October 3, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The search team charged with finding the next SBC Executive Committee president has “transitioned into the investigation phase” and plans to recommend a candidate in February.
That's according to search team chairman Neal Hughes, director of missions and executive director of the Montgomery Baptist Association.
Hughes said the search team is “following the vetting process for EC personnel as outlined by our attorneys and approved by the trustees in the recent September meeting.”
This extensive process includes a checklist of numerous references, background checks and psychological evaluations.
At the September Executive Committee meeting, Hughes outlined the search team’s four-phase process: the invitation phase, the interview phase, the investigation phase and the introduction phase.
Since the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in New Orleans in June, the search team has met every Thursday via Zoom and in person at the September Executive Committee meeting.
Hughes said the search team is “united and prayerful as we press forward with the hopeful goal of presenting a candidate in February” where the full Executive Committee would vote during executive session.
“We ask you to continue to join us in seeking God's good and perfect will for the next leader of our SBC Executive Committee. Pray for patience, wisdom, discernment, and continued unity in the journey,” he said.
The team will present its next report on or before January 4.
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