OPINION

EC's Hammond resigns for full-time pastorate

Baptist Press
Baptist Press  |  Mar 15, 2013
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NASHVILLE (BP) -- W. Thomas Hammond Jr. has announced the resignation from his vice presidency with the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee to accept the full-time pastorate of First Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Ga.

Hammond had worked since March 24, 2012, as vice president for convention advancement, and officially left the post March 15, 2013.

"Most everyone knows that Thomas Hammond is one of my dearest friends in this world," SBC Executive Committee President Frank Page said. "Having faithfully served NAMB in their evangelism division for almost 15 years, Thomas brought a life and excitement to our Executive Committee staff."

"I always encourage people to clearly follow God's call. It is apparent, though he was here for a short time, that God has led in calling this man to a strategic pastorate at First Baptist Church of Alpharetta," Page said. "Thomas will be missed, but we are excited to see him follow the will of God."

Working under Page's leadership has been a blessing, Hammond said upon his departure, describing Page as a sincere, transparent man of God and a godly leader.

"Many times working with someone enables you to see a side of them you did not know existed or their character flaws become much more pronounced," Hammond said. "For me however, the experience was quite different. The impressions and opinions I had of Frank Page have only been solidified and confirmed."

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As vice president for convention advancement, Hammond provided leadership in a number of areas, including various aspects of the Cooperative Program, the Convention Ministries Workgroup and the Global Evangelical Relations Ministry.

Hammond served in 2009 as interim pastor at First Baptist Alpharetta and has maintained a relationship with the congregation.

Hammond describes the 1,600-member body as a growing, thriving church committee to the Great Commission. He will be the 20th pastor to lead the church in its more than 100-year history.

Compiled by Baptist Press staff writer Diana Chandler. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).

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