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.

Hodges Announces Retirement From WNAC

Antioch, TN—During its monthly WNAC board Zoom meeting January 19, the WNAC Board accepted a notice of retirement from Executive Director Elizabeth Hodges, effective December 31, 2021. Elizabeth submitted the official letter stating, “For several years, I have talked about God’s timing. In recent weeks, He has made very clear the time is now. It has been my honor and privilege to serve Free Will Baptist women for these ten and a half years.”

After serving as an educator and administrator for 29 years, Elizabeth changed roles in 2010 to become the sixth executive director of WNAC, the Free Will Baptist women’s ministry department. Having recently reached “official” retirement age, she has prayerfully decided it is time to pass the baton.

During Hodges’ tenure, WNAC became a national department, the eighth agency of the National Association. Elizabeth was an important guide during this transition, leading Free Will Baptist women through waters they had not crossed before. As a direct result of her leadership, WNAC has seen new ministries blossom and bloom in Free Will Baptist women’s ministry, both at home and abroad.

Shortly after being approved as executive director in 2010, Elizabeth stated “WNAC offers fertile ground for older women to mentor younger women, passing the baton of faith given to us. However, we need the help of younger women as we seek to engage the culture where we have been placed to serve.”

Over her decade in the office, this quote has taken shape as she sought to implement her vision, guiding and working with the WNAC board, state leaders, and many others to Thrive, Shine, and Flourish (three areas of ministry identified and named during a brainstorming session). WNAC will continue to Thrive in the long-standing ministries of WNAC, such as the Lucille Stewart Missions Provision Closet, serving and supporting our missionaries. We will Shine as we help young women realize their worth, and we will continue to Flourish as we provide opportunities for each woman to fulfill the Great Commission through her God-designed roles at home and abroad.

WNAC Board Chair Amy Johnson stated, “A true student of the Scriptures and a lifetime learner, Elizabeth Hodges has given above and beyond during her years as executive director. She has helped encourage, uplift, and lead ladies throughout this denomination. I’ve had the privilege of serving beside her on mission trips in three countries, and she is the real deal!”

While we honor and celebrate the tenure of Elizabeth Hodges, we also must turn our attention to the transition ahead. The WNAC Board has developed a profile for the next executive director, and applications will be accepted from March 1, 2021 to May 15, 2021. To examine the profile or to apply for the executive director position, visit www.wnac.org/director-search

Dates Set for 2021 Theological Symposium

Gallatin, TN—The Commission for Theological Integrity has begun planning for its 2021 Theological Symposium on the campus of Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. The dates are tentatively set for October 4-5.

Dr. Jackson Watts, program chair, invites those interested in submitting a paper proposal to send it to fwbtheology@gmail.com by June 15. Questions may be submitted to this same email address. This year's program is an open theme, so papers on all matters biblical and theological are welcome.

Introducing 2021 Nominees for Standing Boards & Commissions

Antioch, TN—The 2020-21 Nominating Committee presents the following nominees* to be considered for the 2021 convention election, according to Jeff Blair (OK), committee chairman. Please note: IM, Inc., Randall House Publications, Welch College, and WNAC do not elect board members in 2021.

North American Ministries

(2027 term)
Marshall Bonéy (VA)
Mike Cash (AZ)
Jose Rodriguez (TN)

Marshall Bonéy is the founding pastor of ReIGNITE Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, taking the church plant to self-supporting status in four years. Bonéy retired from the U.S. Navy as a chief petty officer after 22 years of service. He earned a Bachelor's in Christian Ministry at Welch College and Regent University and later completed a Master of Divinity and subsequent Doctorate in Ministry Leadership and Coaching from Regent Seminary.

Jose Rodriguez was born and raised in Communist Cuba but made America his home at age 19, where he has lived for the past 34 years. He holds a B.A. from Welch College, a M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry degree. After pastoring Free Will Baptist churches in South Florida for 27 years, Rodriguez and his family relocated to Gallatin, Tennessee, for Jose to become the founding dean of Welch College Spanish Institute.

Board of Retirement and Insurance

(2027 term)
Joel Franks (AL)
Clayton Hampton (MT)
Brent Nix (NW)

After 17-plus years of pastoring, Joel Franks is currently planting Cultivate Church in Athens, Alabama. Joel holds an MBA from Alabama University and studied theology at Welch College.

After 35-plus years as pastor and church planter, Clayton Hampton, along with his son Josh Hampton, recently began holding services at Summit Church in Missoula, Montana. Clayton earned a Bachelor's in Christian Education and a Master's in Ministry from Welch College. He has been active in denominational leadership on the local and state levels in Tennessee and Michigan and served as the first alumni affairs director at Welch College 1994-95.

Brent Nix has pastored Riverside FWB Church in Sumner, Washington, since 1993. A 1985 graduate of Welch College, he holds a Bachelor's in Bible and Pastoral Training. Nix has been active at every level of denominational leadership, serving as moderator of the Northwest Association and as a member of the General Board of the National Association.

FWB Foundation

(2027 term)
Lee Allen (AR)
Gene Williams (NC)
Scott Coghill (NC)

Lee Allen has been a deacon at First FWB Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, for seven years. Holding a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Lee has a broad range of experience in the business arena. He has been active in denominational leadership, serving three years as the moderator of the Central Association of Arkansas, ten years as a Master's Men officer, and participating in missions trips with both IM, Inc. and North American Ministries.

Media Commission (2026 term) – Adrian Holland (OK)

Adrian Holland served as student pastor at Calvary Church in Norman, Oklahoma, for seven years before recently accepting a position at Allen FWB Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Randall University with a B.A. in Youth Ministry. Adrian is an accomplished AV specialist/technician with 15-plus years of professional experience in installations, setup, repairs, troubleshooting, presentations, and production management.

Commission for Theological Integrity (2026 term) – Jackson Watts (MO)

(2024 Term) – Cory Thompson (OK) replacing Thomas Marberry, deceased

Cory Thompson has been pastor of First FWB Church, Poteau, Oklahoma, for seven years. He is additionally an adjunct professor at Randall University, where he teaches Biblical Greek. Prior to this current ministry, he served as pastor of Beacon FWB Church in Kansas, City, Missouri. Cory earned a B.A. from Randall University and a M.Div and Th.M from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the assistant moderator of the Oklahoma State Association and served as a member of the Missouri State Association's Christian Education Board (2009-2014). A member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Cory is a regular attendee of the Free Will Baptist Theological Symposium and presented a paper in 2019.

Historical Commission (2026 term) – James R. McComas (TN)

James (Jim) McComas has been CEO of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries for two years. Prior to accepting this position, he served five years as director of church revitalization for North American Ministries and 21 years as a pastor in Ohio. A long-time student of Free Will Baptist history, McComas co-authored Great Is Thy Faithfulness, the 200-year history of Ohio Free Will Baptists.

Music Commission (2026 term) – Joshua Riggs (OK)

Joshua Riggs has been leading worship for Bethany Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, for ten years. He also heads up the audio visual production, technology, media, and communications teams for the church. Joshua graduated from Welch College in 2005 with a B.A. in Missions and a minor in Music. He has been serving as the orchestra director for the National Convention since 2010 and plays a key role in planning and implementing convention worship services.

Executive Committee

(2024 term)
Chris Dotson (TN)
Chris Todd (SC)
Reuben Cason (NC)

Reuben Cason is the promotional director of the North Carolina State Association. Prior to accepting this role, he pastored churches in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina over three decades. After attending Welch College, Cason completed a Bachelor's degree from Emmanuel Baptist University. He has been active in denominational ministry at every level, including chairing district and state missions boards in all three states where he pastored, serving youth and camp boards in South Carolina and Georgia, moderating the South Georgia Association, and serving as both clerk and treasurer of the Randall Association of North Carolina. Cason has been active in the community, serving as a hospital and a hospice chaplain and hosting a daily radio program based in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Chris Dotson is the state director of the Tennessee State Association. Prior to accepting this role, he pastored Peace FWB Church in Morristown, Tennessee (1990-2019) as well as advancement director for Harvest Childcare Ministries in Duffield, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor's in Religion and Human Services from Carson Newman University, a Master's in Ministry from Bob Jones University, a MBA from Quantic School of Business, and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Bethel College. Chris has been active in denominational ministry at every level, serving as president of Berea Ministries, clerk and moderator of the Central Quarterly Meeting of Tennessee, moderator of the Tennessee State Association, and a member of the General Board of the National Association. He is active in the community, serving locally, regionally, and nationally as a police chaplain and chaplain trainer, including his current role as chaplain for the U.S. Secret Service.

General Officers:
Moderator – Tim York (TN)
Assistant Moderator – William Smith (GA)
Clerk – Randy Bryant (FL)
Assistant Clerk – Ernie Lewis (IL)

Members of the 2021 Nominating Committee include: Jeff Blair (OK); Diana Bryant (FL); Rufo Gomez (TN); Wayne Hale (Mid-Atl); Steve Lindsay (AL); Terry Motte (NW); and Terry Pierce (MS).

*Biographical information included for new board candidates only.