AM25: Mesquite’s Turner elected SBTC president

LUBBOCK—Caleb Turner, senior pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, was elected president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Tuesday morning, Oct. 28, during the convention’s annual meeting at Southcrest Baptist Church. He was elected by acclamation.

In making his nomination, Michael Criner, lead pastor of First Baptist Church Rockwall, referred to Turner as having “the strength of character, wisdom, and leadership experience to serve well as our president.”

Turner has led Mesquite Friendship since 2023 after serving the church as equipping/teaching pastor and co-pastor. His father, Terry, preceded Caleb, and was the founding pastor of Mesquite Friendship.

Turner attended the University of Oklahoma on a track and field scholarship. Prior to graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, working with its Special Operations Command while stationed at Hurlburt Field in Florida. He was also stationed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan for a time.

Turner served as the youngest, and first African American, chairman of the SBTC Executive Board. He is also a North American Mission Board trustee.

Caleb is married to Tamera, and they have three children: Caden, Cason, and Camden.