CBF names Rob Nash global missions coordinator

Posted: 6/22/06

CBF names Rob Nash global missions coordinator

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

ATLANTA (ABP)—With a standing ovation, leaders of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship unanimously approved Rob Nash as the group’s new global missions coordinator June 21.

The CBF Coordinating Council approved Nash to lead the organization’s missionary force in a meeting prior to the CBF general assembly in Atlanta.

The vote came after the committee that nominated Nash formally thanked Jack Snell, a CBF associate missions coordinator who had served in the top spot on an interim basis. Snell stepped in after former missions coordinator Barbara Baldridge resigned unexpectedly in May, 2005.

Tim Brendle, the search committee’s chair, thanked Nash for his willingness to “undertake a task that will not be easy.” He also said it was a “holy moment” for the Fellowship and for Nash, thanking God for guiding them to the choice.

In a speech after the election, CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal agreed.

“I believe that in history, when it is written, there will be some defining moments in CBF,” he said. “I think that history will show the election of Rob Nash is a defining moment.”

Nash, 47, grew up the child of missionaries in the Philippines. Since then, he has traveled and studied in more than 30 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America. He received a master of divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Prior to his CBF position, he served as dean and associate professor of religion and international studies at Shorter College in Rome, Ga. He has also held various pastor positions in Kentucky and Georgia.

Nash, his wife, Guyeth, and their two children are members of First Baptist Church in Rome, Ga.