NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Baptist Center for Ethics’ board of directors unanimously approved Mitch Randall, pastor of a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated church in Oklahoma, as the Nashville-based center’s executive director, effective Jan. 1.
“BCE’s board believes our country and world need the organization now more than ever and is confident in Mitch’s ability to lead the organization into a bright future,” said Kevin Heifner, chair of the organization’s board of directors.
Randall succeeds the center’s founding director, Robert Parham, who died in March.
“In 1991, Robert Parham extended an important movement within Baptist life that informed and challenged goodwill Baptists to analyze, evaluate and address vital ethical issues within our culture,” Randall said. “It’s upon that solid foundation that I now have the distinct honor of working as the new executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics.”
Randall, 47, has been pastor of NorthHaven Church in Norman, Okla., since 2006. Previously, he was pastor of First Baptist Church in Bedford.
‘Long history of social justice work’
“Mitch Randall has had a long history of social justice work in Oklahoma,” said Brad Henry, governor of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2011. “He’s a true, courageous leader. He’s made a tremendous difference in our state. And he’s done it the right way, with patience, integrity and tolerance and respect for others.”
The Baptist Center for Ethics is a self-governing ministry partner with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
“Mitch Randall brings experience, energy and vision to the leadership position of BCE,” said Suzii Paynter, CBF executive coordinator. “Picking up a strong legacy, he will forge a new bright future for BCE.”
Randall is a past chair of the board of directors for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C.
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“Mitch Randall is a terrific fit to lead the Baptist Center for Ethics,” said Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. “He is a passionate advocate and has demonstrated for years that his ministry extends beyond the walls of the church building into public conversations to promote justice.
“He has been a strong leader for religious liberty for all—engaging interfaith partners, taking tough but principled positions and using his good humor and excellent relationship-building skills to bring people together.”
Randall is a co-founder and member of the board of directors of Pastors for Oklahoma Kids, an organization committed to public education, and served on the BGCT Executive Board from 2002 to 2005.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern State University, a Master of Divinity with biblical languages degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.
Randall and his wife Missy have two sons, Cole and Tanner.
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