- Baptist Press - https://www.baptistpress.com -

SBC DIGEST: Nominations Committee update; Seminary to launch in Georgia; Ellie Holcomb book recognized

[1]

Committee on Nominations working on recommendations for vacancies, chairman says

By BP Staff

NASHVILLE (BP) – Saying the focus of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Committee on Nominations is to identify “the best candidates to represent the Lord, His mission and the SBC,” the committee chair provided an update via Twitter [2] on Jan. 3.

Michael Criner, committee chairman and senior pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro, Texas, said the group has met twice since the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

In the first meeting, they received an overview of their responsibilities, and in the second, members were given a “notebook that describes in copious detail our responsibilities and vacancies within the SBC,” Criner said.

According to the SBC Annual [3], the committee on nominations is responsible for making recommendations to the messengers of the SBC annual meeting for the members of the SBC Executive Committee, directors/trustees of SBC boards, trustees for SBC institutions, trustees for SBC commissions and members of all standing committees with an exception of a few members of the Credentials Committee.

[4]

Criner said since being named to the lead role he has received nominations and recommendations from across the country.

“I cannot make promises to anyone. Even if an individual is nominated, it does not guarantee placement in a position – the full committee will vote on those matters,” he tweeted.

The 2023 SBC Annual Meeting [5] is set for June 13-14 in New Orleans.


Brewton-Parker College to launch seminary

By BP Staff

MOUNT VERNON, Ga. (BP) – A recent accreditation has opened the door for a Georgia Baptist-affiliated school to offer master’s level seminary classes, Brewton-Parker College announced Dec. 12.

The Dec. 4 approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges led to the upcoming launch of Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in March. Two degrees will be offered – a Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) and a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies (MABTS) – with courses taking place entirely online.

“The two degrees are designed with an established core and ample electives,” read a BPC statement. This will allow students to continue studies beyond the MAM into the MABTS.

“The programs also will provide pathways for advanced doctoral degrees such as the D.Min. and Ph.D. According to BPC’s transfer policy, students may satisfy up to two-thirds of the credits required to complete a master’s degree at BPC from coursework earned elsewhere,” the statement said.

Courses will be offered in eight-week sessions and taken at students’ pace.

The seminary’s name is derived from Tennessee Temple University, where BPC President Steve Echols previously served in that same role. TTU has since merged with Carolina University.

Student applications are being accepted at temple/bpc.edu. [6] Scholarships are available for Southern Baptists training for vocational ministry as well as TTU and BPC alumni.


‘Who Sang the First Song?’ achieves ECPA Bronze Award for 100,000 Sold

By Lifeway Staff

NASHVILLE (BP) – B&H Publishing recently announced “Who Sang the First Song?” by Ellie Holcomb achieved a Bronze Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) for selling more than 100,000 copies.

“Who Sang the First Song?” published by B&H Publishing [7] in 2018, was Holcomb’s first book. Illustrated by Kayla Harren, the children’s book reveals that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing. Holcomb, an award-winning singer/songwriter, also released an accompanying EP of original music, “Sing: Creation Songs,” written especially for kids.

“B&H Kids is thrilled to celebrate 100,000 copies sold of “Who Sang the First Song?” says Michelle Freeman, publisher of B&H Kids [8]. “Ellie Holcomb writes with intentionality and joy, and this book exemplifies her talent for crafting words that are evocative and song worthy. We are honored to partner with Ellie as she encourages young readers to wonder, to sing, and to know God is near.”

“Who Sang the First Song?” hit the ECPA juvenile bestseller list and was a finalist for the 2019 Christian Book Award in the children’s category.

Holcomb has authored three children’s books, each exploring questions that spark curiosity. Her latest book, “Sounding Joy,” answers the question “What does Christmastime joy sound like?” In addition to her children’s books, Ellie wrote the bestselling devotional “Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness,” which was released in 2021.

Visit EllieHolcomb.com/who-sang-the-first-song [9] for information about the book.