Chris Crain was unanimously elected Nov. 26 to be the new executive director of missions for Birmingham Baptist Association (BBA) effective Jan. 1. He currently serves as associational mission strategist for St. Clair Baptist Association and is a former pastor in the Birmingham area.
Crain fills the position left vacant by the death of then BBA leader Mike McLemore in February.
“Serving at the St. Clair Baptist Association has been an honor,” Crain wrote in an email newsletter sent to St. Clair Association church and ministry leaders Nov. 26. “God has moved mightily to strengthen relationships between churches and forge partnerships for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Leading St. Clair Association has been the most rewarding and enjoyable ministry assignment I have ever received.”
Jim Cooley, moderator for BBA, told The Alabama Baptist, “We are looking forward to what the Lord is going to do under Chris’ leadership. … We will not be making any adjustments to staff, strategy or future planning until after he has arrived. Our goal is to open the door for him to provide strategic leadership into the future.”
Crain has master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to his role with St. Clair Association, he served as pastor of North Valley Baptist Church, Margaret, and South Roebuck Baptist Church, Birmingham.
He also currently serves on the board of regents for University of Mobile and board of ministerial mentors for Samford University in Birmingham and is a certified transitional pastor. He has church revitalization training through the North American Mission Board.
Crain and his wife, Carol, have three children. Carol teaches at St. Clair County High School and serves as an instructor of psychology on occasion. She is a graduate of Judson College in Marion. (TAB)
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