WVCSB Evangelism and Discipleship Director will retire Dec. 31
Tim Turner, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, concluding more than 10 years of ministry among churches across the state.
Turner shared the news with the WVCSB Executive Board during its Sept. 12 meeting. He plans to return to Kentucky to live closer to his children and grandchildren.
“I have no words for the gratefulness in my heart for this convention, this state, the pastors, and the churches that represent Jesus each day,” Turner wrote in his retirement letter. “I love and cherish the opportunities I had to preach, teach, minister, pray, play golf, and fish in West Virginia.”
Turner joined the WVCSB staff in 2016 following a 16-year pastorate. Bill Henard, who was serving as WVCSB Executive Director-Treasurer, invited Turner to consider joining the convention staff and serving Southern Baptists throughout West Virginia.
Over the next decade, Turner built relationships with pastors and churches across the state, equipping them in evangelism and discipleship and encouraging them to remain faithful to the Great Commission. His ministry included preaching, consulting with church leaders, developing resources, and leading statewide efforts such as the Youth Evangelism Conference, Summit Camp, the Men & Boys Retreat, VBS training, the INSPIRE Evangelism Conference, and other evangelism and discipleship initiatives.
“Tim Turner has given the churches of West Virginia far more than a decade of service. He has given them his heart,” said WVCSB Executive Director-Treasurer Danny Rumple. “He has walked alongside pastors, invested in the next generation, and continually called our churches back to the mission of making Jesus known. We are grateful for his friendship, his faithfulness, and the gospel impact of his ministry.”
Turner said the relationships he developed with WVCSB pastors and fellow staff members helped make the past 10 years the most gratifying and far-reaching season of ministry he has experienced.
WVCSB President Ryan Navy said Turner’s ministry has been marked by a personal investment in pastors, churches, and their families.
“When I first met Tim, I was a young pastor and newly married. He invested in me personally, offering marriage advice I still carry today,” said Navy, pastor of River Valley Church. “That’s who Tim is. Now, as the dad of a teenage daughter, I’m eternally grateful for the countless hours he has poured into the next generation.”
Turner said he has prayed for the past year for God to make it clear when the time had come to step aside. His prayer was that he could finish well and not remain in the role longer than he should.
“About two months ago, in a precious quiet place with God,” Turner wrote, “he made it clear that the time had come.”
“Tim’s absence will be felt across our convention and by me and my family. But we already see the Lord’s kindness in his next season,” said Cleve Persinger, WVCSB Communication and Partnerships Director. “From the day we met, he was a friend. His leadership leaves a lasting impact, including the many students who have professed faith in Jesus and answered God’s call to ministry and missions. I’m grateful the Lord gave us these 10 years to serve West Virginia Southern Baptists together.”
Although retiring from the WVCSB, Turner does not intend to retire from ministry. Returning to Kentucky will allow him to spend more time with his family, travel less, and pursue opportunities to serve at a slower pace.
He closed his letter with Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.”
The WVCSB will recognize Turner and celebrate his decade of faithful service during the 2026 WVCSB Annual Meeting, Nov. 5-6 at Cross Lanes Baptist Church.