Waco Church Calls American Baptist Minister

[Big Daddy Weaver]

Anyone familiar with Coston? Or FBC Trenton?

[Big Daddy Weaver]

From what I can tell, he grew up as a Southern Baptist (lived in TN most of his pre-college years) but all of his ministry experiences have been with American Baptists. Actually, it appears that he's only served one congregation - FBC Trenton - where he started as an intern while at Princeton, became co-pastor with his wife of that church in the late 90s, and since 2003 has been the senior pastor. His wife resigned in '03 after the birth of their child.

Coston was at WFU from 88 to 95. Not sure if he was active in Baptist life during those years as an undergraduate and graduate student.

In the two years since Pennington-Russell left for FBC Decatur, there have been numerous changes, staff departures and no shortage of controversy as anyone familiar with the Baptist scene in Waco would tell you.

[Haruo]

[scottaerwin]

Jim is an old friend. We went to PTS together in the late nineties and stayed somewhat close when we both pastored in New Jersey. In fact, we met with another Waco guy who teaches at Truett. He is an amazing human being, very pastoral but very committed to justice. Most people automatically assume if you are a white inner city pastor who also serves in a political capacity you are probably very liberal. This is not the case. He is a student of Charles Talbert and Ralph Wood, hence the Waco connections, and went to Seminary with two Waco professors. He is committed to the scriptures and to faithfullness to the gospel in every sense of the word. He is low key, but very funny and VERY SMART. He was SBC but didn't leave for theological reasons. We used to argue about Biblical Innerancy. He was very comfortable with that tag for himself.

Calvary has gained an amazing family (Julie is amazing) and a great pastor.

I will accept PM's about details.

just thoughts,
Scott