SBTC Leaders support nomination of Chitwood to lead IMB

The International Mission Board announced Nov. 6 that Paul Chitwood, executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, is the presidential search committee’s recommendation to succeed David Platt as IMB president.

“Paul Chitwood is an excellent choice to lead the International Mission Board,” said SBTC Executive Director Jim Richards after the IMB trustees announced Dr. Chitwood’s recommendation.

“He is a state exec, so he understands how Southern Baptists relate to one another. He is a strong proponent of the Cooperative Program, which is the lifeline for missions. He is a confessional Baptist. He will keep us lashed to the inerrant Word of God,” Richards said. “I am thrilled at his selection.”

A former chairman of the IMB’s board of trustees, Chitwood has served as executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention since 2011. He has also served as a local church pastor for 18 years in four Kentucky churches. As a pastor, his churches averaged 18.5 percent giving through the Cooperative Program.

At Chitwood’s request and pending trustee approval, interim president Clyde Meador will remain as interim executive vice president throughout the presidential transition.

Chitwood served as an IMB trustee from 2002-10 and as board chairman from 2008-10. His overseas short-term mission involvement includes work in Brazil, Peru, India, China, South Africa, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, England, Spain, Germany and Haiti.

The IMB board of trustees will meet to vote on Nov. 15 near Richmond, Va. If elected, Chitwood will take office effective immediately as the 13th president of the 173-year-old organization.