LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Two of the five teams that make up the executive board staff of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) are becoming one.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the Executive Board of the ABSC approved the merger of the Evangelism + Church Health Team and the College + Young Leaders Team. In addition, they voted to install Warren Gasaway, who served as Evangelism + Church Health interim team leader, as lead of the newly formed team.
“The approval by the Executive Board of the two recommendations will initiate a great opportunity to serve churches and campuses efficiently and effectively. The synergy and some shared responsibilities will enhance communication and build momentum by making a stronger team,” ABSC Executive Director Rex Horne said. “Warren Gasaway is the right man to lead this effort. There is no one more connected, creative and committed to the work of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Pastors and BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) leaders have responded very positively to Warren’s leadership in the past and to the possibility of this new team.”
Having served as a member of the staff since 2013, his Convention experience includes serving as assistant team leader of the Evangelism + Church Health Team and student ministry strategist. Additionally, he has held leadership in various ministry projects, trainings in areas of discipleship and evangelism and more.
Previous ministry roles include associate pastor of youth and children at First Baptist Church in Waldron and pastor to students and families at Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado. Gasaway earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“The combination of the two teams will help us consolidate resources and be very intentional in evangelism efforts, leadership development, networking of pastors and staff, and Next Gen emphases,” Gasaway said. “God is doing an amazing work in Arkansas, and we want to serve churches and leaders well amid what God is doing. Over the past several months, Dr. Horne has emphasized that we need to be efficient, effective, and enthusiastic. I’m hoping to lead in that way.”
The details and name of the new team are still in development. The other three teams – Church Planting, Missions, and Executive + Administrative – remain unchanged.
The Executive Board is made up of the representatives from affiliated churches within each association voted on by the messengers at the Annual Meeting. The representation is determined by numbers reported by churches on the previous year’s Annual Church Profile. They meet throughout the year and oversee the affairs of the convention.