Former NAMB chaplaincy director
transfers his endorsement to BGCT
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
Bob Vickers, former director of the chaplaincy evangelism for the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board, has transferred his endorsement to the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Vickers, who is now associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Roswell, Ga., indicated the move was a personal decision “of the heart,” saying he feels more connected to the Baptist General Convention of Texas than the SBC.
Vickers, who also is chaplain for a local high school football team, once was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. He has attended the BGCT chaplaincy retreat the past two years.
| "I like the way that the BGCT says we have our arms wide open to receiving women who are called to ministry and all others. That inclusiveness is something I whole-heartedly agree with." —Chaplain Bob Vickers |
The transfer of endorsement is not meant as a political move, he added. For years, Texas Baptist chaplains “have been dear friends, have reached out to us, have been supportive of us,” Vickers said.
“I just really like the way the BGCT does chaplaincy business,” he said.
“I am in total agreement with the way BGCT supports their chaplains. I think that's the way it should be done.”
The chaplain added that he is in theological accord with the BGCT.
“I like the inclusiveness. I like the way that the BGCT says we have our arms wide open to receiving women who are called to ministry and all others. That inclusiveness is something I whole-heartedly agree with.”
Vickers, who continues to have a strong following among military chaplains, left the mission board in 2002. One report indicated he had resigned, but others said he was terminated for not enforcing the board's stance against ordained female chaplains strongly enough.
Endorsement by a religious group is required in most chaplaincy positions. It serves as a source of accountability and training.
Bobby Smith, director of the BGCT office of chaplaincy relations, said he is grateful to have Vickers in the family of Texas Baptist chaplains. He praised Vickers for his years of service and said he looks forward to ministering with him.
“This is a huge affirmation for us that a person the whole world of chaplaincy values believes we have a ministry program of relationship and worth,” he said.
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