“I’m here to be of help. I don’t care what echelon you’re in,” Roy Fish, interim president of the North American Mission Board, told 200 NAMB staffers during an introductory meeting June 27.
Roy FishAdmitting he was “a little intimidated, humbled, and tremendously challenged” in assuming responsibility as interim president of the agency, Fish received a standing ovation prior to the 25-minute meeting with NAMB employees, his first since being named to the position in early June by the agency’s board of directors.
Fish said he felt at home at the mission agency, having attended meetings there – and at the former Home Mission Board – for 40 years.
“I’ve always had confidence in what goes on here. And it has not diminished one bit,” he said.
Fish joked that “interim could be part of my name,” referring to the fact that he has served as an interim pastor at more than 50 SBC churches throughout the South and Southwest over the years. He is currently the interim senior pastor at Castle Hills First Baptist Church in San Antonio, Tex.
“People just don’t seem to trust me with a full-time job,” he said, joking.
Fish said serving in NAMB’s top executive post was “one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ll never touch anything bigger than this.”
“When I read NAMB’s report to the recent Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, I liked what I read,” he said. “The report said the work of NAMB will have a true impact in North America only if we adopt a God-sized dream and God-sized goals. Then, and only then, will we leave a God-sized legacy. I like that.”
Recalling the story of Gideon, whose small band of 300 defeated an opposing army of thousands, Fish reminded NAMB employees that to win, Gideon’s soldiers stood in their place. He noted they also carried torches and sounded trumpets.
“I challenge you to commit yourself to be the person who stands in his or her place – to take your belt up a couple of notches, stay with it and be at your best. That’s my personal responsibility and yours – to shine a light and trumpet the gospel. And again, that’s why I’m here – to help you stand in your place.”
George Thomasson, director of implementation in NAMB’s church planting group, said Fish’s words were “encouraging and energizing.” Thomasson took a class at Southwestern Baptist Seminary under Fish, who has taught evangelism at the school for more than four decades.
Fish was also evangelism professor to Jonathan Wilson, an associate in NAMB’s student volunteer mobilization unit.
“Ten years later, I still hear that passion in his voice for reaching the lost for Jesus Christ,” Wilson said. “I can’t think of anyone better to serve with us in this capacity right now.”
Laura Hodges, secretary in NAMB’s church planting group, agreed.
“I believe the servant leadership of Dr. Fish as our interim president will be very beneficial for NAMB,” she said. “When he speaks, his humble spirit and love for North American missions is very evident.”
Fish is a native of Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, and M.Div. and Th.D. degrees from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. He is married to the former Jean Holley, and they have four children and 11 grandchildren.