By Lauren Lamb

In June 2022 Cooperative Baptists voted to elect Rev. Dr. David Hull to serve as Moderator-Elect for CBF in 2022-2023. Hull is a retired pastor after ministering for 40 years with congregations across seven states and now serves as a consultant with the Center for Healthy Churches. Hull will assume the role of CBF Moderator, the Fellowship’s highest-ranking officer, succeeding Debbie McDaniel, lay leader from First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Ala., on Friday, June 30 at the conclusion of the 2023 CBF General Assembly.

I recently had the opportunity to touch base with Hull as he steps into his role as the new CBF Moderator. I am personally excited to work alongside him in the coming year.

Read our conversation below:

Tell me a little about your childhood. Where did you grow up and where did you attend school?

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky because my dad was a professor and administrator at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Our backyard adjoined the seminary campus, so that became my larger backyard and the place where I learned to ride a bike, play basketball and swim. I grew up immersed in Baptist life with the seminary out my back door and my church, Crescent Hill Baptist, a short walk out my front door. I attended public schools in Louisville before going to Vanderbilt University for my undergraduate studies.

What led you to be in ministry? When did you feel the call?

Even though I had grown up immersed in a wonderful Baptist community, I never planned to be a minister. That is what my dad did; but I had plans to be a lawyer. I entered Vanderbilt telling everyone that I was pre-law. Later, a switch to a business administration major was preparing me for a career in the business world. A call experience before my senior year in college led to a radical transformation in my life and in my career path. I was as surprised as my friends when I followed the call to the ministry and returned to my hometown to attend seminary.

You’ve ministered to congregations in seven different states. What did you learn from working with these congregations?

I learned that I love pastoral ministry in the local church. The churches that I have served have been very different from one another and the contexts for ministry have been quite varied; but the common thread through all these places of ministry has been my love for the work of being a pastor connected to a local church community.

Who has influenced your ministry?

My father, Bill Hull, was the greatest influence on my ministry. Not only was he my beloved dad, but he also modeled excellence in ministry for me. The second person was my pastor when I was growing up. John Claypool was my pastor, preacher, friend and mentor. Finally, I will mention George Buttrick, my first professor of preaching. I was able to have this giant of the 20th century pulpit in the last class he ever taught. Learning from this pastor/teacher who was still doing great work in his eighties has become a life-long inspiration for me.

What is your favorite verse, book or story from the Bible?

My favorite verse is Romans 8:28. My favorite book is the Gospel of John. My favorite story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

How did you become connected with CBF?

In August,1990, I went to the first gathering of “concerned Baptists” at the Inforum in Atlanta to see what was going to happen. I left that meeting having agreed to serve on the Interim Steering Committee that gave direction to the formation of CBF. It was an exciting opportunity to be a part of shaping this new Fellowship. From the very beginning, CBF has been my extended Baptist family and I have found great joy in the friendships that have come with the journey and the global ministry that partnership with CBF has provided.

What are your hopes to see at General Assembly in Atlanta?

This year, I look forward to supporting Debbie McDaniel as she gives leadership as the moderator. She will be outstanding. Another of the highlights of the General Assembly this year will be the chance for the Fellowship to meet Laura Ayala, our new Global Missions Coordinator. I am excited about her leadership in our mission work, and I am glad that she will have a chance to speak at the General Assembly so that many can share the same excitement about her leadership.

How can we pray for you as moderator this year?

As Debbie passes the moderator baton to me at the end of the General Assembly, please pray that I will have the wisdom necessary for the work.

What brings you joy?

A quick answer would be, “My grandchildren!” Then I remember those great words of Jesus from my favorite book in the Bible. He said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11, NRSV). What had Jesus just said? “Abide in me, as I abide in you” (v. 4). Over many years of trying to follow Jesus, I have found that when I stay connected and “abide” in him, my joy is complete. When I don’t “abide” so well, the joy fades.

Keep up with news, videos and stories from the 2023 CBF General Assembly at http://www.cbf.net/assembly2023.