KBC Names Compton Executive Associate 01/03/2008 LOUISVILLE – The Kentucky Baptist Convention has appointed Billy Compton to the newly established position of executive associate for Cooperative Program and resources. The position was developed to increase funding for and awareness of the Cooperative Program, Kentucky Baptists’ collective missions and ministry funding program. As executive associate for Cooperative Program and resources, Compton is responsible for leading Kentucky Baptists in a renewed commitment to understand and support missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program, as well as general biblical stewardship. Prior to joining the Mission Board staff, Compton served for 11 years as pastor of Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown. The church is the KBC’s oldest church and highest cumulative contributor through the Cooperative Program, having given more than $9 million since 1781. “Billy has the respect of Kentucky Baptists, and has the call of God upon his life,” said Bill Mackey, executive director for the KBC. “We look forward to what God is going to do through him and his ministry.” In addition to Severns Valley Baptist Church, Compton served previously at several other Kentucky Baptist churches, including First Baptist Church in Mount Washington, Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Calvary Baptist Church in Glasgow, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Horse Cave, and Antioch and Hardyville Baptist Churches. Compton has also served in a variety of denominational leadership roles, including KBC president (1995), associate director of evangelism (1989-1992), and Campbellsville University trustee (1995-2004). Compton holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Bible from Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, a Master’s of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. The Cooperative Program was begun in 1925 as a highly innovative way to support missions. More than 80 years later, the Cooperative Program remains foundational to the ministries and missions supported by more than 2,400 local Kentucky Baptist churches. Through the Cooperative Program, Kentucky Baptists help support 5,153 North American missionaries and 5,184 active international missionaries. Cooperative Program funding also supports ministries of hope and healing, helps strengthen local churches, and educates pastors and church leaders. The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of more than 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative headquarters in Louisville, Ky. including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more. High-resolution photo of Compton available at: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2163067647_d924c58275_o.jpg Release prepared by Kristie Randolph, KBC Communications