Morris H. Chapman, esteemed former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and the SBC Executive Committee, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on Thanksgiving Day, 1940, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Morris’s journey of faith began early—he professed Christ at age 7 and felt called to the ministry by age 12. After graduating from Kosciusko High School and Mississippi College, he went on to earn Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
Morris faithfully pastored four churches over 25 years: First Baptist Church, Rogers, Texas; First Baptist Church, Woodway, Texas; First Baptist Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas. Under his leadership, First Baptist Wichita Falls consistently led in Cooperative Program giving and baptisms, reflecting Dr. Chapman’s passion for evangelism and missions.
Active in denominational life, he served as president of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico, as a member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and later as SBC Pastors’ Conference president in 1986. In 1990, he was elected SBC president, becoming the last Conservative Resurgence leader to be opposed by a moderate. He steadfastly defended Southern Baptist traditions of conservative theology and cooperative missions, playing a pivotal role amid denominational transitions.
In 1992, Dr. Chapman was chosen as president of the SBC Executive Committee. His 18-year tenure was marked by visionary leadership, record Cooperative Program giving, and the launch of initiatives like Empowering Kingdom Growth and Global Evangelical Relations. Chapman championed the Cooperative Program and streamlined SBC structures for greater effectiveness. His influence extended globally as he preached in over 40 countries and represented Southern Baptists at the highest levels of public service.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Morris is survived by his wife Jodi; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Renee Chapman; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Scott Evans; brother Ron (Brenda); eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Morris H. Chapman’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to God’s will and a passion for reaching the world with the gospel. His legacy of servant leadership, integrity, and Kingdom vision will continue to inspire generations of Southern Baptists and believers across the globe.
The Celebration of Life service held for Dr. Chapman on Oct. 24 can be viewed on the Triune Baptist Church (Arrington, TN) Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morris H. and Jodi Francis Chapman Denominational Scholars Award at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. https://swbts.edu/chapman
