National Baptist Convention USA Meets in Kansas City
The historically black National Baptist Convention USA is holding its 145th annual session in Kansas City this week. Pastors, leaders, youth and families from across the nation are gathering under the theme Worship, Fellowship and Growth.
Organizers said the gathering will feature powerful worship experiences to refresh the spirit; dynamic preaching and teaching to strengthen faith; and opportunities for fellowship and growth in ministry, leadership and service. Both in-person attendance and virtual participation will be available.
The Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, president of the convention, said this year’s session comes at a vital moment for the historic body. “It’s a new day; a new day with technology; a new day with women being involved; the use of young adults’ involvement; speaking with social justice, evangelism and mission,” he said.
Civil rights leaders also will take part in the convention, he said, “sharing with us and with our convention in reference to what is going on in America today; and talking about the setback; and how we as a people should prepare and be ready to fight the injustices that are happening within the black and brown community.”
Christopher Davis, general secretary of the denomination, stressed how vital it is to link faith with action.
“All roads lead to K.C.,” he said. “It’s always good to have believers, leaders from across the country, as we continue to galvanize by the strategic agenda put forth by our president. Dr. Kimber’s leadership I’ve appreciated; if we’re going to live in the historic role of our churches, we have to have a social justice agenda.”
Davis said he hopes those attending will carry home a message of responsibility and civic engagement.
“One of the things I hope they leave with is the understanding that faith requires an active agenda; we can’t sit back and merely pray and wait on God to do something and hope it’s going to get better,” he said. “We’ve got to make our concerns known, allow our voice to be heard, and vote; we have got to encourage folks that look like us.”
–Alan Goforth
