From the announcement of a new Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) executive director to families learning about missions at the Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas Baptists had a lot of news to share in 2025.
Here are a few highlights from throughout the year.
Dr. Mark Dance selected as next executive director of Arkansas Baptist State Convention
Dr. Mark Dance was selected as the next executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
The ABSC Executive Board unanimously approved the recommendation of the Operating Committee, which served as the search team, during a meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 19. The decision makes Dance the 36th executive director in the 177-year history of the Convention that began in 1848.
The executive director leads the ABSC staff in serving the needs of and assisting the Convention’s nearly 1,500 churches and encouraging missions cooperation among them. The search for the next executive director began in the spring, following Dr. Rex Horne’s announcement that he would begin the process of transitioning out of the role.
Families have fun, learn about missions at Little Rock Zoo
More than 400 people from 54 churches spent Saturday, May 17, at the Little Rock Zoo having fun and learning about missions as they attended Family Missions Day, an event sponsored by the Missions Team at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
During the missions discipleship event, participants learned about missions and unreached people groups through a scavenger hunt, crafts, prayer cards, and presentations from missionaries. The event was an opportunity to show attendees they can be on mission every day, even at the zoo.
A life in service to the Lord: Don Moore, former ABSC executive director, has died
Warrior in prayer. Friend. Mentor. Encourager. Spiritual giant. Biblical scholar.
Those are just a few of the words used to describe Bro. Don Moore, who died Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the age of 91. He lived a life in service to the Lord.
Moore served as the executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) from 1982 to 1995. In a 1982 Arkansas Baptist News article on his election, Moore was described as a “man who loves Jesus,” who “preaches the word,” and as a man who “could raise our sights” as a state convention.
Arkansas Baptists convene in Russellville for 2025 Annual Meeting
Arkansas Baptists gathered in Russellville Oct. 20-21 for the 172ndAnnual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) at First Baptist Church.
The theme for this year’s annual meeting, “Follow,” captures the challenge of Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, there were 510 registered messengers representingmore than 200 churches in attendance at the Annual Meeting.
Laramie LeQuieu, pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Paragould, was elected to serve as president of the ABSC.
Messengers also approved the ABSC 2026-2028 budget formula, which allocates 59% of Cooperative Program funds to state causes, 40% to Southern Baptist Convention causes, and an additional 1% to the International Mission Board.
Arkansas Baptists explore ministry opportunities in Liberia, West Africa
Eleven Arkansas Baptists from three different churches recently traveled to Liberia, West Africa for a 12-day vision trip.
The team, sponsored by Arkansas Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), served with the Eddie Gibson International Ministries (EGIM). They explored ways that more Arkansas Baptists could partner in that ministry and witnessedwhat God is doing in Liberia.
“Some of us had never met prior to this trip, so it was amazing to see how quickly God bonded us together. It was made clear that God had called each of us for a purpose,” said Ellen Cortez, who went on the trip with her husband, Robert. The couple attends Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant.
Prison seminary continues to cultivate missions behind bars, celebrates second graduating class
Seventeen inmates at the Varner Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, a high security prison in Lincoln County, donned caps and gowns on Friday, May 9, as they were awarded their bachelor’s degrees in Christian Studies from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (MABTS).
The graduation ceremony was held inside the prison’s chapel, where several family members, friends, and more gathered for the celebration. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Michael Spradlin said the day was a celebration and an opportunity to recognize the hard work of the students.
Josh Kimbrell announced as Camp Siloam executive director
There is a new executive director at Camp Siloam.
Camp Siloam Board of Trustees Chair Bobby Clark made the announcement during the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) 2025 Annual Meeting. Josh Kimbrell, who has served the last three years on staff at Camp Siloam in other roles, has taken on the position.
Kimbrell graduated in 2011 from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. During his time at UAFS, Kimbrell met his wife Devin at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. They have been married since 2010 and have two daughters, Naomi and Caroline, and one son, Wyatt.
Arkansas Baptists close out Spring Outreach Strategy, celebrate baptisms
Statewide Baptism Sunday was the culmination of the ABSC’s Spring Outreach Strategy, which kicked off in March as pastors were invited to share the message of John 3:16 on March 16.
Spring Outreach Strategy is a comprehensive initiative designed to help churches engage their communities and share the hope of the Gospel during key moments in the spring season.
Bo Nix shares words of faith at FBC Bentonville’s Night of Champions
First Baptist Church in Bentonville welcomed more than 1,300 student athletes and coaches on July 16 for their Night of Champions, where attendees had the opportunity to hear words from Denver Broncos’ Quarterback Bo Nix.
The church had football players from 14 schools throughout the region – from Pea Ridge to Rogers – come out for the event to hear Nix, who is known for openly sharing his faith. The main event featured a sit-down with Nix and his father, Coach Patrick Nix. Lead Pastor Chris Dixon led the discussion, asking faith, family, and sports related questions of both.
Arkansas Baptists see more than 400 come to Christ at One Day
Hundreds of Arkansas Baptists could be found ministering to the community throughout the Jonesboro area on Saturday, Oct. 4, as they participated in the One Day Acts 1:8 Missions Experience.
One Day provides an annual opportunity for Arkansas Baptists to impact lostness in a specific area within the state. This year, the location was in Jonesboro. The day was comprised of numerous prayer walks, community outreach projects, block parties, senior adult and kids’ ministries, home repair projects and more.