NEW ORLEANS (BP) – Seven SBC Executive Committee officers were elected during the group’s meeting on Monday, June 12, including new EC Chairman Philip Robertson, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Pineville, La.

Other elected officers include Vice Chairman Anthony (Tony) Dockery, Secretary Pam Reed (reelected) and four new EC subcommittee (also known as standing committee) chairs.

“Very humbled that my colleagues had the confidence to put me into this position,” Robertson told Baptist Press.

“Obviously I feel like the grace of God is a part of that as well. My heart has always been to serve the Convention any way that I can and through the Executive Committee. And none of that changes. That’s still my desire as chairman to serve the best way possible. I just covet everyone’s prayers.”

Robertson has served on the Executive Committee since 2018, and served on the first EC Presidential Search Committee, which brought forward Jared Wellman as its candidate for consideration May 1.

Robertson was nominated by Stacey Bramlett, who previously served as the vice chair of the EC and the first chair of the newly repurposed SBC Credentials Committee in 2019.

The other candidate nominated for chair was Russ Barksdale, a coach and consultant from Arlington, Texas, who was nominated by outgoing EC Chairman David Sons. Barksdale began serving the EC in 2022.

There are currently 83 total EC members, making 42 votes the necessary amount to achieve a majority. In the first of two stand-up votes, Robertson received 35 votes and Barksdale received 36.

One the second vote, Robertson and Barksdale both received 35 votes. Barksdale then withdrew his name from consideration, and members affirmed Robertson with a final stand-up vote.

Robertson removed himself from consideration for vice chairman in a similar situation last year, allowing the election of Sons to that position. Sons became chair earlier this year with the resignation of Jared Wellman.

“I’m extremely grateful to Russ (Barksdale),” Robertson said. “Outstanding leader, and I covet his friendship, prayers and even input moving forward because obviously he represents a large part of this Executive Committee.”

Robertson told BP he looks forward to working closely with his fellow officers.

“Some of them I know fairly well, and some I do not and so that’s exciting to have another opportunity to build more relationships and get to know folks and work alongside of them,” Robertson said.

Dockery, lead pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church in La Puente, Calif., was nominated for vice chair by Richard Spring, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Hesperia, Calif., and sitting chair of the Committee on Missions and Ministry.

Andrew Hunt, senior pastor of New Life Community Church in Indianapolis, was nominated by Joe Knott, a lawyer from Raleigh, N.C.

Dockery received 55 votes to Hunt’s 14.

Pam Reed, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., was re-elected secretary by acclamation.

Sons nominated the four standing committee chairs:

Adron Robinson, senior pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Country Club Hills, Ill., was reelected chair of the Committee on Southern Baptist Relations.

Carolyn Fountain, a retired educator from New Orleans, La., was elected chair of the Committee on Convention Events and Strategic Planning. She replaces pastor Mark Stinson, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ohio, who finished his service on the EC with Monday’s meeting. Fountain has served on the EC since 2020.

Adam Wyatt, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, Miss., was elected chair of the Committee on Convention Finances and Stewardship Development. Wyatt has served on the EC since 2021. He replaces Archie Mason, who finished his service with the EC with this meeting.

Roger (Todd) Stiles, lead pastor of First Family Church in Ankeny, Iowa, was elected chair of the Committee on Missions and Ministry. He has served on the EC since 2017. He replaces Richard Spring, who finished his service with the EC with this meeting.

Dockery echoed Robertson’s sentiment of humility upon his election to the vice chair position and about the state of the EC moving forward. 

“Humbled and honored to serve,” Dockery said. “I know we have a lot to work through, but I’m honored to step into that role to contribute.

“There’s so much turnover … a lot of those that are tenured have started to rotate off. I believe two-thirds of the board is two years or less, but we need the freshness.

“Prayerfully we can still hold on to some of the things from those that walked before us that are relevant and important. I think the biggest issue for us first is getting cohesion, solidarity and unity within the EC. When we have that solidarity and unity within the EC, we’ll be able to build it throughout the SBC community.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Timothy Cockes is a Baptist Press staff writer.)