Alum Elected President of The National Baptist Convention USA

The Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, a prominent figure in the National Baptist Convention USA (NBCUSA), was recently elected as its President, a role that positions him at the head of the largest Black Protestant denomination in the world. A 1997 graduate of Hartford Seminary, the Rev. Dr. Kimber also serves as the senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut.

The convention has played a leading role on issues such as civil rights, criminal justice, and housing, and has contributed significantly to voter rights efforts.

Reflecting on his journey, the Rev. Dr. Kimber shared his deep roots in the ministry, which began at age 15 when he started preaching in Opelika, Alabama. "None of my parents have ever preached. I'm the only preacher in the family on both sides," he said, adding that he has been a member of the NBCUSA since 1977 and has held various leadership positions within the convention.

The Rev. Dr. Kimber ran for president once before, in 2014, where he finished second, but this time, he secured the position with 69% of the vote. “The largest percentage that has been for anyone running for President,” he said.

He emphasized the significance of Christian education as a key part of his platform. "Our convention was started in 1895, on mission and evangelism," he said. "You cannot do mission and evangelism unless you are doing Christian education." He thinks it is important to teach and train members in the church's doctrines and traditions, reflecting his vision for the future of the NBCUSA under his leadership.

One of the Rev. Dr. Kimber's immediate priorities is to go on a national "listening tour," as he aims to unify the convention and ensure that each congregation can thrive. 

For aspiring leaders, he offered advice rooted in perseverance: "Be faithful, become a student of your own environment. It took me almost 40 years to become president, but I stayed with it."

Congratulations, Boise!