Standing ovation for David Kerrigan
Outgoing BMS World Mission General Director David Kerrigan received a standing ovation at this year's Baptist Assembly
David is retiring this summer, having served BMS for than 30 years.
'We couldn’t let this moment pass without expressing gratitude for David,’ said chair of the BMS board of trustees Maureen Russell.
David began his association with BMS in 1983 as a mission worker in Bangladesh. He was subsequently called to the local pastorate, but rejoined BMS in 1995 to serve as the Regional Team Leader for Asia, and then became Director for Mission, a post he held for 10 years.
David became General Director in 2009.
‘As an organisation we have been so blessed to have you in the role,’ Maureen said. ‘David has personal experience of so many issues faced by faced.
‘His leadership is marked by compassion, humility. All mixed in with a brilliant sense of humour.’
Thanking David’s wife Janet, and then addressing him directly, she continued, ‘You’ve brought us God-given vision to enable BMS to meet new opportunities.
‘You’ve shown us what it means to walk closely with God.
‘We give thanks to God for all you’ve done for BMS and through BMS. We will miss you, but wish you God’s richest blessing for this next chapter.’
As David approached the stage delegates rose to give him a standing ovation.
Inviting them to sit down, David expressed his thanks to the Baptist family for their support and trust, before turning his thoughts to his successor.
‘Thank you. This is the family in which I came to faith. The family who have believed in us to serve overseas, and entrust me with aspect of leadership at BMS.
‘Thank you for that trust. Thank you for the privilege of working alongside the churches.
‘Thank you for the staff team, for it's a pleasure working with them.
'The one thing I would ask you, is to transfer these kind words to Dr Kang-San Tan. Offer him the same support and trust.’
In the afternoon David had given a well-regarded address on Baptists and evangelicalism. The paper will be made available during the week. He also preached at the Sunday morning communion service.
Baptist Times, 13/05/2017