HONOLULU (BP) – Hawaii-Pacific Baptist Convention state executive director Chris Martin announced Friday (Jan. 6) he is leaving that position effective Feb. 17 to become the director of state, association and network partnerships at the International Mission Board. Martin had served on the island for the past 18 years – the last nine as executive director.
In an email announcement to the convention, Martin thanked the pastors for their “dedication to God’s Kingdom work and for working together to impact the Pacific and Asia with the Gospel.”
“Thank you for the immense joy and privilege of serving alongside you. I am excited about God’s plans for the HPBC. We will miss you all and continue to pray for God’s blessings on you and your ministries,” Martin wrote.
State convention president John Endriss noted the “Executive Board is already at work on the next steps, and we appreciate your prayer and support. We know our God is always at work, and we are excited about what he has for us in the future, and hope to have some official plans to share with you after our next Executive Board meeting on January 28th.”
In a statement to Baptist Press, IMB president Paul Chitwood noted his excitement about having Martin join the mission board “since he understands very well the needs and opportunities of state conventions and associations and also has a deep understanding of the IMB from having served as one of our trustees. Moreover, during his time at the HPBC, Chris led in the formation of a unique partnership between his convention and the IMB to mobilize Southern Baptist mission work in the Asian Pacific Rim. He will serve our vital partners well.”
A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Martin pastored in Hawaii for eight years at Lahaina Baptist Church prior to being named HPBC executive director in December 2013. While pastoring, Martin had served as second vice president, first vice president and president of the HPBC.
