A Pastor’s Inspiring Journey Towards Leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention
In a remarkable story of resilience and faith, Daniel Ritchie, a pastor born without arms, is set to be nominated for a significant leadership role within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Known for his evangelistic efforts and authorship, Ritchie is a potential candidate for the role of first vice president, with the nomination expected at the SBC’s Annual Meeting in June.
The nomination comes from Matt Capps, the lead pastor at Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. Capps shared his intentions with the Biblical Recorder, expressing admiration for Ritchie’s dedication to his faith. “Ritchie is among the most faithful, consistent, and passionate witnesses for Christ that Southern Baptists have seen raised up in this generation,” Capps commented.
Ritchie, appreciated for his impactful ministry, responded to the nomination announcement via his Instagram account, stating his aspirations should he be elected. He emphasized his desire to “shine a light on personal evangelism in the church and the need to raise up a young generation of ministry leaders,” underscoring the Great Commission as a central focus.
Ritchie’s journey of faith began as a teenager, leading to a degree in biblical studies from Judson College. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the past two decades, Ritchie has served as a student pastor in North Carolina and Arizona and has been a speaker at churches, camps, and schools nationwide. He also delivered sermons at the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Anaheim, California.
Ritchie, a member of The Summit Church in the Raleigh-Durham area, balances his professional life with family, sharing a home with his wife and two children. His life experiences, particularly living with a disability, shape his messages, often addressing societal stigmas and personal challenges. In a 2022 op-ed for The Christian Post titled “How I came to love myself,” Ritchie discussed the importance of patience and deep reflection, warning against the “microwave mentality” that undervalues time-intensive endeavors.
Ritchie wrote, “The Father does not work at the pace of our man-made culture. He does not count time like we count days.” He encouraged believers to take time away from daily pressures to appreciate the love of the Creator, stating, “We must carve out pockets in the day to stop and commune with the eternal God beyond the space of our Sundays.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
