Editor's note: This story was updated March 17 to clarify information in the third paragraph. 

ATLANTA (ABP) -- Bruce Gourley, a historian and online editor of Baptists Today, has been named executive director of the Baptist History and Heritage Society, effective April 1.

He succeeds Charles Deweese, the first executive director of the society that has operated independently since a restructuring of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1995, who retired last October.

The society, which relies on contributions and proceeds from the sale of resources for revenue, has struggled financially since early in 2009. Society president Mike Williams said while finances are improved -- thanks largely to fund-raising by interim leader Walter Shurden -- Gourley will work part time from his home near Bozeman, Mont., and make trips to Atlanta, where the society's offices are located, when needed.

"He is an accomplished writer and Baptist historian," Williams said of Gourley. "He also has an entrepreneurial spirit and the technological skills to lead the society in the 21st century. He shows a willingness to be a fund-raiser and to network with Baptists who can help us financially. I feel confident that Bruce has many of the skills that we need to lead us and that he will work hard to learn the other skills that he needs."

Bruce Gourley

Gourley, former associate director of Mercer University's Center for Baptist Studies, may be better known in broader Baptist life as an Internet entrepreneur who created and owns the discussion forums at BaptistLife.com. He said he was honored by his selection and looking forward to his new job.

"As an independent organization devoted to preserving and retelling the four-centuries-old Baptist story against a global backdrop, the Baptist History and Heritage Society occupies a unique and important place in Baptist life," he said. "By focusing on the collective wisdom of our common past as Baptists, the society assists in interpreting Baptist life today and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."

Gourley, a graduate of Mercer University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in history from Auburn University, is the author of three books.

Doug Weaver, a Baylor University religion professor who chaired the search team that recommended Gourley, described him as "a great choice to lead the society in the 21st century."

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This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.

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