Influential Southern Baptist Leader Morris H. Chapman Passes at 84
The Southern Baptist community mourns the loss of Morris H. Chapman, a significant figure in the denomination’s history and a pivotal player in the Conservative Resurgence. Chapman passed away recently at the age of 84, just shy of his 85th birthday, as reported by the Baptist Press.
Chapman’s leadership spanned decades, significantly impacting the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). His tenure as president of the SBC’s Executive Committee was marked by a notable increase in cooperation and a focus on global missions. SBC EC President Jeff Iorg noted, “Morris Chapman led with passion and integrity. He was a champion for cooperation and our global mission.”
Recognized for his courage and conviction, Chapman was also known for his reconciling nature. Dr. Richard Land, executive editor of The Christian Post and former SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President, praised Chapman and his wife, Jodi, saying they were “tremendous assets for Southern Baptists.”
Chapman’s influence extended beyond his direct roles. Benjamin Cole, a pastor and critic of SBC leadership, shared his admiration, stating, “He will be fondly remembered by honest churchmen as a trustworthy ballast during seasons of theological retrieval and institutional realignment.” Cole further emphasized Chapman’s integrity and his ability to inspire trust and stability.
Born on Thanksgiving Day, 1940, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Chapman pursued theological studies, earning advanced degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His pastoral career included serving at the First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, from 1979 to 1992.
Chapman became deeply involved in the Conservative Resurgence, a movement within the SBC opposing theological modernism. His election as SBC president in 1990 was the last instance a conservative faced a moderate opponent, marking a pivotal moment in the denomination’s history.
During his time as president of the SBC Executive Committee, Chapman was instrumental in promoting the SBC Cooperative Program. His efforts led to a 44% increase in its allocation budget receipts. In 2007-2008, Cooperative Program contributions to state Baptist conventions reached an unprecedented $548.2 million.
Chapman’s dedication to his faith and his leadership was evident during a chapel service at Southwestern Seminary, where he expressed his mission to lead others to Jesus. Reflecting on his calling, he once shared, “I told God early on I cannot preach…I trusted Him maybe 99 percent, but I was not sure. But He is faithful. […] I am a living example of how God can take the common and do with it the uncommon.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
