Westbrook Returns to Ohio in New Role

I’m. Coming. Home. These were the words that began an article written by LeBron James. I first read them on a July afternoon in 2014 via social media as I sat in a dentist office with my kids in Dublin. Several years earlier, he had left Ohio for Florida in search of winning his first NBA championship that had eluded him for so long. He did eventually win not just one, but two titles. More importantly, he said he learned how to become a champion in Florida and was now returning back to the great state of Ohio to win a title in his homeland. I never forgot that story.

Several years ago, the Lord called our family away from Ohio to Florida to be part of a global church planting movement and also to serve as an AMS/DOM leading a local association. In many ways, I learned from one of the best churches and state conventions in the country. I believe the Lord called me away to prepare me to come back home to the great state of Ohio to be part of advancing the Kingdom of God. Through helping plant a church in Marysville in 2008 and serving as President of the SCBO in 2016, these incredible experiences gave me a deep love for this state, our churches, and our pastors that comprise The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.

My family and I look forward to the years ahead of seeing how the Lord will move among us. Change is on the horizon and that is a good thing. I am excited to share more with you soon, but until then, please continue to pray for us and I want to thank you for your faithful support of the Cooperative Program. Personally, I am thrilled to travel the state and preach in many of our churches and meetings to say thank you and challenge us with fresh new vision.

I am already scheduled to preach this fall in several churches and some annual associational meetings. Please let me know if I can ever serve you in any way. Always feel free to email me at jwestbrook@scbo.org if the SCBO can come along side to help you or your church.

It’s good to be home. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your new Executive Director-Treasurer.