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.

Free Will Baptist Family Ministries Celebrates 75 Years

Greenville, TN—Free Will Baptist Family Ministries celebrated 75 years of ministry with the dedication of a newly constructed school, Stokes Academy, on Saturday, October 18.  Nearly 500 people attended the outdoor dedication ceremony and festivities.

The organization, which began in 1939, was first established as the Free Will Baptist Home for Children, an orphanage operated by Mr. and Mrs. I.L. Stanley. Today, the ministry to orphans and other hurting children has expanded to meet the needs of the entire family through residential care in both Tennessee and Arkansas; foster care; The Hope Center for crisis pregnancies; The Oaks Retreat Center; assisted living facilities at The Laurels (VA) and Governor’s Bend (TN); Heart Stone Farm equine therapy center; and the Jackson-Tolle Learning Center, which serves children and youth who may have emotional or behavioral problems or academic deficits that prevent them from functioning successfully in a regular classroom setting.

Director Frank Woods presided over the dedication of the new school building, which was named in honor of Rev. O.P. Stokes and his wife, whose estate gift helped underwrite the cost of construction. The facility includes two wings of classrooms equipped for 44 students and a beautiful chapel.

Tim York, board chairman and moderator of the National Association of Free Will Baptists reflected on the impact FWB Family Ministries has made over the years before introducing Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, who congratulated the organization on achieving the milestone.

Alumni of the Children’s Home came from coast to coast (California to North Carolina) to attend the event, representing every decade since the school opened, from the 1940s to the present. They assisted Frank Woods with the ribbon cutting at the dedication.

After a luncheon of chicken and barbeque, attendees enjoyed music from gospel group Southern Raised and nine-year-old fiddler prodigy Carson Peters.

The celebration marked an important day for the organization as they marked 75 years of serving at-risk children and families. As they look toward the future, Family Ministries will continue to strive “to be nationally recognized as a model of excellence in faith-based family, adult, adolescent, senior, and child care services that strengthen and preserve the family and provide dignity to those we serve.”

Learn more about Free Will Baptist Family Ministries at www.fwbfm.com.

Board of Retirement Calls for Resumes

Antioch, TN—The Board of Trustees of the Board of Retirement announces the retirement of Rev. Ray Lewis (pictured below) as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2016.

In light of Mr. Lewis’ retirement, the board is accepting resumes. Qualifications include a mature, born-again Free Will Baptist with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree—preferably in a business-related field.

Additional requirements include extensive financial experience and insight, and the willingness to travel frequently. The director is responsible for oversight of the Board of Retirement office, including almost 2,000 accounts totaling nearly $60 million.

The director is also charged with promoting and representing the Board of Retirement at local, state, and national association meetings. Therefore, organizational and public relation skills are a must.

Resumes may be emailed to ray@nafwb.org, or mailed to:

Board of Retirement
Attention Ray Lewis
PO Box 5002,
Antioch, TN 37011-5002.

Deadline for resumes is February 28, 2015.