Walton recognized as Outstanding Interim Pastor of 2019

DALLAS—Dr. Charles "Rusty" Walton received the Maples-Williamson-Daehnert (MWD) Award from Texas Baptists on Oct. 10, 2019, at a banquet held at Dallas Baptist University. Walton was recognized for being the outstanding interim pastor of the year. He pastored the First Baptist Church of Duncanville and First Baptist Church of Conroe before entering into interim ministry in retirement.  

“Dr. Walton embodies the best of interim pastors as he provides grace, a non-anxious presence, and sound wisdom,” said Karl Fickling, coordinator of Interim Ministry for Texas Baptists.   

Walton has served three churches as Intentional Interim Ministry, including his current assignment at First Baptist Church of Sour Lake. 

A common compliment Dr. Walton receives from interim church members is, "He wouldn't tell us what to do, but he helped us to talk through our issues and make good decisions for ourselves," Fickling continued.  

Prior recipient, Dr. E. L. "Skip" McNeal, presented the award to Walton. 

Since 2009, the MWD Award has been presented, for leadership, vision, and modeling impacting the BGCT, her churches, and her ministers. Prior recipients also include Wallace Watkins, James McGlothlin, Nolan Duck, Les Robinson, Fred Meeks, Jimmy McLeod, Dwight Reagan and Levi Price.