Baptist Record merges with MBCB communications, appoints Young editor
By Lindsey Carraway/Baptist Record
On Feb. 1, Megan Young was appointed editor of The Baptist Record, replacing Tony Martin, who retired Jan. 1. Young previously served as associate editor since Nov. 1, 2023.
“Megan has served wonderfully in the associate editor role for the last couple of years, and we’re both thankful and excited about her moving into the role of editor,” said Shawn Parker, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB) executive director-treasurer.
In 2012, Young began as a graphic designer for the MBCB Communication Services department. She also prepared the print layout for The Baptist Record until 2020, when she helped transition the newspaper to a digital format.
“Her creativity, skill and hands-on experience with all aspects of our communication process give her a perspective moving forward that will serve us and Mississippi Baptists well,” said Paul Pinson, MBCB Human Resources Officer. “Megan’s faith is evident in her approach to work — integrity and a humble desire to honor God without any concern of receiving credit.”
Young graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Prior to coming to the MBCB, she worked as copy editor and layout designer for Gannett Company, Inc. (now USA TODAY Co.) in Monroe, La.
The Baptist Record merges with Communication Services
To unify the message shared by two key MBCB departments, Communication Services and The Baptist Record have combined operations.
“The Communication Services department and The Baptist Record have partnered well over the years,” said Seth Price, MBCB Director of Communication Services. “It is now a natural transition for these departments to become one, better positioning ourselves for the future as we support the expanding work of the convention and communicate stories across our state.”
Having extensive experience with Communication Services and The Baptist Record, Young will help unify both departments while maintaining the unique identity and integrity of the newspaper.
“Megan is a great team player, which will help us weave The Baptist Record into the fabric of the Communication Services Department more seamlessly. I’m expecting the same high level of quality we’ve enjoyed in the past to continue in the Record’s reporting of all our Lord is doing through Mississippi Baptists,” said Parker.
“I’m excited about it and feel like it has been needed for a while,” Young said about combining the two departments. “We’re better able to serve Mississippi Baptists by all being on the same page, in the same department, utilizing the same resources, and I think that we can do an even better job together.”
Chitwood cites surge in missionary callings in address at U Mobile
By Kathy Dean/University of Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. – The world’s greatest problem is not war, poverty or hunger, but spiritual lostness – and that reality makes this a uniquely urgent and exciting moment for global missions, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood said at the University of Mobile March 25.
Speaking at both UM’s weekly chapel and a campus luncheon for local pastors, students, faculty, staff and retired IMB missionaries, Chitwood pointed to a resurgence of missionary candidates and growing global opportunities as evidence that God is at work among the nations.
Nathan Harris, vice president for institutional relations at UM, said it was an honor to welcome the IMB president to campus and highlight the Baptist university’s mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.
“We are grateful to host Dr. Chitwood at the University of Mobile,” Harris said. “Our commitment to the Great Commission is at the core of who we are, and through initiatives like our new Tom Elliff Center for Missions, we are equipping and sending students to take the gospel throughout the world.”
Chitwood said, “It really is an exciting time to be alive in global missions,” noting that IMB applications have increased fivefold in recent years – from about 300 applicants to more than 1,600.”
Cooperative Program sustains mission impact
Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptist churches support the work of missionaries in 155 countries around the world, a system Chitwood called both biblical and uniquely effective in sustaining long-term gospel work among the nations.
“Every IMB missionary is your missionary,” Chitwood told pastors and retired IMB missionaries gathered for a luncheon prior to chapel. “That’s the way the Cooperative Program system works.”
The urgency of the Gospel
At the same time, Chitwood emphasized the urgency behind that mission. While the world faces many visible crises, he said the deepest need is reconciliation with God.
“Lostness is the world’s greatest problem,” he said during chapel, explaining that sin separates humanity from its Creator and the Gospel is the only solution.
That conviction, he added, is at the heart of why institutions like the University of Mobile exist — to equip students to live out the Great Commission and take the message of Christ to a world where thousands of people groups remain unreached.
Tom Elliff Center for Missions
Chitwood pointed to the university’s growing role in that mission, including the Fall 2026 launch of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, as a strategic investment in the next generation of Gospel witnesses.
“If you ask me why this school exists – ultimately the University of Mobile started and still exists today because there’s a world full of people that haven’t heard the Gospel,” Chitwood said.
The Elliff Center will be a dedicated hub for missions training and mobilization, providing intentional pathways for students to translate faith into action through local, national and global mission opportunities.
Retired IMB missionaries D. Ray and Amanda Davis, who attended the luncheon and were recognized by Chitwood for their service, are senior advisors to the center that is under the direction of Austin Holcomb, an IMB veteran and former missionary to West Africa.
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