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National Missionary Baptist Convention of America

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National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
ClassificationWestern Christian
OrientationProtestant
TheologyBaptist
PolityCongregationalist
PresidentAnthony E. Sharp, I
AssociationsBaptist World Alliance
HeadquartersDallas, Texas
TerritoryNorth America
Origin1988
Dallas, Texas
Separated fromNational Baptist Convention of America
SeparationsInstitutional Missionary Baptist Conference of America
Congregations7,564
Members2,428,820
Other name(s)National Missionary Baptist Convention
Official websitewww.nmbca.org
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The National Missionary Baptist Convention of America (NMBCA), also known as the National Missionary Baptist Convention (NMBC), is a predominantly African American Baptist Christian denomination. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas,[1][2] the National Missionary Baptists—claiming continuity as the convention of R.H. Boyd—were formed in 1988. The convention is currently led by Dr. Anthony Sharp, I as president.[3]

History

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The National Missionary Baptist Convention of America was formed during a meeting attended by Dr. S. J. Gilbert, Sr. and Dr. S. M. Wright, along with several leaders and members from the National Baptist Convention of America.[4] The meeting was held between November 14–15, 1988 at the People's Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas primarily concerning the relationship with the National Baptist Publishing Board (now known as the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation).[5]

Reverend S.M. Lockridge of San Diego was elected as the first president of the newly-formed denomination, and served until his retirement in 1994. After Lockridge's retirement, elections have been held, and he was succeeded by the following presidents since 2018: Dr. S.M. Wright, Dr. W.T. Snead, Sr., Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Dr. C.C. Robertson, Dr. Nehemiah Davis, and Dr. Anthony Sharp, I.

A party led by Dr. H. J. Johnson in Dallas withdrew and formed the Institutional Missionary Baptist Conference of America from 1998–1999. This followed Johnson's unsuccessful campaign for the presidency, which was won by Dr. W.T. Snead, Sr.

From January 24–28, 2005, the National Missionary Baptists collaborated with the National Baptist Convention, USA; the National Baptist Convention of America; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention on establishing a joint agenda.[6] From January 22–25, 2024, the NMBCA joined with the other three prominent Black Baptist denominations again as the National Baptist Joint Board Session.[7]

Statistics

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As of 2024, the convention claims more than 400,000 members spread throughout the United States of America.[1] According to the Association of Religion Data Archives in 2020, the NMBCA maintains a large presence in California, Texas, the Southeast, and portions of the Midwest.[4] In the same 2020 study, the convention numbered 7,564 churches and 2,428,820 members.[8]

Organization

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As a part of the Baptist Christian tradition, the National Missionary Baptists operate congregationally, while meeting during sessions throughout the year, similar to a presbytery. The convention is governed by the National Missionary Baptist Executive Committee, which consists of: the president; vice president-at-large, and the vice presidents of boards, auxiliaries, ecumenical affairs, financial affairs, state presidents and moderators; the general secretary; corresponding secretary; treasurer; director of communications and public relations; and the president and CEO of the National Baptist Publishing Board.[9]

The boards of the convention include the Evangelical Board; Foreign Mission Board; Educational Board; Commission Board; and Home Mission Board.[10] Its auxiliaries include the Ministers Conference, Ministers' Wives and Widows, Senior Women, Junior Women, Nurses' Corps, Ushers', Brotherhood Union, Youth Convention, Intergenerational Women, and the Spirit of Timothy.[11][12] The convention also has several departments.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Who We Are". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  2. ^ "National Missionary Baptist Convention of America". Baptist World Alliance. 2022-07-21. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  3. ^ "Our President". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  4. ^ a b "National Missionary Baptist Convention of America". Association of Religion Data and Archives. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  5. ^ "National Baptist Convention of America Annuals". Southern Baptist Historical Library & Archives. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  6. ^ Zoll, Rachel (29 January 2005). "Long-divided black Baptists try to unite around common agenda". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012.
  7. ^ Tucker, Taylor (2024-01-24). "901 Now: Baptist pastors convene in Memphis". Action News 5. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  8. ^ "Congregational Membership Reports". Association of Religion Data Archives. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  9. ^ "The Executive Committee". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  10. ^ "NMBCA Board Areas". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  11. ^ "Auxiliaries". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  12. ^ "Convention Officers". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  13. ^ "Convention Staff". National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. Retrieved 2024-11-24.

Sources

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  • Baptists Around the World, by Albert W. Wardin, Jr.
  • Handbook of Denominations, 11th Edition, by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, & Craig D. Atwood ISBN 0-687-06983-1
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