Recorder editor to leave for teaching position at Campbell
By Steve DeVane
BR Managing Editor
Tony Cartledge, editor of the Biblical Recorder since January 1999, will retire later this year to assume a faculty position at Campbell University Divinity School.
Cartledge, 55, will become associate professor of Old Testament.
In an editorial announcing his decision, Cartledge said his years at the Recorder have been "incredibly gratifying."
"I have sought to be faithful in leading the Recorder to provide the kind of accurate and balanced news that North Carolina Baptists deserve, and to promote the many positive ministries of the Convention and its churches," he said. "And, I have labored to render some constructive influence through honest and hopeful columns, encouraging Baptist State Convention supporters to celebrate their diversity while working joyfully together for the common cause of serving Christ.
"Sadly, the editorial efforts have borne less fruit than I had hoped. While our churches and people continue to cooperate and work together in many wonderful ways, a discordant undercurrent hinders our work, our growth, and our spirit. I stand by the conviction that unity in diversity is better than uniformity in doctrine, but that has become a minority view, and some have considered my efforts divisive. Perhaps the next editor can speak words of healing that will be more effective than mine."
Under Cartledge's leadership, the Recorder has the most readers in its history. While the print edition has continued a gradual circulation decline that mirrors similar publications over the last several decades, the Recorder web site has more than 300,000 unique visitors each month.
Joe Babb, chairman of the Biblical Recorder Board of Directors, praised Cartledge's efforts to make the paper a highly visible presence on the Internet.
"Tony has certainly led the Recorder to be strengthened, not merely as a voice of North Carolina Baptists, but for global Baptists," he said.
Babb said he appreciates all Cartledge has done for North Carolina Baptists.
"While we're certainly saddened at his change in ministry at this point, we recognize and appreciate his valuable guidance for Baptists during his tenure, helping Baptists make informed decisions by providing accurate information that we all need," he said.
Cartledge said he has always enjoyed teaching. His undergraduate degree was in biology education. He once served as the entire science department at a small high school, and also taught high school English and math.
"While teaching on an adjunct basis at Appalachian State University and at Southeastern Seminary during the 1980's, I found it immensely rewarding," he said.
Michael G. Cogdill, dean of the Campbell University Divinity School, said the school is excited to welcome Cartledge to the faculty.
"Dr. Cartledge brings to our school great scholarship in Old Testament as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in professional ministry to share with students," Cogdill said. "The gifts Dr. Cartledge brings to our faculty will continue to make Campbell Divinity School an exciting place for theological education."
Cartledge is a 1973 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia. In 1982, he earned the master of divinity with languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a graduating student there, Cartledge was awarded the American Bible Society Award "For Outstanding Achievement in Biblical Studies," the Broadman Press Award for highest academic average, and the Advanced Greek and Hebrew Prize. In 1989, he earned the doctor of philosophy in Old Testament from Duke University.
Cartledge is the author or co-author of five books, including the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary on I and II Samuel and Vows in the Old Testament and the Ancient Near East.
Prior to joining the staff of the Biblical Recorder, Cartledge served 26 years as pastor of churches in Georgia and North Carolina. From 1988 to 1998, he was senior pastor at Woodhaven Baptist Church in Cary. Earlier pastorates include Oak Grove Baptist Church in Boone; Tabbs Creek Baptist Church in Oxford; Highland Baptist Church in Hogansville, Ga., and Loco Baptist Church in Lincolnton, Ga.
Campbell University President Jerry M. Wallace said Cartledge is "an exceptionally talented individual who brings a unique set of skills to his new post."
"A distinguished and decorated scholar, Dr. Cartledge also brings to the classroom his experiences as a very successful pastor and denominational journalist," Wallace said.
Milton A. Hollifield Jr., executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention, said he appreciates many things about Cartledge and wishes him the best in his new career as a professor.
"I am not surprised that in a vocational change, Tony would accept a graduate level teaching position," Hollifield said. "Campbell Divinity School is gaining a fine scholar, teacher and writer."
Hollifield said the state convention is grateful for Cartledge's service and ministry. The passion with which Cartledge called N.C. Baptists to address social ills such as alcoholism and gambling will be long remembered, he said.
"As an editor, Tony has held to the proclamation of the facts as he saw them," Hollifield said. "While some North Carolina Baptists may not agree with every one of his ideas, most North Carolina Baptists have appreciated the honesty of his opinions."
Cartledge is married to the former Jan Rush, and they are the parents of three children, Russ, Bethany (who died in 1994 at the age of 7), and Samuel. He will assume his new duties at Campbell on Aug. 15.
Cartledge said he hopes to remain involved in Baptist journalism as opportunities arise.
"I intend to remain involved in the life of Baptists in North Carolina and will contribute as I can, in ways that seem appropriate," he said in his editorial.
