By Bob Simpson, BCM/D Associate Executive Director/COO and Editor of BaptistLIFE
In his address to the 177th Annual Meeting of church messengers at Global Mission Church, Silver Spring, Md., Dr. David H. Lee announced his plans to retire as the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware effective July 31, 2013. 
Lee, 62, told the messengers during the Monday evening session that “I have lived a blessed life. God changed my life at age 15. At age 16 I said, ‘Yes,’ to God’s call to preach. At age 20 God gave me a life and ministry partner. I would not be where I am today without my wife. Sherry and I will celebrate 42 years of marriage in December. God blessed us with two godly sons who with their wives faithfully serve Jesus, and four wonderful grandchildren who are the apple of Grandaddy’s and Mimi’s eyes.”
Lee continued, “I have been given the privilege of standing in the pulpit to preach the word of God and be called pastor by some of God’s most special people. All of life and ministry have not always been easy, but God has always been faithful. My journey with you has been a tremendous blessing. You are a blessing. Sherry and I love you. It has been such a privilege to serve you. I was given specific tasks by God when I came to serve you. I am convinced that assignment has been completed. I am at peace in announcing it to you tonight, because I want to allow the leaders to have ample time for a search process for your next leader. We cannot afford to lose focus on our mission. Together we will pray and seek God’s direction. Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to serve you.”
Upon his retirement, Lee will have completed 19 years of service to the Convention, the last 13 of which was as the Executive Director. A native of North Carolina, Lee has pastored since 1994 in Mississippi and Maryland. Prior to joining the staff of BCM/D Lee, pastored Faith Baptist Church in Glen Burnie, Md.
In May, 2000, Lee was the unanimous choice of the General Mission Board to succeed Charles Barnes, who was retiring at the time. Lee’s tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on missions and church planting, building relationships among pastors, and helping existing churches become healthier and more Great Commission focused. Lee and his wife, Sherry, have together championed the support of ministers, their wives, and their families through numerous intentional initiatives and ministry events.
Lee earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). He was honored in 2008 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by NOBTS. He is also a graduate of William Carey College, where he was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2005.