Will McKay, who has served as the team leader for the Evangelism and Church Health team (ECH) of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) for the past two years, has been called to serve as pastor at First Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky.
“I’m eager to be with a specific people and to patiently labor alongside them and for them to fulfill the mission of the Lord,” McKay said.
McKay is grateful for his time serving Arkansas Baptists and especially for how the Lord has used leaders like ABSC Executive Director Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker to challenge and grow him.
“We can be nothing but excited for Will to be called to this great church. This is a very recognized and historic church, and it would be an honor for anyone to serve there as pastor. We owe Will a debt of gratitude and appreciation for his service with us. We wish Will and his wonderful family God‘s best as they make this transition,” Tucker said.
McKay, his wife Jennie and their two boys are looking forward to serving Murray. Recognized by the Kentucky Baptist Historical Society in 1988, First Baptist Church in Murray is where the “Cooperative Program [was] initiated by Harvey Boyce Taylor” when the church began raising money for missions in 1915, according to their website.
McKay’s family will be making the transition to this historic church at the beginning of October. Warren Gasaway will then serve as the interim ECH team leader.
“God called Will to the convention during a season our churches, our nation, and our convention has never known. His trust in the Lord and his big picture perspective helped our team and our churches during this crucial time,” Gasaway said. “We certainly wish him nothing but the best in his new pastorate and look forward to what God does in this next season for our team.”
Throughout his ministry in Arkansas, McKay has been “greatly enriched” by what he has seen the Lord do in congregations around the state. Pastors’ “creativity, humility, tireless work ethic and boldness” have also prompted him to thoughtfully lead.
“There are stories that are being lived out all over the state that are obvious works of the Lord that are worthy of being read, that are worthy of being captured and repeated as testimonies of the Lord’s wisdom, kindness and power,” McKay said.
“We look forward with great anticipation to seeing God continue to work in Will‘s life and ministry,” Tucker said.