Retired IMB leaders Elliff and Meador to teach at SEBTS

Starting in the fall 2016 semester, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) will gain two visiting professors, Tom Elliff, former president of the International Mission Board (IMB) and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and Clyde Meador, retired missionary and executive advisor to the IMB president.

Elliff served as a pastor for 42 years in Arkansas, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma before he and his late wife Jeannie became IMB missionaries in Zimbabwe. He also served the IMB as the senior vice president for spiritual nurture and church relations from 2005-2009 and then as president from 2011-2014. Elliff has also been president of the SBC Pastor’s Conference and held two terms as president of the SBC.

Elliff will assist with master’s and doctoral level courses as the visiting professor of prayer and pastoral ministry at SEBTS. He will have a particular focus on courses related to spiritual disciplines and pastoral leadership.

“Tom Elliff is one of the godliest men I know,” said SEBTS Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Evangelism and Missions Chuck Lawless. “I turn to him every time I need prayer, and I want our students learning from such a man.”

Meador will be the visiting professor of missions leadership and will assist with master’s level course lectures, graduate classes and doctoral missions classes. Meador served the IMB for 41 years, most recently as the executive advisor to the president. He and his wife Elaine began their IMB career in 1974 as missionaries to Indonesia. Meador filled multiple roles with the IMB, including executive vice president and interim president. 

“Dr. Meador will be recognized as one of the strongest and steadiest leaders in recent SBC history. He is known for his strong pastoral leadership during his time on the mission field and his wise administrative leadership during his time as executive vice president of the IMB,” said SEBTS Provost Bruce Ashford. “This is the type of man we want standing in front of our students, shaping their hearts and minds.”

Elliff and Meador will be joining SEBTS for the fall semester beginning August 18, 2016.