In a unique election process, the National Baptist Convention, USA, elected the Rev. Boise Kimber as its new president. The senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut, Kimber was the sole candidate on the ballot, receiving 69% of the votes with 1,774 “yes” votes. Despite some opposition, with 31% of voters casting a “n o” vote, Kimber secured his position and addressed attendees with a message of gratitude, emphasizing his faith in God’s guidance.
Election Process and Challenges Faced by Other Candidates
Before the election, Kimber met the necessary requirements, including securing endorsements from 100 member churches and NBCUSA entities. Four other pastors, including Rev. Tellis Chapman and Rev. James B. Sampson, were disqualified from running, as many of their endorsements came from churches that could not maintain their registration with the denomination.
These disqualified candidates voiced concerns about the election process, with some even calling for a restart if enough “no” votes were cast. However, after the election, Sampson’s tone shifted to one of acceptance, congratulating Kimber via social media.
Looking Forward: Hopes for Generational Modification
As the convention progresses, many attendees hope Kimber’s leadership will begin a generational shift in the denomination. Pastors like Rev. Dwight and Derik Jones expressed optimism that Kimber’s leadership would address the church’s needs in a post-pandemic world, ensuring the growth and vitality of NBCUSA.
Outgoing president Rev. Jerry Young acknowledged the challenges in the election process but emphasized that the outcome reflected the will of the convention body. He promised a smooth transition, contrasting it with the controversy of the last national U.S. election.
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National Baptists choose Connecticut pastor Boise Kimber as next president
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