Pastor Johnny Hunt Leaving First Baptist Church Of Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA — The face of First Baptist Church of Woodstock has announced plans to move on to another position where he can continue serving Jesus Christ. Pastor Johnny Hunt said during the church's Sunday, Aug. 26 service that he will begin soon begin transitioning from his lead pastor role at the mega church to another organization.

According to a message on the church's website, Hunt has been nominated to serve as senior vice president of Evangelism and Leadership with the North American Mission Board. His role will involve leading a team that works to promote "the cause of evangelism among Southern Baptist churches and pastors," the church said.

"As he said in his official statement, we are in the very beginning of the process," First Baptist Woodstock goes on to state. "Nothing is changing short-term in relation to Pastor Johnny leading and pastoring (at) Woodstock. As the process moves forward in the coming weeks, a co-pastor will be brought on staff to work alongside of the church and Pastor Johnny. This person will ultimately become the senior pastor, but not until he and Pastor Johnny feel the timing is best for the church. This will ensure that First Baptist Woodstock is set up to experience our best days moving forward."

The church notes that at the end of its Sept. 9 services, its Personnel and Transition committee will put forth a person to be considered for the co-pastor position, who is slated to be preaching in view of the call on Sunday, Sept. 16 at FBCW. At the end of that day's service, the church will begin its vote on whether to receive the candidate as the next pastor of the church.

NAMB said Hunt is expected to formally begin his full-time service with its organization at the beginning of 2019. Its board of trustees is slated to vote on Hunt's appointment at its Oct. 2 meeting. The organization said the Evangelism and Leadership group was formed earlier in August and that Jim Law, who is FBCW's executive pastor, will oversee the day-to-day operations of that arm of NAMB. Law's appointment becomes effective Oct. 1.

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"I am humbled and overwhelmed by God’s favor and blessing to have a leader like Johnny Hunt willing to join the NAMB family," said NAMB president Kevin Ezell in a statement on its website. "The vision, passion and leadership he will bring will help us motivate pastors to lead out in evangelism."

Before coming to First Baptist Church of Woodstock in 1986, Hunt pastored at three churches in North Carolina. Hunt, who also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2008 to 2010, is also the founder of the Timothy Barnabas ministry, which has been attended by more than 8,000 pastors and their wives since it started more than two decades ago. His annual men's conferences also attracts thousands of attendees.

"Please be praying for God’s wisdom and direction as we move into this new season for our church and for Pastor Johnny and Mrs. Janet," First Baptist Church of Woodstock said. "As Pastor said on Sunday, the best days are ahead for Woodstock."

You can watch Pastor Johnny Hunt's message below:

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