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Steve McNeil new Indiana Baptists exec. director


MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (BP) — Steve McNeil has been named executive director of the State Convention of Baptists of Indiana after serving in the role on an interim basis since December 2016, the SCBI announced today (March 8).

“Jeannine and I are totally humbled by the Executive Board’s very affirming vote to become the executive director for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana,” McNeil said upon his selection. “Thank you for each individual’s personal and touching comments as we together take on the challenge of reaching Indiana for Christ.”

McNeil is the seventh SCBI executive director, replacing Cecil W. Seagle who resigned in 2016 after five years of service.

The search committee described McNeil in a press release as a very capable leader with a humble attitude and a willingness to serve, and noted within him a tact and diplomacy necessary to work well with SBCI churches and Southern Baptist agencies.

Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, was among those who recommended McNeil for the position. “Steve McNeil has faithfully served the Southern Baptist Convention for almost 40 years,” Rainer said. “His life is a testament of his love for God, his family, and the Church.”

McNeil began serving the SCBI as a team leader in 2006. During his preceding 20 years of service at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, the search committee said, he accrued practical leadership experience, built relationships within Indiana and strengthened rapport throughout the Southern Baptist Convention.

In accordance with SCBI bylaws, SCBI executive board chairman David Cullison, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Evansville, chaired the search committee. He was joined by SCBI administrative committee members Jack Elliott, pastor of Gasburg Baptist Church in Mooresville; Darin Garton, pastor of Oak Creek Community Church, Mishawaka; Jamie Murphy, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Indianapolis; Bruce Reynolds, pastor of Old Town Hill Baptist Church, Muncie; Greg Smith, a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Lafayette; and Gary Yochum, ministry coordinator for the SBCI Southeastern Association.

The search committee was united in its choice of McNeil, members said, concluding that it was through God’s providence that a man of McNeil’s caliber and experience was already part of the vision and direction for the SCBI.

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