Choate “bringing the Word” during a devotional at Vanderbilt.
Bill Choate was the picture of steady, gospel-centered leadership, and as a result, he impacted countless lives.
For our Tennessee Baptist Collegiate Ministry team, Bill cultivated us, trusted us to do the work to which God called us, and offered unconditional support to see it accomplished. He became my boss when I joined the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff nearly 23 years ago. In fact, he is the only boss I have ever had in full-time ministry, and he walked with me through nearly my entire ministry-calling story.
I often think of Paul’s words in II Corinthians 5:20 when I reflect on Bill’s ministry legacy. He was truly “Christ’s ambassador.”
Ambassadors represent a people. For more than 40 years, Bill represented Tennessee Baptists well in our shared cause for Christ across the state. Though he served for 27 years as Collegiate Ministries director, his leadership reach extended far beyond collegiate ministry. I frequently heard from new pastors, student pastors and other church staff who received a call from Bill simply to check on them and offer encouragement. He was always willing to take on leadership responsibilities beyond BCM, including leading a Harvest Field, chairing the Resolutions Committee, and representing Tennessee Baptists in Southern Baptist Convention initiatives. Bill cared deeply for the total mission and vision of Tennessee Baptists.
Ambassadors care deeply for those they serve. Bill loved the local church and the university campus. He drove hours to share lunch or coffee with others because he believed the most meaningful encouragement happens face-to-face. Bill was intentional with students, helping them expand their worldviews. On one mission trip to New York City, some students struggled culturally. Bill gathered the team, made sure everyone was doing OK, and both encouraged and challenged them to embrace the ways God was stretching them.
Ambassadors help others love those they serve. Bill led countless others and me to embrace the strategic importance of reaching university students for Christ. A phrase he often used was, “Be essential citizens of the university community where you serve.” He reminded us that BCM is Great Commission work and that reaching a campus means engaging the entire community — staff, faculty and students alike. That vision extended beyond Tennessee, as he encouraged collaboration to reach students across the United States, especially in areas that are more difficult to reach.
Ambassadors always keep in mind the One they serve. Bill knew his purpose. He understood the mission of Tennessee BCMs and consistently reminded our team to stay focused on the task at hand. I can still hear him saying, “Keep your heads down and do the important daily work on your campuses that God has called you to do.” He was not easily distracted. His longevity in ministry was marked by a steady commitment to stay the course, regardless of circumstances.
Our entire Tennessee BCM team is stronger and better equipped because of Bill’s leadership. He knew our families, walked with us through personal highs and lows, and faithfully mentored and encouraged us to grow as ministry leaders.
In the end, those of us who served with and under Bill were deeply blessed, because this extraordinary ambassador was known to us simply as a friend. B&R
Note: Watch a video tribute to Bill Choate here.
