely tied to Celebrate Recovery, a disciple-making class that New Site conducts on Thursdays. Weibel also is serving as the alternate preacher for this year’s convention sermon. As of press time there were no other nominations.
Jamie Hitt, member, First Baptist Church, Winfield, is running for a third term as recording secretary. She was re-elected last year without opposition, which was the first time that had happened at an MBC annual meeting since 2006. As of press time there were no other nominations.
This year marks the end of an era in that the current president, Bruce McCoy, has been an officer for four years. He came on the scene in 2006 as first vice president and was re-elected to that post in 2007. The pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in St. Louis became president in 2008 and was re-elected in 2009.
Mitch Jackson, pastor, Miner Baptist Church, Sikeston, is serving as second vice president and has previously served as president and first vice president. He has said he will not seek re-election.