B21 Interviews with SBC Presidential Candidates: Ted Traylor

Baptist21 continues the interviews with the men who will be nominated for the office of SBC President. Up next is Pastor Ted Traylor.

Give us a brief introduction to who you are.

This fall marks twenty years that my family and I have been at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola. Liz and I have two grown children. The small town of Pisgah, Alabama, is the place I call home. I was saved when I was ten and preached my first sermon at seventeen.

Sports have always been a big part of my life, and my early life goal was to coach. My natural gifting is to coach/shepherd/lead the church. In addition to serving as pastor, I have had the privilege to serve in various areas of Baptist life, including being a NAMB trustee and president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference. One of the things I enjoy currently is serving as moderator of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association.

I post a blog at www.tedtraylor.com each Tuesday and Friday. It’s a great way to communicate regularly with my Olive family and ministry partners. I share about my life and speak to certain denominational issues from time to time.

Serving as president of the SBC is a massive time commitment. Why are you willing to commit to such a task?

The experience of serving on the GCRTF changed my life. My knowledge of the Southern Baptist Convention was enhanced and my vision for the denomination has a sharper focus. Before this year, I was happy to let others serve and lead. Investing time in the SBC has the potential to affect Kingdom work for generations to come. If we can give renewed emphasis to the Great Commission, this will be time well spent. Southern Baptists have invested much in me, and I see this as a time to give back.

How do you think your gifts and vision will help the SBC?

I am a team builder. In the coming year, a new leader will emerge at NAMB, IMB and the Executive Committee. I want to help these leaders get off to a great start. We need synergy and unity. I believe I can be an advocate for our entities going forward together, keeping our eye on the Great Commission.

What is one of the greatest strengths of the SBC? Why?

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