On July 1, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) welcomed two new staff members, Will McKay and Rusty Richardson. McKay joined the staff as the new Team Leader of the Evangelism and Church Health Team. McKay transitioned to the ABSC from First Baptist Church in Monticello, where he served as Senior Pastor since 2016. Prior to serving as a senior pastor, he served several years as a student pastor and a college and young adults pastor, and Director of Risk Management for Memphis-based Impact Logistics.
McKay possesses a great passion for evangelism, disciple-making, leadership development and reaching the next generation. His experience in various ministry and leadership positions has helped to equip him to lead the sixteen-member Evangelism and Church Health Team, which serves churches in numerous areas of ministry including evangelism, church revitalization, Sunday School and small groups, discipleship, children, students, worship, leadership development and women’s ministry. He and his wife, Jennie, have been married for 15 years and they have two sons, Liam and Samuel. As team leader, McKay replaces Marcus Brown, who transitioned to the role of Executive Convention Administrator.
Rusty Richardson joined the Evangelism and Church Health Team as the Sunday School/Small Groups and Discipleship Consultant. Before joining the ABSC staff, Richardson worked for LifeWay Christian Resources since 2005. While at LifeWay, he served as Church Consultant for Arkansas and Northeast Texas Team Leader. In that role, he developed relationships with pastors and staff across the ABSC and consulted with them in matters relating to Sunday School, small groups, disciple-making, church administration, and strategy planning. Prior to joining LifeWay, Richardson served as the Minister of Education and Administration at Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana. Richardson brings tremendous experience to the ABSC, and many in the state already value his strategic thinking and heart for the local church. Rusty has been married to Sandy for 39 years. They have two adult daughters and one granddaughter.
This article was written by Marcus Brown, the ABSC’s Executive Convention Administrator