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.

Tom McCullough Called Home

Antioch, Tennessee—Thomas Ross McCullough (pictured below), former missionary to France, entered his heavenly home around 7:00 a.m., August 11, 2017. After a long, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer, the 66-year-old achieved victory Friday morning.

Appointed as missionaries in May 1979, Tom and his wife Patty departed for France in August 1980. After language school, they began work in Rennes, France, with Joe and Barbara Haas. When the Haas family returned to the States for stateside assignment, the McCulloughs continued in Rennes. While there, the McCulloughs began a student ministry at the University of Rennes.

Later they moved to St. Nazaire to sustain that work while Jerry and Barbara Gibbs were on stateside assignment. The couple continued in St. Nazaire, working with Jerry and Barbara Gibbs and Patsy Vanhook.

The McCulloughs returned to the States in 1991, when Patty was diagnosed with cancer. Patty’s battle with cancer led the couple to resign in 1995. Though embattled with recurring cancer and MS, Tom and Patty yearned to be involved in missions. Tom taught missions at Welch College, impacting the lives of hundreds of students.

Tom returned to his home church, Central Free Will Baptist (now Central Oaks Community Church), in Royal Oak, Michigan, to pastor. In 2004, the National Association of Free Will Baptists elected Tom to the Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions. Tom served faithfully until 2016, the maximum number of years allowed.

At age 51, Patty’s physical battles ended when she met her Savior in December 2004. Tom continued to pastor, mentoring young men to take the reins of both Central Oaks and Riverside Fellowship in Clinton Township.

A celebration of Tom’s life and ministry was held at Central Oaks Community Church on Wednesday, August 16. Tom leaves behind his son Ian, mother Grace, and sisters Peggy, Beth, and Debbie.

Memorial tributes may be made to the Tom and Patty McCullough Scholarship Fund for Mission Students at Welch College, c/o Freewill Baptist Foundation P.O. Box 5002 Antioch, TN 37013.

2018 Nominees Requested

Antioch, Tennessee—The 2018 Nominating Committee, which will serve through the national convention in Little Rock, Arkansas, is prepared to receive nominees for the 2018 Convention election, according to Cory Thompson (OK), committee chairman.

The committee will meet December 5, 2017, at the annual Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, to consider nominations and to compile a report with a single nomination for each position to be filled. The report will be presented to delegates at the 2018 convention.

The following board and commission positions will be filled in 2018: Welch College (3), International Missions (3), Randall House Publications (3), Women Nationally Active for Christ (3), Commission for Theological Integrity (1), Historical Commission (1), Music Commission (1), Media Commission (1), General Board (12), Executive Committee (3), and General Officers (4).

The following boards do not elect members in 2018: Home Missions (North American Ministries), Board of Retirement, and Free Will Baptist Foundation. Nominations, accompanied by a brief resume, must be submitted in writing exclusively to the chairman on or before December 1.

Contact Chairman Cory Thompson: Nominating Committee, 601 West Blvd, Poteau, OK 74953.