Gaines installed as Southern’s visiting professor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Southern Baptist Theological Seminary trustees approved the installation of Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Steve Gaines to a visiting professorship honoring former SBC President Herschel H. Hobbs during their April 10 meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

Trustees established the Herschel H. Hobbs Visiting Professor of Christian Preaching to honor the life and legacy of Hobbs, a two-time graduate of Southern Seminary. Hobbs was SBC president from 1961 to 1963, among other ministry roles.

Alabama Baptist State Convention President John Thweatt serves as Southern Seminary’s board chairman. He said he was especially excited about the Hobbs professorship.

Gaines, installed as the inaugural Hobbs professor, has served as pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, since 2005. He previously served in Alabama as pastor of Gardendale First Baptist Church for 14 years. (BP)