Messengers tap Columbus pastor as new MBC president

By William Perkins
Editor

Judson W. “Bill” Hurt, senior pastor of Pleasant Hill Church, Columbus, was elected without opposition to a first term as president of the Mississippi Baptist Convention (MBC) at the Oct. 24 morning session of the 2023 Annual Meeting at First Church, Jackson.

He replaces Lloyd Sweatt, pastor of Meadowood Church, Amory, who completed his second term and was not eligible for reelection.

SART REPORT – Brad Eubank, senior pastor of First Church, Petal, and chairman of the Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART), explains materials designed by the Task Force and available to Mississippi Baptist churches wishing to guard against sexual abuse. Eubank, who also serves on the Southern Baptist-wide Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force, delivered the SART report at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Oct. 24 at First Church, Jackson. (Photo credit: Bart Lambright)

Scott Hanberry, senior pastor of Hardy Street Church, Hattiesburg, was elected without opposition to serve a first term as first vice-president, moving up from second vice-president. He succeeds Hurt.

In the only contested election of 2023, messengers chose David Haynes, senior pastor of Trinity Church, Fulton, for a first term as second vice-president over Gary Wyatt, retired pastor and member of North Morton Church, Morton.

Both Recording Secretary Michael Weeks, pastor of Pleasant Hill Church, Olive Branch, and Associate Recording Secretary Will McNeese, senior pastor of Polkville Church, Polkville, were reelected without opposition.

Messengers also approved a 2024 Cooperative Program budget of $30,890,325, an increase of $213,945, or .7%, over the 2023 budget. The portion going to Southern Baptist Convention causes for 2024 represents 39.25% of the total 2024 budget, or $12,124,453, an increase of 1.34%, or $160,665, more than the 2023 budget.

Messengers also passed four resolutions, which can be found here. The agenda for the Annual Meeting, listing all participants, can be found here. First Day Bulletin can be found here. Second Day Bulletin can be found here.

The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention will be held October 29-30 at First Church, Jackson. Convention sermon will be delivered by Josh Braddy, senior pastor of Broadmoor Church, Madison. Alternate preacher will be Greg Belser, senior pastor of Morrison Heights Church, Clinton.