Southern Baptist Missions Head Steps Down

AMERICA - North American Mission Board President Robert E. Reccord announced his resignation Monday morning following a critical assessment that put the large missions agency and head to question.

|TOP|After a commended and humble response to a recent report that prompted an investigation of Reccord's leadership, the president decided to step down on his own.

"While others might have placed their own personal well-being ahead of what was best for NAMB, Dr. Reccord is doing just the opposite," said Barry Holcomb, chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAMB. "I believe that this is one of the strongest evidences of his personal character and integrity. He has a strong love for our missionaries, for those who work within NAMB and for our Trustees."

The Christian Index had released a critical report late February that listed the mission organisation's shortcomings and failures to complete certain missions projects more than areas where the agency fared well. A thorough assessment was made immediately, resulting in the release of a 19-page report by the trustee task force.

The task force affirmed their gratitude for Reccord's service and created a response to come out stronger. While Reccord was not forced to resign, the now former president took the "high road of leadership" on behalf of the agency, stated Holcomb.

|AD|According to NAMB, Reccord left with mixed emotions.

"I am thankful for the countless number of people we have seen come to Christ and the thousands of churches we have seen planted and nurtured," he said. "On the other hand, I regret we were not able to complete a number of things we started or dreamed about. I regret that events of recent weeks have created an environment which makes it difficult to lead the organisation and to stay on mission."

Reccord's leaving, however, goes with much gratitude and praise from the task force.

"Dr. Reccord's integrity is strong and solid today, and I want to emphasise it clearly," Holcomb stated. "I want to thank Dr. Reccord for responding as a leader should."

Reccord, who was announced as the key speaker for this year's Promise Keepers conferences, will serve as a liason Ambassador between NAMB and the large men's ministry. His resignation took effect immediately.






Audrey Barrick
Christian Today Correspondent