Hardwick
FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention president Jay Hardwick will be nominated for a second term as president during The Summit, scheduled for Nov. 10-12 at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.
Hardwick, senior pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, will be nominated by Cliff Marion, pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington.
“I am honored and excited to nominate my friend, pastor Jay Hardwick, for a second term as president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. He has been a steadfast leader, deeply committed to advancing the mission of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and uniting Baptists across our great state in service to the kingdom of God,” Marion said.
Marion noted that during his first term Hardwick has consistently demonstrated a heart for unity and collaboration. His leadership is characterized by a genuine desire to bring people together, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support among Tennessee Baptists.
During his first year as president Hardwick was instrumental in the planning and strategy of the Acts 2:17 Initiative, a statewide effort inspired by a grassroots effort to hear from every Tennessee Baptist across the state, Marion added.
Marion
Hardwick’s first term also “has been marked by faithfulness, vision and a deep love for God’s people. His ability to unify and inspire is exactly what our convention needs as we move forward.
“It is with great confidence that I nominate him for a second term as president, knowing that under his leadership, the Tennessee Baptist Convention will continue to thrive and advance together for the Kingdom of God,” Marion said.
In recent years, TBC presidents traditionally served one term. That changed in 2020 when COVID-19 canceled an in-person annual meeting and 2019 TBC president Bruce Chesser served in additional year. Clay Hallmark was elected president in 2021 and chose to run another year. He ran unopposed in 2023 and was reelected by acclamation.
There is nothing in the TBC bylaws that stipulates against a president from serving two terms.
At press time on Monday, no other candidate has been announced. B&R
