By Bob Allen
Smyth & Helwys Publishing, a resource provider for many churches affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, has introduced Keith Gammons as its new publisher and executive vice president.
Gammons, an 11-year veteran of the privately owned company in Macon, Ga., who has served as vice president for production since 2007, assumed his new duties Aug. 1, according to a press release. He succeeds Lex Horton, who held the post five years. A company spokesperson said Horton is “exploring other opportunities apart from Smyth & Helwys” but that she didn’t have any specific information.
Gammons, who originally came to Smyth & Helwys as book-acquisitions editor, holds degrees from Appalachian State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has served on the staff of First Baptist Church of Greensboro, N.C. While at the Divinity School at Duke University, he was a member of the then newly formed Baptist House of Studies. He and his wife, Jayne, and son, Eliot, reside in Macon.
Smyth & Helwys President Cecil Staton described Gammons as “an effective leader among Baptists” who is “committed to the mission of Smyth & Helwys and its unique role and dedication to historic Baptist principles.”
“For more than 21 years, Smyth & Helwys has provided trusted resources for Baptists and other Christians who value religious liberty and biblical literacy,” said Jim Pitts, chairman of the board for Smyth & Helwys. “Keith Gammons is uniquely qualified to provide continuing leadership and direction for the vision of Smyth & Helwys and we welcome him to his new leadership role.”
Launched in 1991 as an alternative to the increasingly conservative Southern Baptist Sunday School Board (today LifeWay Christian Resources), Smyth & Helwys claims that 3,000 churches use its material.
Named after two founders of the Baptist denomination in the 17th century, the company brands itself as a “free press” that serves churches without oversight from any denominational group or outside body.
It is listed as a “missional congregations” partner with the Atlanta-based CBF, a category that also includes Associated Baptist Press.