Aaron Wallace, lead pastor of Hephzibah Baptist Church in Wendell, has been named director of the Mission Catalysts Group with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

The executive committee of the state convention’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve Wallace’s appointment during a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Sept. 23. N.C. Baptist Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker presented Wallace to the committee as a candidate for the role, in accordance with state convention employment policies.

Wallace will lead a team of Great Commission catalysts who provide support to churches across the state. The team includes both regionally deployed catalysts and those serving specific ethnic contexts, such as African-American, Asian and Hispanic pastors and congregations. Catalysts serve as the primary point of contact for pastors, churches and associations within their assigned areas.

Wallace will assume his new position on Sept. 29. 

Unzicker commended Wallace’s leadership and impact in leading Hephzibah Baptist to partner in church planting, church revitalization and international missions mobilization. He led Hephzibah to plant four churches, one of which is now planting another.

“He is known to churches across our state as an encourager, catalyst and friend,” Unzicker said.

Wallace described stepping into this role with N.C. Baptists as a privilege. 

“My heart beats for the local church and for seeing disciples made, leaders equipped and churches planted,” Wallace said. “I believe God is writing a story across our state that is bigger than any one church, and I am excited to link arms with pastors, leaders and congregations who want to see the gospel advance.

“My prayer is that, together, we will faithfully multiply the mission so that every person has the chance to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus.”

Wallace’s heart for ministry is rooted in the belief that the local church is God’s chosen vessel for gospel impact. He is passionate about equipping churches to multiply through disciple-making, church planting and missions, so that every community in North Carolina and beyond has access to the hope of Jesus.

Wallace has served on staff at Hephzibah Baptist Church since 1997 and as lead pastor since 2010. He led the church through seasons of significant growth and gospel advancement. Under his leadership, Hephzibah Baptist sent and supported church plants, sent mission teams across the United States and internationally, and developed strategies for raising up leaders within the congregation.

He guided Hephzibah into deeper community engagement, mobilizing members to serve schools, families and local ministries.

Wallace has served on the N.C. Baptist board of directors as well as on a number of committees of both the state and national conventions over the years.

Wallace is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

He and his wife, Melanie, have two daughters and two sons-in-law who share their love for the local church and the Great Commission. Melanie served as vice president of the state convention’s board of directors in 2019 and president of the board in 2020.