News About the Denomination The following news items apply to (or affect) the Free Will Baptist denomination scattered across the nation and around the world.To read more about Free Will Baptists and the various departments that make up the national organization, visit www.nafwb.org. Read a brief history of Free Will Baptists in the United States.

McDonald Announces Retirement From WNAC

Antioch, TN — During the WNAC Board’s fall meeting, Thursday, October 2, the Board accepted a notice of retirement from Executive Director Ruth McDonald, effective November 21, 2025. McDonald indicated her unexpected and early retirement is due to ongoing health challenges and requests prayer for her and her family.

After serving as a missionary to Japan for almost four decades, McDonald became the seventh executive director of WNAC in 2022. Under her leadership, WNAC has taken great strides in the digital arena, starting the As You Go podcast and emphasizing web and social media resources. The department also saw the Shine! conference grow, with nearly 1,200 young women involved in the most recent nationwide simulcast.

As her time in the office drew to a close, Ruth remained optimistic about the future of Free Will Baptist women’s ministry: “As the light of the gospel dims in the culture around us, our light shines ever brighter. Never has our mission been more vital than in these days. So many good things are happening, and I am looking forward to all God has in store for WNAC.”

Board Chair Tracy Payne reflected on Ruth’s leadership: “Ruth McDonald has been the bridge WNAC needed, and we are thankful for the leadership she has provided the women of our denomination.”

Theological Symposium Celebrates Denominational Milestone

Moore, OK — The Commission for Theological Integrity held its annual theological symposium on the campus of Randall University in Moore, Oklahoma, October 6–7, 2025. The event was well attended by scholars, ministers, laymen, and students from across the Southeast and was livestreamed to many others around the country.

Papers by North Carolina minister Derek Cominskie, Randall University chancellor Timothy Eaton, and Welch College history instructor Phillip T. Morgan explored areas of research related to a Free Will Baptist history theme to honor the 90th anniversary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. The historical papers addressed matters of theology, institutional history, and culture.

Arkansas youth minister and adjunct Randall University instructor James Henry Christian and Randall University Christian ministry program coordinator Daniel Sweet presented papers on the inspiration and use of Scripture, with special attention given to apologetic defenses for divine authorship and the Apostle Paul’s use of Old Testament passages in his writings. Chairman of the

Southeastern FWB College Bible department Daniel D. Mann focused on the doctrine of apostasy in Hebrews 5:11–6:8, while biblical worldview director at Rejoice Christian Schools Adam Blehm offered an intriguing reflection on how the practice of feet washing should inform our thinking on artificial intelligence. Randall University academic dean Jay McCurry shared a paper on the challenges of maintaining a robust Christian worldview in education while living in a postmodern culture. These thought-provoking papers were accompanied by engaging questions and good fellowship.

Commission Chairman Kevin L. Hester announced next year’s subject matter is open and called for researchers to submit proposals to commission member Cory Thompson: cory@poteaufwb.org.

Muscle Shoals Stateline Association Joins NAFWB

Lawrenceburg, TN — When the Muscle Shoals Stateline Association gathered September 27, 2025, at New Life Free Will Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the association passed a momentous vote allowing congregations to affiliate with the Tennessee and National Associations of Free Will Baptists.

The decision, made with remarkable unity, is rooted in our shared doctrine, mutual edification, and a desire for cooperative ministry. Tennessee Promotional Director Chris Dotson shared his excitement regarding the decision, noting, “This is a historic moment for our Free Will Baptist family!”

For over a century, the churches of the Muscle Shoals Stateline Association have been serving communities along the Tennessee-Alabama border. Formed in 1920, this group of Free Will Baptist churches has faithfully proclaimed the gospel and held to Arminian distinctives.

Of 15 congregations, an encouraging ten churches immediately affirmed their commitment to unite, bringing 13 ministers and 29 deacons into this exciting new union.

• Butler Grove (Iron City) – Pastor Brant Sanders
  

• Collinwood (Collinwood) – Pastor Steven Turnbow
  

• Community (Florence, AL) – Pastor Malcom Scott
  

• Forty-Eight Creek (Waynesboro) – Pastor Tim Hanback
  

• Friendship Stateline (Taft) – Pastor Glyn Pool
  

• Millrock (Collinwood) – Pastor Greg Eaton
  

• New Life (Lawrenceburg) – Pastor Jason Roberson
  

• Rose Hill (Pulaski) – Pastor Roger Creecy
  

• Stateline Grove (Peppertown) – Pastor Brandon Stutts
  

• Williams Chapel (Iron City) – Pastor Camryn Eaton
  

The five remaining churches that chose not to join at this time (citing financial considerations) remain valuable and cherished members of the MSSA.