FRANKLIN — Richard Childress, second vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, has assumed the pastorate of New Hope Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C.
Childress, who had been pastor of Franklin Baptist Church in Franklin, assumed his new position the first week of September. He was formerly pastor of Covington Baptist Church in Covington and First Baptist Church in Appalachia.
Since BGAV officers must be members of churches affiliated with the state association, Childress’s move leaves the second vice presidency vacant. BGAV bylaws give the Virginia Baptist Mission Board — whose next meeting is Oct. 13-14 — authority to fill a vacancy in the second vice presidency for the unexpired term.
In addition to other responsibilities, the second vice president also serves as an ex officio member of the BGAV’s program committee.