I received a tremendous letter of encouragement from Dr. Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I have asked him if I can share his letter of excitement and support with you on my blog today. He agreed with enthusiasm.

Dr. Mohler and I have been friends for many years. He and I served on the Program and Structure Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention for two years together with the task of restructuring this denomination. I learned of his brilliance as he began this initial task for our denomination. He is one of the most sought after theological communicators of our day and has appeared on Larry King Live and many other broadcasts. I truly believe that he could go to battle with any intellectual in our generation. Dr. Mohler has also preached in our church and spoken to our staff team. I hope he is able to do so again one day.

I am humbled that a man like Dr. Al Mohler would ever be enthusiastic about the possibility of me serving as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Thank you, Lord, for the way you have blessed me! Read his letter below …

Dear Ronnie:

Congratulations upon the news of your nomination to serve as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.  I am greatly encouraged by this news, and I want you to know of my eager support for you as the elected leader of our convention.  I am thankful for your leadership, your deep personal investment in the life and work of the Southern Baptist Convention, and your friendship to me and to Southern Seminary through so many years.

I am very thankful that we had the opportunity of working together on the Program and Structure Study Committee when we spent so many months together considering the future shape of the Southern Baptist Convention.  At that time, I was simply amazed that a pastor serving such a large church would give so much of his time to the intricacies of developing this strategic plan and vision for the future of our denomination.  We spent so many hours together in that process and it was largely through that experience that I came to know of your deep love for Southern Baptists, your incredible organizational ability, and your leadership vision.

You have been a great friend to me and to Southern Seminary as we have brought this seminary back to full accountability to the Southern Baptist Convention.  Your stalwart friendship and enthusiastic support has meant so much to me and to the future of this institution. 

Thank you for your service as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and for your committed leadership throughout every level of our denomination.  You have never said no to Southern Baptists when duty has called, and I deeply appreciate your willingness to serve as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

I pray that God will bless you, guide you, and encourage you at every stage along this path.  Please call me if I can be of assistance in any way.

Sincerely,
R. Albert Mohler, Jr.