International Mission Board President David Platt announced today his plan to transition away from his role as leader of the missions organization and devote his full attention to his position as teaching pastor at McLean Bible Church in Virginia.
Platt, who began serving at McLean in 2017, will continue to serve as president until a new president is selected.
During his announcement to trustees, missionaries and staff today, Platt said that he was “more passionate today than I have ever been about getting the Gospel to the nations, and I want to spend what little time I have left on this earth with urgency toward that end,” according to an IMB news release.
Under Platt’s leadership the IMB was able to come to a healthy financial position, clarify its mission and change their internal structure to support that mission.
Other highlights of Platt’s tenure include creating opportunities for professionals, students and retirees to be on mission, collecting a record $165.8 million for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions in 2015 and leading IMB trustees to create a balanced budget in 2016.
“I am grateful for the leadership Dr. Platt provided the IMB during his tenure as President.” said Tommy Green, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention. “He has positioned the IMB for the future. Our prayers are committed to the search team as they seek God’s man for this strategic role in SBC life.”
Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church, said he supports the decision by Platt because “[Platt’s] heart seems to be turned towards pastoring a local church and a man must choose if he is going to be pastor of a local church or president of the IMB… I’m for David Platt.”
David Uth, pastor of First Baptist Church in Orlando said in a statement to the FBC that he was “deeply saddened by this announcement. I love David and know of no one who has a greater passion for the nations than him. I am committed to the IMB and our mission to make His name famous among all nations. I will always be a big fan of David Platt’s and thankful for his leadership and incredible passion for the lost.”
According to the same IMB news release, a presidential search committee made up of board trustees will be appointed by Rick Dunbar, trustee chairman and member of First Baptist Church in Madison, Miss.
For the more details and comments from other SBC leaders click here for more from Baptist Press.
By Keila Diaz, Florida Baptist Convention, February 12, 2018