"Gary is humble and a servant," NAMB President Kevin Ezell said of Frost. "Anyone who knows him knows he has a huge heart for people. I believe God has him specifically in mind for this important task."
Frost, an Ohio native, said he is "deeply humbled by such an opportunity to minister in the midst of SBC life."
"I've been privileged to be part of NAMB's partnership to penetrate the darkness in New York City. I believe we've made a difference. There is still much work to be done, but there is more light in the city now as a result of Southern Baptists' faithfulness in church planting," Frost said.
In meeting with Ezell, Frost said he "felt a kindred spirit with Kevin and was impressed by his love for the lost and his passion for seeing people come to faith in Christ."
Frost served as NAMB's vice president of the strategic partnerships group from 2001-04.
Frost's move is something of a dual homecoming. Frost spent 18 years as pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. He plans to locate near Cleveland for his new role in spearheading efforts in the Midwest to start new churches and mobilize existing churches to become involved in church planting.
"I will miss the people of Evergreen Baptist Church and pastoring there," Frost said of the New York congregation he has led. "I am in love with these people and leaving them will be a painful process. I'm also privileged to have become integrated into the evangelical network in New York City. I have built some tremendous relationships with people and churches. I hope those relationships continue in my new role with a new perspective.
"I love the Midwest and I came from Ohio, so we are excited about the move. And people in Cleveland face many of the same issues we face in New York. I hope I will be able to draw on those experiences and apply them to reaching new people and helping plant new churches in the Midwest."
In addition to his vice presidential role, Frost will provide leadership for NAMB's prayer initiatives, including a new one called "10:2." Based on Luke 10:2, the emphasis asks Southern Baptists to pray daily at 10:02 a.m. or p.m. for North American missionaries, asking God to send additional harvesters to the field.
"I have a passion to see a spiritual awakening in North America," Frost said. "I believe such an extraordinary movement will occur when we are empowered by God's Spirit to strengthen and plant Christ-exalting, disciple-making churches."
While in New York, Frost has been actively involved as a board member of Concerts of Prayer Greater New York and the 2004 Billy Graham Crusade. He currently serves as president of Concerts. As a co-founder of The Hope Consortium, Frost has been mentoring at Rikers Island Corrections where he has developed an Urban Eagle Mentoring Initiative targeting young men ages 16 through 21.
Frost and his wife Lynette have been married for 36 years.
Steve Davis, who had previously served as NAMB's Midwest Region vice president, now serves as vice president of NAMB's South Region.
Joe Conway writes for the North American Mission Board.
Copyright (c) 2013 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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