Black Press USA Staff Report
The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. will hold its 145th Annual Session in Kansas City, Missouri, from September 8–11, 2025, bringing together pastors, leaders, youth, and families from across the nation 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. Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., told Black Press USA that 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,” Kimber said. He noted that civil rights leaders will also take part in the convention, “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.”
The agenda begins on Monday, September 8, with registration at 8 a.m., followed by an executive breakfast meeting and a series of sessions, including the State Presidents Luncheon and the Parent Body Executive Board Meeting. The evening features a sermon by Dr. John Adolph of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Texas at 5:15 p.m., a Musical Celebration and Welcome Program at 7 p.m., and a Late Night Service led by Rev. Dr. Reginald L. Bachus of Mount Ollie Baptist Church in New York and Rev. Dr. Selwyn Bachu of Middle Baptist Church.
Tuesday, September 9, will open with “Morning Glory” worship and prayers for the nation and the convention, followed by the official opening session. The day will also include a President’s Banquet at 5 p.m. and an evening worship service at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 10, attendees will take part in worship services, auxiliary meetings, workshops, and luncheons, capped off with a late-night service at 9 p.m. The final day, Thursday, September 11, will feature morning worship, the Convention President’s Address beginning at 10 a.m., and the official closing of the session at 1 p.m.
Christopher Davis, General Secretary at the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc, stressed how vital it is to link faith with action. “All roads lead to KC. 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,” Davis said. “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,” Davis stated. “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. We must flip the House or it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
