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Bullard named interim exec for N.C. Baptists


CARAWAY, N.C. (BP)—-George Bullard was named acting executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention by the convention’s executive committee July 12, the BSC newsjournal Biblical Recorder reported the same day.

Bullard has served as BSC associate executive director since July 2003.

The BSC executive committee also approved outgoing Executive Director Jim Royston’s request for an eight-week study leave until Sept. 15, when he will retire from denominational service. Royston is expected to become senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Mooresville, N.C., pending approval by the congregation July 17.

The Recorder noted that convention policy calls for the BSC board of directors to nominate a successor for the executive director during a convention meeting. The board’s president, John Butler, said he will seek executive committee members’ input in appointing a search committee to be approved at the Aug. 16 executive committee meeting, the Recorder reported.

Acknowledging the diversity of North Carolina Baptists, Butler pledged to seek a broadly representative committee, the Recorder reported.

The Recorder noted that Bullard will serve as acting executive director until the BSC annual meeting in November. If the board of directors does not have a candidate to present at that time, Bullard could be re-appointed for the next year or another person could be appointed as acting executive director, the Recorder noted.

Bullard stated for the record that he will not be a candidate for the permanent position, based on his personal belief that persons in interim positions should not be considered on a permanent basis, the Recorder reported.

BSC bylaws call for the executive director to be elected at the annual convention or at a special convention called for that purpose. Citing the expense and difficulty of making arrangements, Butler said it was unlikely that a special convention would be called, the Recorder reported.

Royston told the executive committee that he and his wife Jeannie clearly sensed God’s leadership in returning to the pastorate. “I love this convention,” Royston said, as quoted by the Recorder. “I love the things we’ve got going. I pray that none of them will stop. We have a wonderful staff, I’ll do all I can to help.

“I appreciate your graciousness and generosity, and leave with great hopes for the future,” Royston said.
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  • Tony W. Cartledge