World Convention Names
William McDonald
Interim Executive Director
Bill has long been a supporter of the World Convention having attended the global gatherings in Mexico City, Honolulu, Brighton and Nashville. For the 2008 Convention in Nashville he coordinated the efforts that brought a popular youth choir to the US from France. Julie McDonald, Bill’s wife, a French teacher also played a decisive role in that effort.
Bill McDonald retired in November 2008 after 42 years in ministry with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Born in Mississippi, he was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He has ministered to congregations in Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana. His most recent ministry was with the Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, from 1995 to 2008. It was here that he helped build a relationship between the Crestwood Church (DOC), Tates Creek Christian Church (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ) and Southside Church of Christ (a cappella) that has developed into a continuing partnership of cooperative worship, mission and youth events.
Having completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Transylvania College, he then prepared for ministry by doing the Master of Divinity degree at Lexington Theological Seminary where he now serves on the Board of Trustees and is also an adjunct member of the faculty. His first ministry was with the Midway (Kentucky) Christian Church where his M.Div. thesis on the church's history was published, including a segment on the life of the famed 19th century preacher, L.L. Pinkerton. He also taught courses in philosophy, religion, and psychology for Midway College.
McDonald is currently a Disciples of Christ representative to the Stone-Campbell Dialogue, a forum that draws from all three streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement in an effort to encourage communication and cooperation among these three groups who share a common heritage. His writings have appeared in publications representing all three streams. A man of generous spirit and goodwill, Bill is deeply committed to Christ and His Church. President Mpofu, in making the announcement, said, “We are grateful that Bill McDonald has been willing to take on this service to the wider church through the World Convention as the search is begun for a permanent Executive Director.” The Interim appointment will extend from August 2009 through May 2010, at which time a permanent director will be in place to lead the ministry into the future, including planning for the 18th Global Gathering slated for Goiania, Brazil for the summer of 2012. A U.S. Search Committee has been formed and the Job Description will shortly be made available to interested applicants.
Bill will be based in Lexington, Kentucky but will represent World Convention at various national and international gatherings where he will share World Convention’s vital ministry of building fellowship, understanding and common purpose in the global Stone-Campbell family. In addition, he will spend several days each month in the Nashville office teaming up with the staff at World Convention House, building support and coordinating efforts at bridging the gaps in our worldwide fellowship. “Although working only part time, his love and enthusiasm for World Convention will bring immense benefit to our global Movement,” says President Mpofu.
May I also take this opportunity to once again appeal to you, our valued friends, to share in our excitement over this announcement and welcome Bill McDonald to the post by remembering World Convention in your prayers, and financially support by giving to this vital ministry.”
