Steven Wade, lead pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville and a professor of pastoral theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, will be nominated for a second term as first vice president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina during this year’s N.C. Baptist annual meeting.

Will Toburen, lead pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, plans to make the nomination.

“Getting to know Steven over the past several years has been a gift,” Toburen told the Biblical Recorder in written comments. “I’ve seen firsthand his love for his family, his genuine humility, and a life marked by integrity both in public and private. His ministry at Faith Baptist Church and Southeastern Theological Seminary reflects a steadfast commitment to the local church, a passion for planting new churches, and a heart for raising up the next generation of pastors, planters, and church leaders.

“In every leadership setting, he leads with a blend of wisdom, discernment, and courage. He has faithfully served NC Baptists over the last year, providing steady guidance and a firm commitment to building a movement of churches on mission together. His proven leadership makes him uniquely qualified to help guide our Convention forward with clarity and purpose. I have no doubt he will continue to serve NC Baptists well!”

Wade has served as lead pastor of Faith Baptist since June 2017 and as a member of the faculty at Southeastern Seminary since 2006. Before coming to Faith Baptist, Wade served as lead pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Zebulon for more than 18 years. He has also served in other ministry positions at churches in South Carolina.

Wade was elected first vice president by messengers attending the 2024 N.C. Baptist annual meeting last November. Prior to serving as a state convention officer, Wade served on the N.C. Baptist board of directors, chairman of the Christian Life and Public Affairs Committee and on the Executive Committee.

Wade called serving as a state convention officer “an honor.” If re-elected, Wade said he would continue to encourage N.C. Baptist churches around the Great Commission.

“I’m more excited than ever about what God is doing in and through our NC Baptist churches as we are on mission together,” Wade told the Biblical Recorder in a written statement, “As one of the vice presidents, I’ve had a front row seat on how God is doing abundantly above all that we could think or imagine. It has been an honor to serve and if I can continue to be a part of that effort, I will do my best to push us toward biblical fidelity and missional fervor!”

Wade earned his bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in South Carolina, and both a master of divinity and Ph.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Wade and his wife, Jenny, have four children.

According to state convention records, Faith Baptist Church averaged 1,381 in weekly worship attendance in 2024 and reported 50 baptisms. The church contributed $60,000 in Cooperative Program gifts, as well as $50,000 to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions and $180,000 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.

Wade is the first announced candidate for first vice president of the state convention.

Current N.C. Baptist President Allen Murray will be renominated for a second full term as president. Murray pastors Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Supply.

This year’s N.C. Baptist annual meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10-11 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.