Armless Pastor Tapped For Historic SBC Leadership Role
Daniel Ritchie, a pastor, author, and advocate born without arms, has been nominated for the role of first vice president at the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Annual Meeting in June. Known for his inspirational books My Affliction for His Glory and Endure: Building Faith for the Long Run, Ritchie is admired for his dedication to evangelism and spreading the message of Christ. His nomination is supported by Matt Capps, pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina, who praises Ritchie as one of the most passionate and faithful evangelists in today’s generation.
Ritchie has expressed his appreciation for the nomination and shared his vision if elected. His primary goals are to encourage individual evangelism within the church, mentor future leaders, and ensure that the Great Commission remains a driving force behind the SBC’s mission. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Judson College and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
With over 20 years of experience in ministry, Ritchie has served in various pastoral roles and been a speaker at numerous conferences, churches, and camps. He also spoke at the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Anaheim, California. He is a member of The Summit Church, a large multisite congregation in Raleigh-Durham, and is also a family man, married with two children.
A significant aspect of Ritchie’s life is his openness about living with a disability. In a 2022 op-ed, he wrote about the challenges of growing up without arms and the importance of taking time to reflect on God’s love in a fast-paced world. He emphasized the value of slowing down and making space for spiritual reflection.
Ritchie’s nomination for first vice president is a recognition of his contributions to the faith community and his perseverance in overcoming personal obstacles. If elected, Ritchie intends to focus on advancing evangelism, leadership development, and ensuring the SBC remains committed to biblical faith and teachings.