Executive Director Search Committee Update

Update: October 2025

Many of you may have been present at Refresh, our Annual Meeting last week, where I shared an update on the ongoing search for the next Executive Director of the Montana Southern Baptist Convention. I want to thank you again for your prayers, encouragement, and support throughout this process.

The Executive Director Search Committee continues to make steady progress as we seek the Lord’s direction. Over the past several months, our team has prayerfully reviewed resumes, conducted multiple interviews, and spent significant time in discussion and discernment.

At this point, the committee has narrowed its focus to a small number of strong candidates who align closely with the vision, values, and mission of the MTSBC. We are now moving into the next phase of the process, which includes reference checks, additional interviews, and continued prayer for wisdom and unity.

We are deeply grateful for the faithful support of pastors, churches, and ministry partners across our state. Your prayers truly matter as we seek God’s leadership for this important role.

Please continue to pray that:

• God would grant the committee clarity and unity in every decision.
• Each candidate and family involved would experience peace and discernment.
• The right leader would be clearly affirmed in God’s perfect timing.

As always, we remain confident that the Lord will provide the right person to lead our convention forward in strengthening churches, expanding the gospel, and reaching the next generation for Christ.

Because He Lives,
Greg Payton
Chairman, Executive Director Search Committee
Montana Southern Baptist Convention

Prayer Update for the Executive Director Search Process 

Update: August 2025
Thank you for continuing to pray for the search for our next Executive Director of the Montana Southern Baptist Convention. The search committee has received 23 applications and is now prayerfully narrowing the field to the top candidates for a first round of Zoom interviews. Please continue to lift up this process, the candidates, and our committee as we seek God’s clear direction.

Here are some specific ways you can pray:

Prayer Points:

• Wisdom in Discernment
  Pray that the committee will have spiritual clarity and discernment as we review and evaluate each applicant. Ask the Lord to help us see beyond resumes and into the heart of each candidate.
• Unity Among the Committee
  Pray for unity and humility within the search team as we discuss and prayerfully consider our top five candidates. May our decisions reflect the mind of Christ and not personal preferences.
• God’s Timing and Leadership
  Ask God to guide the timing of each step in the process. Pray that nothing would be rushed or delayed outside of His will.
• Encouragement for the Candidates
  Pray for each of the 23 applicants who have submitted resumes. Ask God to encourage them, guide them, and bless their ministries—whether or not they move forward in this process.
• Clarity in the Interviews
  As we prepare for Zoom interviews with the top candidates, pray that the conversations would be clear, Spirit-led, and fruitful. Ask for wisdom in asking the right questions and hearing the right answers.
• A Shepherd for Montana
  Most of all, pray that God would raise up the right leader—a servant-hearted shepherd with vision, courage, and deep love for the churches of Montana and the mission of the Gospel.

A Word of Encouragement

As you pray, be reminded that our God is faithful to lead His people. We’re not just selecting a leader—we’re seeking the Lord’s will for the future of our churches and our mission field here in Montana.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

Thank you for standing with us in prayer. Your support, encouragement, and intercession are a vital part of this process. We believe that God is preparing the right leader for such a time as this—and your prayers are helping pave the way.

We believe this search will only succeed if it is soaked in prayer. As churches across Montana join us in seeking God’s guidance, we invite you to pray intentionally and consistently for every part of this process. Whether you pray alone, with your family, or as a church body, your prayers are vital.

Specific Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for Clarity and Discernment
   – Ask God to give the Search Committee and Board of Directors clear direction in every step. Pray that we hear His voice above all others.
2. Pray for Unity Among Churches
   – Pray that this process would unify—not divide—the churches of the MTSBC, and that it would strengthen our shared commitment to the Great Commission.
3. Pray for the Right Leader
   – Ask the Lord to prepare the heart of the man He is calling to this role, and to give him the courage to say “yes” when the time is right.
4. Pray for Wisdom in Evaluation
   – Pray that the committee has wisdom in reading applications, conducting interviews, and asking the right questions.
5. Pray for Integrity and Transparency
   – Pray that every part of this process is marked by honesty, humility, and a spirit of openness before the Lord and one another.
6. Pray for Our Churches and Pastors
   – As we await new leadership, ask God to strengthen pastors, encourage church members, and bless local ministries across Montana.
7. Pray for God’s Timing
   – Ask the Lord to guide the timeline of this process—not rushed, not delayed—so that it aligns perfectly with His plan.