Tim was a long-time supporter of BACE and her mission to undergird and support the work of Christian education. Tim was a native of Texas and served on church staffs in Texas, Missouri, Georgia, and Mississippi before joining the staff of the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources ) in 1983. He later joined the Tennessee Baptist Convention staff as Christian Growth Development Group leader and leadership specialist where he served for 13 years until his retirement in 2009.

After retirement he served part-time on the discipleship staff of Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood as adult minister — mentor relationships. Those who know him best remember Tim as a great leader and a great team builder. He was a lifelong student, always reading and studying. He was kind. He was the ultimate encourager. He was a life coach and a great teacher. He had a winsome personality and he never met a stranger!

After a long battle with cancer, Tim passed away in August of 2016. One of Tim’s greatest concerns was that BACE would continue to thrive and be positioned well for the next generation of Christian education leaders. It is with great honor that BACE begins the tradition of awarding leaders the Tim Holcomb Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong investment in the work of Christian education. Each recipient will receive both lifetime membership in BACE and lifetime complimentary conference registration.


Each year the Baptist Association of Christian Educators may recognize one or more Southern Baptist religious educators who have made outstanding contributions to the field religious education and discipleship through years of service and life-long commitments as church staff workers and/or denominational service. Guidelines for the selection of the recipients include: (1) worthy and extended service in religious education; (2) recognition of his/her service by colleagues in religious education; (3) broad influence which may include writing and conference leading; and (4) membership and participation in BACE and sister associations.

Recipients receive Lifetime Membership in BACE as a part of their recognition.


The Graduate Award in Christian Education is given in order to foster a lifelong commitment to the vocation of Christian Education among promising leaders. It is awarded annually to one student from each participating seminary or university which requests the award. The award is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated academic and professional excellence in the field of Christian Education. Recipients receive a free one-year membership in BACE and free registration (excluding travel and lodging) at the first BACE conference they attend after graduation.

Qualifying seminaries and universities may use the following link to submit their award recipient:

GRADUATE AWARD SUBMISSION FORM

All nominations should be submitted one month before the annual conference.