George Wright resigns from Shades Mountain Baptist Church, cites family
George Wright said Friday that he is leaving shades mountain baptist church, telling the congregation in a video posted to social media that the decision was heartbreaking for his family. He said his final Sunday sermon was two days away and asked members to pray like crazy.
George Wright video announcement
Wright said that over the past couple of weeks it had become clear that his time at Shades was coming to an end. He added that nothing in his life disqualifies him from ministry or stands in the way of his continuing to pursue God’s calling.
He also said, “I am more passionate and committed right now to live out this purpose than I’ve ever been,” and closed by saying, “That will continue.” In his appeal for prayer, Wright asked the church to pray for the congregation, his family, the community and “that revival would continue to break out.”
Shades Mountain Baptist Church members
Shades Mountain Baptist Church has roughly 7,800 members in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. Wright has served as senior pastor there since Aug. 15, 2021, making his departure a leadership change for a large local congregation after less than five years in the post.
The church’s leaders said they are committed to finding Wright’s successor. In a written statement posted on Facebook, they said they trust that the Lord is guiding them and that the leadership and staff are committed to walking through the season with care, unity and faith.
Bryant Wright and succession
Wright previously served as pastor of Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, from 2017 to 2021. He was born in Houston and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and his father, the Rev. Bryant Wright, led Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2010 to 2012.
The immediate next step is the church’s search for a successor, with leaders already saying they will keep the congregation informed as that process moves ahead. For members, the practical change is straightforward: the church is entering a transition period with its senior pastor leaving and leadership preparing the handoff.
