NASHVILLE (BP)—North Carolina pastor J. Allen Murray plans to nominate fellow North Carolina pastor Micheal Pardue to be second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the 2024 SBC annual meeting.
Pardue is the pastor of First Baptist Church Icard in Connelly Springs, N.C.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving beside him in the board room and the mission field overseas and seen his character on display first-hand,” Murray said. “Micheal’s heart for missions both local and abroad inform his life and ministry as he and First Baptist Icard have made a gospel impact around the globe.”
Pardue, 40, has been pastor at First Baptist Church Icard since February 2013. He previously served as pastor of High Shoal Baptist Church in Mooresboro and in other ministry positions in several North Carolina churches.
He served as president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina from 2020 to 2022. He was the state convention’s first vice president in 2018 to 2020. He led the state pastors’ conference in 2015, serving as the vice president in 2011.
He has served on the North Carolina convention’s board of directors and communications committee. He has been moderator of the Catawba Valley Baptist Association and currently serves on the Fruitland Baptist Bible College board of directors.
“I’ve never seen anyone as dedicated to serving the church through convention ministries as I witnessed him serve as president” of the North Carolina state convention, Murray said. “I believe this executive experience will allow him to serve Southern Baptists well.”
First Baptist Church Icard reported total undesignated receipts of $255,661 in 2023, and gifts of $22,250 (8.7 percent) through the Cooperative Program, $5,570 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and $1,805 to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. The church reported four baptisms and 100 people in average worship attendance in 2023.
“Micheal is an all-in servant who loves the SBC and wants to see it honor the Lord Jesus and make his name known in every tribe, tongue and nation,” Murray said.
Pardue holds a bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Christian Ministry degree from North Greenville University and an Ed.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is an instructor for North Greenville University and Liberty University, according to Murray.
He and his wife Rachel are parents to seven children.
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