DALLAS — Randel Everett, the former Virginia Baptist pastor and seminary president who has served as Texas Baptists' executive director for almost three years, announced Nov. 21 he will preach at First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas, Dec. 5 "in view of a call as senior pastor." He has served the Midland church as interim pastor for the past several months.
Randel Everett
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Everett made the announcement in an e-mail message to the Baptist Standard, the newsjournal of Texas Baptists, and to other leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas:
"This morning, November 21, the Pastor Search Committee of First Baptist Church of Midland announced that I will be coming in view of a call as Senior Pastor there on Sunday, December 5. I have served as Interim Pastor at First Baptist during the past several months and have come to love the church and their mission spirit."
Everett was pastor of First Baptist Church in Newport News, Va., before being tapped as the BGCT's executive director in 2008. Prior to that he was president of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Falls Church, Va., and earlier was pastor of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church.
"We never seriously considered this possibility until the last few weeks, but during this time Sheila and I both came to realize we should be open to this possibility of service," Everett said in his e-mail. "The final decision will not be made until the church has the opportunity to vote on this recommendation December 5.
"I can think of no greater honor than serving as Executive Director of Texas Baptists these past three years. I am totally convinced that the BGCT is healthy and moving in the right direction. …
"Sheila and I ask for your prayers as we continue to seek God’s leadership. I wish I could have had this conversation with each of you personally, but felt this was the best forum for sharing this information in a timely manner with key BGCT leaders. We will keep you informed as decisions are made."