News Mission Hires Director of Advancement

February 3rd, 2012

Antioch, TN—On February 2, 2012, International Missions’ General Director Clint Morgan announced to the Mission board, staff, and missionaries that Mark McPeak had accepted the offer to return to the Mission in the position of director of advancement.

For over a year, two major International Missions‘ posts were vacant: director of stateside operations and director of development. The Mission’s leadership team and board sought to bolster these departments while facing budgetary constraints. Missionary Sam McVay admirably filled the director of development slot on an interim basis. However, he and June feel compelled to return to their ministry in Spain.

The leadership team surveyed missionaries, pastors, laymen, and state and national leaders seeking advice. “As a result, and after prayerful consideration, many hours of dialogue, and counsel from many of you,” Clint Morgan stated, “we determined it was wise to hire someone in a modified dual role to cover the two vacancies. The overwhelming choice for this role was Mark McPeak.”

“Although some counselors expressed concern about a hire at this level while continuing to restrict the return of missionaries to their fields, it should be kept in mind that we did not keep missionaries stateside to cut expenses, but rather to generate income,” affirmed CFO Rob Conley. “In reality, it is more expensive to keep some missionaries stateside than on the field. Hiring Mark and keeping missionaries stateside have precisely the same short- and long-term objectives of generating sustainable income.”

The response from missionaries, board, and staff has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Board Chairman Danny Williams stated, “During his previous tenure with the Mission, I found myself impressed with Mark’s insights and skills. However, his heart for reaching the world with the gospel of Christ is even more notable and inspiring.”

Former director of field operations and veteran missionary Steve Lytle responded to the news with enthusiasm, “We rejoice that Mark is coming back home. We will pray that God will use him, and that together we’ll see the Lord turn things around, even this year.”

Tim and Kristi Johnson, missionaries to Spain, were among those heavily impacted by the need to increase cash reserves. “ As a missionary who is currently stateside because of the financial crisis our Mission is facing,” Kristi wrote, “I know the importance of finding someone to develop a solid strategy for a strong support base. I believe Mark’s proven passion for sharing the gospel and his amazing giftedness will be a vital part of leading International Missions into the future, where missionaries will remain on their fields of service without fear of being called back to the States because of a lack of funds.”

McPeak’s role encompasses engaging the entire IM family in unified strategies and tasks; effectively communicating the purpose of IM; and developing and maintaining constituent relationships.

For more than nine months, the board grappled with the timing of implementing this vital position. In the December meeting, the board authorized hiring a director of advancement within the approved, reduced budgetary restrictions.
When informed of McPeak’s employment, Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, responded, “Mark McPeak’s personal integrity, people skills, and credibility among denominational leaders uniquely qualifies him to assist International Missions as they address present challenges and build a stronger, more effective outreach for Free Will Baptists.”

“I am immensely grateful for the chance to return to International Missions. It’s humbling to rejoin this dedicated team while some of our missionaries are being held at home.” McPeak asked, “Please pray (and partner) with us as we seek the Lord’s direction. We desire that our plans will be His plans. God’s movement in our works around the world and the quality of those He has called to go through IM encourage me that our most fruitful days are still ahead!”

McPeak will transition to his new position immediately, assuming responsibilities on Monday, February 6. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or write the Mission office.