Second Baptist's Pastor Edmond announces his retirement
After 20 years of faithful and uncompromisingly selfless and diligent service in public ministry, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond has announced his future retirement as pastor of Second Baptist Church of Elgin, effective June 30, 2020.
Under Pastor Edmond's progressive vision, leadership and oversight, the church has experienced tremendous growth and significantly expanded its organizational structure and framework. Pastor Edmond has also been the catalyst for effectively broadening the church's network of community service partnerships and engagement.
Similar to the leadership transitions of the seven Second Baptist pastors who preceded him, Pastor Edmond's departure will leave the legacy of the 125 escaped slaves from Franklin County, Alabama, who officially founded the Elgin church in 1866, solidly intact and relevant as a part of its past, present, and radiant future; and still aligned with the overarching history of the black church in America.
When asked about the impact of Pastor Edmond's tenure, Mitch McCutchen and Michael Thomas, co-chairs of Second Baptist's Deacon Ministry, stated: "The entire SBC congregation recognizes and respects Pastor Edmond for his outstanding years of service and dedication to Second Baptist Church. His efforts to always call everyone by name, regardless of their station in life, is a reflection of the personalized love and care he gives to every member of his flock. He is truly the embodiment of a servant leader with the heart of Christ. His genuine humility keeps us focused on SBC's core mission - One Faith. One Ministry. One Church. He has passionately and enthusiastically embraced God's calling upon his life. He is unapologetically committed to the Word of God and to lead others to a more personal relationship with God."
Regarding Pastor Edmond's departure, the co-chairs continued: "Before making an official announcement about the start of a new season in his life, Pastor Edmond came to the Deacon Ministry and informed us of his desire to retire. He loves SBC and wanted to ensure a smooth transition and strategic search for a new pastor over the next 18 months. As a result of his leadership, Pastor Edmond will leave SBC in a very sound position - spiritually, organizationally and financially."
As he reflects upon some of Second Baptist's more significant changes and accomplishments during his tenure, Pastor Edmond points to the expanded organizational structure and processes that drive its operations and its 32 active ministries - a structure and processes put in place to effectively reinforce a high standard of excellence and ensure responsible stewardship and accountability, from the top down.
Continuing on with his reflections, Pastor Edmond mentions what he considers to be one of Second Baptist's greatest accomplishments under his leadership - the successful completion of the "Our Legacy Campaign." This was a congregational fundraising campaign that provided for the addition of the multipurpose center and the purchase of the adjacent land, thereby ensuring Second Baptist could remain at its current location for the foreseeable future.
Finally, when asked, "Why now?" Pastor Edmond responds, "It's time." In June 2020, Pastor Edmond will be 69 years old. He states, "Fifty years is long enough to work" having spent 31 years in corporate America prior to pastoring at Second Baptist. He continues: "I want to spend my remaining years giving more time and attention to my wife, daughters and grandchildren; and of course, playing the game of golf."
Pastor Edmond concludes his reflections by stating: "It has been such a privilege to lead this fellowship. God has enabled us to do some amazing things for His glory. I thank Him for the love, support, and encouragement I have received over the years. I give Him all the glory for allowing me to serve Him. I am truly excited about the next season of my life."
The church will conduct a formal search for Pastor Edmond's replacement throughout 2019.
Second Baptist Church of Elgin is located at 1280 Summit St. Sunday services are held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school is convened between the two Sunday morning worship services from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Weekly Bible study classes are held on Wednesdays at noon and 7 p.m. All are welcome. For information, call the church office at (847) 695-7757 or visit sbcelginil.org or www.facebook.com/SBCElginIL/.