Compton Approved for CP Position, Henderson Resigns from Western Recorder 12/11/2007 LOUISVILLE – Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board members approved Billy Compton as the new executive associate for Cooperative Program and resources and learned of Trennis Henderson’s resignation as Western Recorder editor during their Dec. 10-11 meeting at the Kentucky Baptist Building. Board members also heard reports from convention agencies, institutions and committees, and approved recommendations for year-end funds designations. Compton, who currently serves as pastor of Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, will begin his new post on Jan. 1, 2008. As executive associate for Cooperative Program and resources, he will be 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. “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.” Compton has served for 11 years as pastor of Severns Valley Baptist Church, the KBC’s oldest church and highest cumulative contributor through the Cooperative Program, having given more than $9 million since 1781. In addition to serving as pastor for several Kentucky Baptist churches, Compton has served in a variety of denominational leadership roles, including KBC president (1995), associate director of evangelism (1989-1992), and Campbellsville University trustee (1995-2004). During a report for the Western Recorder, Kentucky Baptists’ state newspaper, Henderson announced his resignation as the paper’s editor, effective March 1, 2008. Henderson has accepted the position of vice president for communications at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. “It has been the most challenging ministry career decision we have faced…not because of the move to Ouachita, but because of the intense heartache of leaving behind countless friends and colleagues throughout our adopted home in the Bluegrass State,” he said. Henderson, who has been editor of the Western Recorder since 1999, has served more than 25 years in Baptist journalism. He previously was editor of the Arkansas Baptist News and managing editor of the Missouri Word & Way. In response to Henderson’s resignation, the Western Recorder board of directors elected a search committee last week to seek Henderson’s successor. Skip Alexander, pastor of Campbellsville Baptist Church, will serve as search committee chairman. Mission Board members also learned that Bill Barker, director of Appalachian Regional Ministries (ARM), will begin working as a North American Mission Board (NAMB) missionary, effective Jan. 1, 2008. ARM is a consortium of 11 state conventions, including Kentucky, that works to identify and meet needs through ministry projects across the 10-state Appalachian mountain region. According to Randy Jones, Missions Growth Team leader for the KBC, the move essentially only affects Barker’s position. Other aspects of the ministry will continue operating under the current structure. The Mission Board approved recommendations from the Business and Finance Committee to transfer $811,500 in existing year-end funds to special ministry projects. Year-end transfer funds from the 2006-2007 fiscal year are comprised of the unspent budget fund balance, Kentucky Baptist Connect funds, short-term interest distribution and market gains. Allocations include: - New Work/Church Starts ($105,000) - Tanzania Partnership ($40,000) - Brazil Partnership ($68,000) - Special Emphasis Partnerships ($2,500) - New England Partnership ($8,000) - Maryland/Delaware Partnership ($18,000) - Mission Service and Ministry ($42,000) - Eastern Kentucky Missions/Ministry Centers ($19,250) - Volunteers in Missions ($6,000) - Southern Baptist Convention’s Crossover 2009 ($40,000) - Evangelism Emphasis ($40,000) - VBS Evangelism Teams ($30,000) - Youth Crusades ($40,000) - Shepherding the Shepherd ($44,850) - Minister to Annuitants ($20,000) - Ministers in Need ($15,000) - Super Saturday ($10,000) - Kentucky Mission Study Projects ($80,000) - Executive Office Special Projects ($15,000) - Computer Software Development ($35,000) - Equipment Repair and Replacement ($40,000) - BCM Replacement and Repair ($50,000) - BCM Capital Improvements ($40,000) - Wellness Emphasis ($2,900) In other business, Steve Thompson, assistant executive director for the KBC, notified board members of plans to dissolve the Archive Advisory Board and in its place form a Kentucky Baptist Historical Society. According to Thompson, further details will accompany the formal proposal planned for the May Mission Board meeting. The convention’s Administrative Committee approved several recommendations for staff positions. Bill Houpt, interim campus minister for Hopkinsville Community College, was approved for permanent status as part-time campus minister for the college, and Kimberly Moynahan was approved as the new part-time campus minister at Berea College. Mission Board members also approved Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church to be accepted into the Kentucky Baptist Convention under watchcare status. Watchcare churches are usually those just beginning their acquaintance with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. These churches begin contributing to KBC missions as they learn about the convention and its programs. prepared by Kristie Randolph, KBC Communications