By Bob Allen
Six years after leaving Shorter College to become top missions administrator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Rob Nash is returning to the classroom at McAfee School of Theology, leaders of the Atlanta-based organization said March 29.
Rob Nash
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Nash, 52, has accepted a position as professor of missions and world religions and associate dean at the theology school located on Mercer University’s branch campus in Atlanta.
Effective June 30, Nash’s resignation will mark six years since his election as CBF missions coordinator just prior to the 2006 General Assembly in Atlanta. A former missionary kid, Nash came to CBF from the school in Rome, Ga., where he was dean of the school of religion and international studies. Before that he taught at Judson College in Marion, Ala.
“It has been my privilege for almost six years now to minister alongside CBF field personnel and staff who care deeply about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with and among the most neglected,” Nash said in a press release.
“These folks have been my teachers in a grand laboratory of learning about God’s mission in the world,” he said. “I will truly miss the spirit of collaboration and passion that has shaped our work.”
Daniel Vestal, who retires as CBF executive coordinator in June, said Nash brought “fresh vision and passion to CBF global missions.”
“He will be greatly missed,” Vestal said. “His ministry of teaching at Mercer will impact the future of the Baptist witness and the missionary enterprise in profound ways. We send him to this ministry with our fervent prayer and deep affection.”
Vestal also plans to teach after he steps down after 15 years at CBF. On July 1 he will become director of Mercer University’s new Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership for research and learning.
A third top CBF official, Terry Hamrick, is also leaving this summer. The Fellowship’s coordinator of missional visioning announced a few weeks after Vestal announced his retirement plans that he also would retire June 30 after more than 15 years as part of the Atlanta Resource Center’s leadership team.
A search is underway for Vestal’s successor, but Hamrick’s position was put on hold pending implementation of a 2012 Task Force report outlining the Fellowship’s future to be presented for vote at the Fellowship’s June 20-23 General Assembly in Fort Worth, Texas.