By Megan Young
Editor
The Executive Committee of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB) met Feb. 19 and unanimously approved Daniel Herndon as the new Baptist Student Union (BSU) Director at Mississippi State University. He will replace Michael Ball upon his retirement Aug 1.
Currently serving as the Associate Director of the Mississippi State BSU since 2018, Herndon has deep roots in Mississippi collegiate ministry. He was BSU Director at Southwest Mississippi Community College from August 2014-June 2018 and an intern at the University of Mississippi BSU from August 2007-May 2008.
“We rejoice with Michael for his faithful service over these last 25 years,” said Shawn Parker, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB). “We began thinking about how to move forward and, as we did, the obvious candidate to consider was Daniel Herndon. He has proven to be a wonderful servant and leader, and done a great job as the Associate there at Mississippi State.”
Mississippi State’s BSU is one of the premier in the country, with a reputation throughout the Southern Baptist Convention of excellence in discipling and sending students on mission. In accepting the position, Herndon noted that it would be an honor to carry on such a strong ministry.
“I love serving that campus,” said Herndon. “I love everything I do and I’m thankful God called me specifically to keep this ministry. I’m thankful to partner along with some awesome churches and pastors and staff that support us and love us and have the relationship we do.”
Herndon has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi and a Masters of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his family live in Starkville and are members of First Baptist Church, Starkville.
“Their family is a staple in Starkville,” said Sam Ivy, MBCB Director of Collegiate Ministries. “More importantly than how we minister to students when they’re in college, we have to show them what it looks like to be strong husbands, wives, parents, church members — even beyond the walls of the campus. I think they have a great model in the Herndons.”
International Mission Board Request
During a February 2026 address to State Convention Executive Directors, International Mission Board (IMB) President Paul Chitwood shared that the organization is looking to expand and renovate its International Learning Center (ILC) in Rockville, Va., where missionaries go through orientation and training for their field of service.
The ILC, which includes missionary housing built between 1983-2002, contains 23 Quads designed for families with children. Chitwood requested that each State Convention consider funding an individual Quad’s renovation for $300,000. The Quad would subsequently be named for the respective state.
The Executive Committee unanimously approved the request for a special allocation of $300,000 from the Board’s Operating Fund to partner with the IMB in this endeavor.
2025 Challenge Funds Recommendation
The 2025 Cooperative Program (CP) Budget of $30,890,325 was exceeded by the generosity of Mississippi Baptist churches that gave $31,791,561.85. According to a Challenge section in the 2025 CP Budget, the $901,236.85 received above the goal has been distributed or earmarked as follows:
- 50% International Mission Board = $450,618.43
- 25% Christian Education = $225,309.21 ($75,103.07 each to Blue Mountain Christian University, Mississippi College, and William Carey University)
- 25% Mississippi Ministries = $225,309.21
The Executive Committee authorized MBCB to utilize its allocation of the 2025 CP Challenge Funds for the following ministries: Force Terminated Ministers and Ministerial Counseling ($100,000), Mission:Dignity 13th Check ($90,309.21), and Bi-vocational Emphasis ($35,000).
Henderson Point Update
Concerning the ongoing sale of MBCB’s Henderson Point Property, the Executive Committee authorized up to $15,000 from the Board Operating Fund for all reasonable, third-party legal fees and related court costs incurred by the purchaser of the property in defense of the Zoning Appeal. The funds will be reimbursed on a 50-50 cost sharing basis with and through the purchaser of the property.
The Executive Committee also plans to seek Board approval of an extension to the Inspection Period related to the current rezoning appeal process.
Other Business
A request was made and unanimously approved for Dr. Jason Wade, Family Pastor at Petal-Harvey Baptist Church in Petal to complete the unexpired first term of Rev. Wade Bush expiring in 2026.
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