The church called Jeff Crook, a 33-year-old Jacksonville, Florida, native. Crook most recently has been senior pastor of Madison Street Baptist Church, a 1,900-member congregation in Starke, Florida.
The vote in favor of the call was overwhelming among the 1,310 Blackshear Place members present for the vote Sunday morning.
Crook began his pastoral ministry in Donaldsonville, Georgia, as a student minister at Rocky Ridge Baptist Church.
Crook describes his preaching delivery as bold and prophetic.
Among his life goals is to lead Christians to make a difference in their community and world.
"I want to lead God's Church to really be the church. I believe in the ministry of the local church."
Crook is married and has a three-year-old daughter.
The call came after Sunday services, punctuating a weekend of meetings with church staff and the congregation.
Crook fills the vacancy left about three years ago when Jim Austin left to go to a church in Virginia.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/11/169312