by Pastor Dan Wiersema,
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids
Former BCI President
I wish to express thanks for Tom Law’s work as Executive Director-Treasurer Interim. Having worked closely with him during much of his service, I believe he has served the Father, and Iowa Baptists, faithfully and energetically; and he has gone many extra miles beyond the stretch of road in view at the time of his hiring. I am thankful to Tom, and to Linda for her support in this work.
Tom was hired during a time of significant changes in the North American Mission Board’s relationships with State Conventions. He has well-represented Iowa Baptists in matters relating to the SBC; but he has also gone many extra miles, for example, exploring potential collaborative opportunities with Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and along the I-29 Corridor.
He was hired to assist us to review our existing ministry structures with an eye toward possible improvements. Rather than bring a plan of his own to the table, Tom brought Iowans to the table, to prayerfully seek a Convention ministry paradigm that would best serve Iowans, while addressing the fiscal realities that lay ahead. Here he also went many extra miles, holding well over a dozen town hall meetings around the state, to explain the proposal and seek input from the churches. In addition, he guided a transitional period before adoption, to test the paradigm with the staff.
He has facilitated progress in the operations of the BCI in numerous and significant ways. Technological improvements have been made to the website. Online registration for events, and online access to meeting documents has become the norm. Access to the Iowa Baptist newspaper is becoming less expensive, and is now accessible electronically. The upcoming annual meeting will be held on a single day, with the intent that greater participation will result. The governing documents of the Convention are being revised to reflect the new structures adopted.
There is more that could be said, but I will conclude with this, because it shows Tom’s willingness to go the extra mile: When the Lord presented an opportunity to plant a Spanish language church in the facilities of Immanuel Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Tom welcomed the opportunity to travel two hours and preach (en espanol); and he did so more than once.
I know that each man that serves our Convention would think nothing of driving two hours to preach, and often they go farther than that. Our Convention is blessed by the efforts of each individual on our staff, whether travel is part of their assignment or not.
My point is that Tom not only served Iowa Baptists well in the purposes for which he was hired. He also went extra miles, for which I also give thanks. Thank you, Tom!
Dan Wiersema
Others Express Their Thanks
“Tom has been more than just a co-laborer – He has become a dear friend. Through multiple crises in our family – Tom and Linda’s concern for our well being has shown me who they are, God serving and loving individuals.”
Jerome Risting, member of Temple Baptist Church, Mason City
Former BCI First Vice President
“Tom came to Iowa as an Intentional Interim to help the Convention navigate a very difficult transition process. He has led Iowa Baptists with honor and focused the Convention on the challenges brought on by the restructuring of the North American Mission Board. Tom has worked tirelessly taking on many added responsibilities brought on by the attrition of the BCI staff. I have appreciated Tom’s willingness to tackle these very difficult task and admire his heart for Iowa. I wish Linda and Tom God’s best as they continue to pursue the highest calling of obediently following the Savior.”
Pastor Eugene Guthrie, Crestwood Baptist Church, Des Moines
