By Message Staff
COVINGTON – Lonnie Wascom, director of missions for Northshore Baptist Association since its formation in 2011, has announced his resignation from the position Oct. 1.
In a letter sent through his e-mail blast Thursday, May 10, Wascom said he has served in vocational ministry for 55 years, beginning with the role of “assistant music director” at Judson Baptist Church in Walker as a 15-year-old boy. Therefore, Wascom said the decision was one he did not take lightly.
“But as each of you know, God is faithful,” Wascom wrote in the letter. “He demonstrated that faithfulness by giving Linda and me the clarity we needed to reach this decision. His peace accompanied that decision. His word is true: ‘You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.’ Isaiah 26:3”
Associational Moderator Jay Johnston said in a statement attached to the letter that a search committee has been named to begin the search for a new director of missions.
“We will share more information with the churches and the process in the days ahead,” wrote Johnston, associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Covington. “Please join me in celebrating this decision of Bro. Lonnie’s pending retirement. I would also ask that you pray for Bro. Lonnie and (his wife) Linda as they begin this season of transition. We will be honoring Bro. Lonnie during the annual meeting in October.”
Though Wascom has been director of missions since 2011, prior to his current role, Wascom served as director of missions for Chappapeela, LaTangi and St. Tammany Baptist Associations from 2004 until the three associations voted to merge in 2011, according to the Annual Church Profile.
He also has served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board, Louisiana College Board of Trustees and chairperson of the church planting team for the President’s 2020 Commission.
Wascom closed his letter with a charge to finish strong as director of missions for the 90 churches who are members of Northshore Baptist Association.
“I want to assure you of my prayers as we press forward together,” he wrote. “I commit to fulfilling the demands of my calling as your Director of Missions and Ministries. Further, I commit to being available in any way you think I can help as pertains to the weeks and months ahead. Finally, please know this: I love each of you. I love our churches. I love our cooperative work on the Northshore.”
