SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Dr. Neil A. Knierim was named the new senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Alabaster on Nov. 6. Knierim follows Dr. Wayne Crumpton, who retired nearly two years ago.

Crumpton served as the church’s senior pastor for 23 years. Knierim will begin his duties Dec. 4.

Knierim comes to Birmingham from Nashville, where he was director of the northern and western regions for LifeWay Christian Resources, a Southern Baptist agency.

He was responsible for LifeWay’s relationship with about 20,000 churches in 38 states and Canada.

He simultaneously served as bi-vocational pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

During his tenure with the Illinois Baptist State Association and LifeWay, he served as interim pastor for six churches.

&8220;We are delighted to welcome Dr. Knierim to our church staff,&8221; said Dr. Bill Johnston, minister of education.

&8220;In addition to his experience as a LifeWay author, seminary guest professor and church consultant, Dr. Knierim is a personable and visionary leader who will provide excellent leadership for us in meeting community needs.&8221;

Knierim’s wife, Vickie, has been a freshman English instructor and doctorate candidate at Middle Tennessee State University.

The couple’s two sons are already residents of the Birmingham area.

Josh Knierim is in his final year at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School. Matthew Knierim is a senior at Samford University