Updated Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Kessler takes Virginia position

By Steve DeVane

BR Managing Editor

Ken Kessler, who has been the Baptist State Convention's (BSC) liaison to associations and a leader in the BSC's coaching initiative, is taking a position with the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV).

Kessler, the BSC's senior consultant for associational partnerships and a senior coach for the BSC's Lake Hickory Learning Communities, will leave on April 30 to become team leader of the BGAV's empowering leaders team. He has been at the BSC for about three and a half years.

"I'm excited about it, but it's bittersweet at the same time because I have a lot of good connections with people here," said Kessler, who is from Charlotte. "It's always hard to say appropriate good-byes."

In his new position, Kessler will oversee BGAV regional field strategists who interact with associations and churches. He could also be instrumental in a new emphasis on coaching being considered by the BGAV.

Kessler, 50, played a key role in the BSC coaching initiative that started under the leadership of former executive director Jim Royston, but is no longer the BSC's primary focus. He said the declining emphasis on coaching did not play a role in his decision.

Bob Dale, retired associate executive director of the BGAV who Kessler calls one of his "heroes in ministry and denominational life," recommended Kessler for the Virginia position. BGAV Executive Director John Upton contacted Kessler in January.

Kessler said he talked with Upton and prayed about the possibility.

"The pieces just seemed to fall into place," he said.