Under doctor’s orders Johnny
Hunt, immediate past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is taking an
extended break from all responsibilities, according to an announcement made at
First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Ga. Aug. 8, where he is pastor.
Church members were
expecting his return Sunday from his annual July sabbatical, but Jim Law, senior
associate pastor and administrator, said that “At the advice at several of us
they sought the counsel of a professional who recommended an extended break
from their routine.”
Law said Johnny and his
wife, Janet, were both “physically and emotionally depleted” from caring for
the large congregation and leading the Southern Baptist Convention the past two
years.
“I know of no one else on
the planet who has given himself away to others more than pastor Johnny,” said
Law.
“Many people face physical
and emotional weariness. This is especially in leaders’ lives and their
families,” said Law, who then drew comparisons between the Hunts’ experience
and the prophet Elijah.
He said Elijah’s life shows
that “exhaustion often follows mountain top experiences” and it “often follows
intense periods of stress and strain, which they’ve been under.”
He said the staff stands “in
total support of the counsel they’ve received” and he urged all staff and
church members not to attempt to communicate with the Hunts “in any way at this
time.”
Although the Hunts’
condition will “continue to be monitored” Law said Hunt is expected to return
to the pulpit Sept. 19, which would conclude a 10-week absence.