PLYMOUTH, Mich. (BP) — The search team tasked with finding the next executive director/treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) has announced it has selected Ed Emmerling to fill the role being vacated by Tim Patterson. Patterson, who came on board in 2015, announced his retirement late last year.

Emmerling is pastor of Westside Church in Flushing, Mich., where he has served since 1997. He has been lead pastor since 2002.

“The committee is especially impressed by [Emmerling’s] love for people and the state of Michigan,” said a statement from the search team. “He is a collaborative leader who is comfortable sitting down with pastors and church leaders from diverse parts of the state with a sincere desire for their health and success in accomplishing the mission of Jesus.”

Emmerling has served as president of the BSCM and has been instrumental in building and maintaining partnerships between Michigan Baptists and national Baptist efforts like Send Relief. He was heavily involved with Send Relief’s recent Serve Tour stop in Flint, Mich., the statement said. The event saw more than 600 believers from several states converge for two days to complete service projects and share the gospel in Flint.

“There is no better choice the search team could have made than Ed Emmerling,” said Pastor Ken Render of Lakeside Community Church in St. Clair Shores, Mich. “He knows our state. He loves and knows pastors. Ed has a passion to see our churches grow. Ed Emmerling will serve our state well.”

Wayne Parker, Send Detroit missionary and senior pastor of Merriman Road Baptist Church in Detroit, said he had watched Emmerling’s ministry for years and witnessed his “faithful service in his church, association and in our state convention.”

“I believe that he will provide steady leadership for us in the days ahead,” Parker said.

In a statement to Baptist Press, Emmerling said: “I am so honored to be considered for the position of Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. I am excited to help bring our churches together to forge partnerships that help us start and strengthen churches all over our state.”

Emmerling will be presented by the search team for consideration by messengers at Michigan Baptists’ annual meeting Nov. 1.