James I. Walker

James I. Walker, pastor of Biltmore Baptist Church for the past 14 years, resigned last Monday.

Under his leadership, the church has experienced significant growth. During his tenure, the church moved from its Hendersonville Road location to its current 63-acre location on Clayton Road.

Today, the church is one of the largest in the area with as many as 4,500 attendees on an average Sunday and a 300-person choir.

Walker will continue his spiritual work as the CEO of Haggai International Leadership Institute, an Atlanta-based oganization which helps promote missionary efforts worldwide.

During his July 29 sermon, Walker told the congregation, ìI never imagined that part of His (Godís) global strategy for this church was to call out the Pastor and his family as a global extension of the ministry of Biltmore Baptist Church ... For months we have literally agonized over this decision, but the Lord has made it clear that we are to walk through this door and that He is going to continue to do a great work in and through BBC.î

A farewell reception was held for Walker last Sunday afternoon following his final service at the church.
Meanwhile, the BBC has begun searching for a new pastor.

Dr. Jim Henry will serve as the interim pastor.