[1]JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (BP)–David Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention since February 2009, has resigned, according to an announcement by the convention Jan. 7.
The full text of the convention’s brief statement follows:
“With deep regret we announce, Dr. David Tolliver has resigned as Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention due to immoral behavior with a woman. His resignation is effective immediately. Jay Hughes, Associate Executive Director of Support Services, will serve as acting interim executive director until a permanent Interim executive director is named by the Executive Board.”
The MBC Executive Board is scheduled to meet Friday, Jan. 14.
Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, issued a statement after the MBC announcement. The full text follows:
“It is disheartening to learn of any fellow believer succumbing to sinful choices. It is doubly so when the individual is in a visible and trusted role of ministry leadership. Our heartfelt concern goes out to David, his wife, the families and friends affected, and the many churches that cooperate with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The pain they feel is real. We share in their grief.
[2]“Instances such as this remind us that we serve a Savior who died to offer spiritual redemption from sin. Though the consequences of this action will reverberate for years to come, we pray for genuine repentance and for God’s peace and forgiveness to sustain each one involved.”
Tolliver, 60, elected by the MBC Executive Board on Feb. 3, 2009, had been the convention’s interim executive director for nearly 22 months and had served on the MBC staff as an associate executive director since May 2005. He previously had been a longtime Missouri pastor.
Tolliver is married and the father of two, with two grandchildren.
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Compiled by Baptist Press editor Art Toalston.