Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission trustees announce presidential search committee   

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A search committee has been elected to lead the effort in calling the next president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

At a special called meeting of the trustees on Thursday, Aug. 14, Scott Foshie, chairman of the ERLC Board of Trustees, nominated the following trustees to serve on the committee. They were approved with a vote by the full board.

• Traci Griggs - Host, Family Policy Matters weekly radio show/podcast - elected to first term June 2019 - served on previous search committee
• Matthew Grove - Legislative Liaison, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development - elected to first term June 2023
• Brad Gwartney - Executive Pastor, Stetson Baptist Church, DeLand, Fla. - elected to first term June 2025
• Mitch Kimbrell - Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Church, Williston, Vt. - elected to first term June 2022
• Jaime Massó - Pastor, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Mayfield, Ky. - elected to first term June 2022
• Matthew Morgan - Planting Pastor, Grace Community Church, Indianola, Miss. - elected to first term June 2022
• Heather Sells - Managing Editor, CBN News, Chesapeake, Va. - elected to first term June 2023

“We’ve sought the Lord’s guidance in appointing this search committee, and I’m grateful for their willingness to serve,” said Foshie. “They represent the varied perspectives and experiences that make the SBC a Kingdom-focused, Great Commission force for good. The full ERLC trustee board will also contribute detailed input and guidance throughout the process, and we’re committed to listening to Southern Baptists every step of the way. Please continue to pray as your trustees seek God’s direction. I’m eager to see how He uses this team to identify the next man He’s preparing to lead the ERLC.”

In the weeks ahead, the search committee will meet to select a chairperson. They will also establish guidelines, a presidential profile, and procedures for how recommendations may be submitted. Once completed, more information will be released for those interested in applying or recommending a candidate for consideration.