Editor's Note: In the leadup to SBC 2026, we asked supporters of Josh Powell and Willy Rice to share with us why they're lending their support to their preferred candidate. The Baptist Review is a forum for Convention conversation and does not endorse candidates for SBC President.
As Southern Baptist messengers convene in Orlando to cast their ballots for a new president, I will raise mine in support of Josh Powell. Josh is a friend, but so too is Willy Rice. Both are godly pastors who love our Convention and believe in the cooperative work of Southern Baptists. I am grateful that we are choosing between theologically conservative men who both preach the Bible, shepherd local churches, and are committed to our shared mission. Yet when the election is held, I intend to cast my vote for Josh because I believe he is best suited for this particular season of Southern Baptist life. The reasons for my support are many, but six stand out most clearly.
Six Reasons for Supporting Josh
First, Josh solves problems. We tout ministry metrics as a way to objectively measure ministry effectiveness. Numbers matter, but character matters more. In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged the South, cutting a straight path from the Florida Big Bend to the Southern Appalachians.The Category 4 storm caused extensive damage in my hometown of Greenville, SC. Felled trees lay crisscrossed across yards like broken matchsticks. A massive oak caved in the roof of Josh’s truck. My in-laws also had a massive tree partially collapse onto another, leaving it hanging ominously over the back of their house. Since we live three hours away, I called Josh to ask if his church had any work crews that he could send to help them out. They were delighted to see that it was Josh himself, who showed up with a crew to provide assistance. The character of a man is not revealed on the stage of an SBC Annual Meeting, but in driveways after storms. When people needed help, Josh showed up not just with good intentions, but with a chainsaw and work gloves.
Second, Josh prioritizes the Great Commission. At his core, Josh Powell is focused on the mission that Southern Baptists have historically shared; reaching the nations with the gospel, planting gospel-centered churches, and training a new generation of ministry leaders. In a moment when distraction and division are constant temptations, I appreciate Josh’s clarity about what matters most. He has led Taylors First Baptist to be a leader amongst South Carolina Baptist churches in giving to the Cooperative Program. They regularly send teams to the nations to plant gospel seeds in hard soil. His consistent refrain since the time of his announcement has been a relentless focus on the Great Commission. Josh knows that Southern Baptists should be the most outward-focused people in the evangelical world. Instead of dwelling on our problems, Josh wants to lead us towards our priority of reaching the world with the gospel.
Third, Josh understands the real role of the presidency. The SBC presidency matters, but it also has limits. Josh understands both. He recognizes that the president is not a CEO or a unilateral decision-maker, but a servant leader who helps guide the tone, appoint committees responsibly, and encourage cooperation among churches. It is tempting to look to the presidency for a level of authority the office was never intended to carry. I believe he understands both the influence and the boundaries of the office and will approach both with humility, wisdom, and respect for the voice of the messengers. The SBC does not need a president who amplifies distrust, but one who can listen carefully, lead humbly, and help us move forward together.
Fourth, Josh already serves the SBC. The SBC presidency is not an entry-level role. Josh has already demonstrated that he can work cooperatively, think strategically, and serve responsibly within the structures of the SBC. Josh is a third-generation Southern Baptist pastor, having led three Southern Baptist churches. He is a graduate of North Greenville University (‘98) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (‘03); both Southern Baptist schools. Josh has also served in many different capacities within theConvention, including President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and Chairman of the Board for both Southern Seminary and North Greenville University. His involvement with SBC boards and entities has given him firsthand knowledge of how our cooperative work actually functions. One of his main roles will be appointing those who will help shape the constituency of our boards and entities. Josh knows the Convention not as a spectator, but as a servant.
Fifth, Josh has experience on the mission field. Long before he sought Convention leadership, Josh and his family were missionaries in India. That experience shaped him by giving him a deeper understanding of the global mission of the church, the urgency of evangelism, and the importance of supporting those who labor among the nations. In an age where we are wanting to inspire more to go to the nations, it will be helpful to have a leader who has done the same. Southern Baptists are at their best when the Great Commission remains more than a slogan.
Sixth, Josh’s age will help us pass the torch to a new generation. Josh pastors a legacy, multigenerational church. Yet, he also has four children, one of which is still in elementary school. That season of life gives him a valuable perspective on many of the questions facing younger families. At a time when many churches are asking how to engage and disciple younger generations faithfully, I believe that perspective is important. At a time when we are asking a new generation to rise to leadership positions in our Convention, Josh is best suited to lead that charge.
A Vote for Character, Conviction, and Competency
The 2026 SBC presidential election is an important decision as we pursue confessional fidelity and cooperative faithfulness. I believe Josh Powell has the character, conviction, and competency needed for this moment in Southern Baptist life. I hope you will join me in casting your ballot for his election.
Clay Smith
Clay Smith is the husband of his high school sweetheart, Terrica, and is the proud dad of three daughters. Clay serves as Senior Pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, a thriving, multigenerational church on the north side of the city. He is a two-time graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, holding a Ph.D. in biblical preaching. He has served the Southern Baptist Convention in various capacities, including his role as President of the Board of NC Baptists, as well as serving as a current trustee at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.