By Megan Young
Editor
CLINTON, Miss. — The Executive Committee of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB) met August 25 at GARAYWA Camp and Conference Center and unanimously approved Jacob Hall as the new Baptist Student Union (BSU) director at Mississippi University for Women (MUW).
Hall, a native of Vicksburg, most recently served as the associate pastor of students and discipleship at Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Ala.
Having felt an initial call to ministry as a high schooler, Hall credits his BSU experience at Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University for the discipleship and missions training that solidified that calling. Discipleship is now the core of his leadership style as he seeks to invest in the next generation of college students.
“A huge part of who I am in ministry, and really what shaped my ministry, is discipleship and pouring into people and showing them, “Hey, here’s what it looks like to be a faithful follower of Jesus. Here’s what it looks like to study scripture. Here’s what it looks like to pray.’”
Hall began his new role as BSU director at MUW on Sept. 1, filling the spot left by Jonah Bankston when he began as BSU associate director at Mississippi State University in July.
“Jacob’s heart for discipling college students and ability to articulate the Gospel to those who have never heard the good news come as strengths for the work at MUW,” said Sam Ivy, MBCB director of Collegiate Ministries. “This is a very strategic position located in the heart of downtown Columbus that I am excited see Jacob lead out in this way.”
Hall has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree from Mississippi State University and a Master of Arts in Discipleship degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Allyson, have a one-year-old daughter.
Camp updates and recommendation
Barri A. Shirley, MBCB chief operating officer, provided updates on the progress made in construction and renovations at GARAYWA Camp and Conference Center and Central Hills Baptist Retreat.
Phase One of construction at GARAYWA was completed in time for summer camp this year, with a pool bathhouse built within budget. Phase Two of construction at Central Hills Baptist Retreat began in August as planned. An initial $3,150,000 was approved for the construction at the Executive Committee meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, but due to unforeseen expenses and an expanded scope of work, the total project cost is just under $3,600,000. Shirley presented the following recommendation:
“That the Executive Committee and Mississippi Baptist Convention Board hereby authorizes up to an additional $450,000 from the Conference Ministry Fund for the revised scope of work related to the 2026-27 renovations at Central Hills Baptist Retreat.”
A MOTION to accept and approve the recommendation passed unanimously.
2027 Proposed Cooperative Program Budget
Andy Brown, Chairman of the Cooperative Program (CP) Budget Committee, presented the proposed 2027 CP Budget. The proposal, which can be viewed in full below, increases the budget total from $31,100,000 to $32,204,114, a 3.55% change from the current year. This increase includes $650,000 from the Convention’s 90-day reserve account.
Brown highlighted the increase of the portion of the budget allocated to the Southern Baptist Convention from 39.5 % to 40%, with 60% remaining in the state, as a significant commitment to that national partnership.
“Mississippi has an opportunity to continue to lead in our Southern Baptist Convention,” said Brown. “All of this means that a stronger Mississippi Baptist Convention should equal a stronger Southern Baptist Convention.”
The Executive Committee voted unanimously to approve the proposed budget for presentation to the full 100-member Board, and if approved, to the entire Convention during its October 27-28 meeting.
Executive Director-Treasurer’s Report
Shawn Parker, MBCB executive director-treasurer, updated the Executive Committee on the progress of the Henderson Point property sale.
In January, approval was secured from the Harrison County Board of Supervisors to rezone the property, some of it from R1 to R2, so that the development of Mid-South Companies could move forward. An appeal was made by local citizens to the circuit court and a hearing was held in August. A favorable verdict was received to continue the rezoning process.
Parker then highlighted the great Cooperative Program impact that Mississippi Baptists have had over the summer: 162 BSU summer missionaries served across the country and around the world, leading 332 people to faith in Jesus Christ; GARAYWA had 988 campers with 27 profess faith; Central Hills had 2,275 campers with 31 professions of faith; and the MBCB Worship Ministries department’s Summer Music and Arts Camp for Kids (SMACK) had 185 participants with seven professions of faith.
“That means that as a result of the work of Mississippi Baptists in the course of the last three months, 397 people have come to faith,” said Parker. “If there’s a positive word about cooperation, I would say that’s it.”
Request to approve 100-Member Board member
A request was made and unanimously approved for Josh Beckman, pastor of Mont Rose Baptist Church in Quitman, to complete the term of Jason Perault expiring in 2026.
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