DALLAS (ABP) — After a 17-month-long search, the Baptist Convention of New Mexico has unanimously elected Joseph Bunce as executive director. The assignment became effective immediately.
Bunce replaces Claude Cone, who announced his plans for retirement in July 2004. Cone will continue to serve as the convention's executive director emeritus and pastor of Monterey Baptist Church in Albuquerque.
Judith Edwards, director of missions education and women's ministries for the state convention, said that while many constituents would miss Cone, a beloved leader who served in the convention's top position for 20 years, Bunce was the man for the job.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Bunce accept this position,” Edwards said. “Dr. Cone was very much loved, but I know that Joe will set his own course. He's a team player and a leader with a heart for people.”
In addition to a position on the SBC committee on nominations and terms spent on the state executive board – as chairman of the mission committee and as president – Bunce's qualifications more than prepared him for this job, Edwards said.
A New Mexico native, Bunce served as pastor of churches in New Mexico and Missouri while getting his education. He earned a bachelors degree from Eastern New Mexico University, a master of divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Golden Gate Seminary in California. He now serves as a member of the Golden Gate Seminary board.
“I really think that just about every part of his ministry has lead to this point,” Edwards said. “His track record has been so good. He just has a heart for missions and the world.”
In fact, Bunce's native New Mexican status played a role in his selection as executive director, according to leaders.
“Understanding the diversity of New Mexico was a factor in choosing Joe Bunce,” Jay McCollum, state convention president, said. “For one thing, it's a boom state. Joe understands the rural nature of New Mexico as well as the urban areas too.”
McCollum said Bunce's fluency in Spanish, his sensitivity to religious dynamics – or the lack thereof – in New Mexico, and ties to Southern Baptists would all aid him in reaching out to diverse groups like Native-American churches, Hispanic churches, Southern Baptists and everyone in between.
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