Southeastern grad to lead state convention

Southeastern graduate Rick Speas is praying for the chance to lead North Carolina Baptists in a time of revival and spiritual renewal.

Speas, who graduated from Southeastern with a Master’s of Divinity in 1989 and a Doctor of Ministry in 2001, was elected as president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina during their annual meeting November 12-14, held in Greensboro, N.C.

Speas currently serves as pastor of Old Town Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he has been for nine years. Two years ago, he was nominated and elected to the position of Vice President for the state convention. When approached again and asked to be considered for nomination to the presidency, Speas said he sought guidance and advice from his family, church and mentors, eventually agreeing to the nomination. His election became official during the annual meeting.

Speas said being president of the state convention will not change his priorities.

“Obviously with the added responsibilities that come with serving as an officer in the convention, I have to manage my time much more closely. I will not relinquish any responsibilities at my church nor do I want to neglect in any way my family,” Speas said. “(The new position) will keep me on my knees longer and in the car more.”

Along with his added responsibilities, he said he is looking forward to the benefits of the position. “So far I have been receiving invitations to speak to churches and different pastor groups and associations throughout the state. I am honored at these invitations and am resolved to accept as many as I possibly can. I love North Carolina and I love North Carolina Baptists,” Speas said. “We have some wonderful people throughout the state and one of the joys of serving in this position is that I get to meet so many tremendous men and women who are faithfully serving our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Speas said, in looking ahead to what he would like to accomplish during his time a president, he “is praying that the Lord can use me to encourage pastors and churches throughout the state.”

“I think you will see the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina more closely identified in the years ahead with its efforts in evangelism, missions and church planting,” he said. “We are intentionally seeking ways to address and minister to some of the social needs facing our society today. Furthermore, the convention is working hard to help strengthen existing congregations. We not only want to plant new churches, but we want to help strengthen existing churches.”

Speas said his Southeastern training helped to prepare him for his ministry, both as a pastor and now as president. “I learned that while Baptists come in a variety of distinctions, for the most part, we have a sincere desire to be Great Commission people…At Southeastern I was able to interact and become friends with folks who may think a little differently than I do about some issues, but through our differences we found our common ground in the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the desire to share the gospel.”

“I am truly humbled and honored to be able share in His Kingdom’s work with some of the most God-fearing, Christ-honoring, gospel-sharing people I’ve ever known,” Speas said. “I simply want to thank God and to thank North Carolina Baptists for the special honor of serving as president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.”

Speas is married to Lesley, his wife of 19 years. Together they have two children, Christen and Jonathan, who are 16 years old.