ELIZABETHTOWN — Severns Valley Baptist Church Pastor Bill Langley will be nominated for the presidency of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the state’s largest religious organization with 750,000 members, at this year’s annual meeting in Florence.
“We are blessed in this state to possess many great Baptist leaders and Bill is one of them who will serve us well as president as we continue to move forward to follow God’s will in reaching Kentucky, the United States and the world for Christ,” said Dan Summerlin, a past KBC president who announced his intention to nominate Langley in a letter to Baptist media on Wednesday.
Messengers will meet at Florence Baptist Church on November 15 to elect a slate of officers, including that of president, a voluntary, unpaid position that carries with it the responsibility of appointing chairpersons of KBC committees and leading KBC Mission Board meetings.
“Bill’s roots grow deep in Kentucky Baptist’s life,” said Summerlin, pastor of Lone Oak Baptist Church in Paducah. “He gave his life to Jesus when he was 8 years old through the ministries of Severn Valley Baptist Church, Kentucky’s oldest Baptist church founded in 1781, and is now the senior pastor of that historic church.”
Langley received his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky, and went on to earn a master’s of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and a doctorate in biblical studies from Louisiana Baptist University.
“We have witnessed his dedication to the KBC for years as he helped in many ways throughout our convention,” Summerlin said. “From serving on various committees to hosting many KBC events, we have profited from his servant’s heart and his leadership skills.”
Langley is the current president of the Kentucky Baptist Pastors’ Conference, which is held in conjunction with the KBC annual meeting each year.
“Bill loves the local church and is dedicated to help pastors throughout our state and is always available to provide assistance to pastors of all ages and all size churches who come to him for wisdom and advice,” Summerlin said. “As president, that role will only increase.”
During Langley’s seven years as senior pastor at Severns Valley, more than 500 new believers have been baptized. He also has been a steadfast supporter and advocate of the Cooperative Program.
Severns Valley has given more than $2.1 million through the Cooperative Program since Langley became pastor, and more than $11.6 million dating back to 1928.
“He is dedicated to the Cooperative Program by word and deed,” Summerlin said. “When he arrived at SVBC in March of 2009 the church was giving 8 percent undesignated receipts to the CP. Through his leadership, they continue to raise their giving while at the same time being involved in many special projects. Year after year, SVBC has been No. 1 or 2 in the state in CP giving.” (KBC)