First Things First: Dr. David Dockery Is Not Running for the SBC Presidency

Last Wednesday, Ben Cole posted on his blog a recommendation for Dr. David Dockery, president of Union University, to be the next SBC president. His post is worth reading as he describes some important qualities which one should hope would be in our next president. I agree wholeheartedly that Dr. Dockery embodies such virtues and would be an excellent president. HOWEVER, Dr. Dockery has made it very clear that he will not be allowing himself to be a nominee for the position of SBC president. Although this may come to disappoint many in the SBC (I myself would love to see him leading our convention), Dr. Dockery is steadfastly committed to building a great institution at Union and equipping young leaders through academic excellence and transforming mission. Tim Ellsworth, Director of News and Media Relations at UU, has provided a press release on the front page of the university's website. Here is a blurb from the release:

Dr. Dockery has been contacted in recent weeks by traditionalists, leaders of the conservative resurgence, young leaders, pastors, academics and denominational leaders, from all sectors of the SBC asking him to allow his name to be nominated for SBC president.

Dr. Dockery is deeply honored and humbled by these contacts, requests, urgings and promptings. He loves the SBC and wants what is best for it. And at some point in the future, with the support of Union trustees, faculty and staff, he might be willing to serve in that capacity. He would only entertain the idea, however, if the time were right for Union, for the SBC and for himself.

That time is not now.

With the swell and wide swath of numerous emails and phone calls, it is obvious that Dr. Dockery is well-respected from every street corner in the SBC. Certainly he has mine. Ellsworth concludes with this request which we would be prudent to honor:

Dr. Dockery would greatly appreciate not being inundated with e-mails of support for his candidacy. While he is grateful for the sentiment, his decision on this matter is resolute. He will not be a candidate for SBC president.

Cole, on his blog today, also reiterated this request by stating the following,

Okay, folks. Enough is enough. David Dockery is not going to run. . . . So, now I ask you to stop sending him emails asking that he serve. Instead, I would invite you to join me in supporting Union University, in pledging to the Capital Campaign, in telling your friends, family, and neighbors about the good work at Union University and encourage them to support the school with prayers, contributions, and all manner of praise. If we can help raise $110 million for Union University, then maybe Dr. Dockery will be free to serve as the SBC President.

I am sure that Dr. Dockery and UU would sure appreciate the contributions and support! But would raising $110 million for UU free him to be the SBC President? Now that's a good question.