Dr. Jerry Young concludes tenure as NBCUSA, Inc. president – Dr. Boise Kimber elected as successor

By Jerlen Young,
Guest Writer,

During the 144th Annual Session to assumeional Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBCUSA), held September 2-5, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Jerry Young presided over his final session as president, concluding a decade of leadership. Dr. Young, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Jackson, MS, was first elected as the 18th president of NBCUSA in 2014 and re-elected by acclamation in 2019. Per NBCUSA’s constitution, a president may serve no more than two terms.
Throughout his administration, Dr. Young implemented several key changes. The young people’s department was restructured into the new Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary, and a comprehensive budget was established to centralize and streamline convention funds. In a significant legal victory, the NBCUSA retained its alignment with American Baptist College in Nashville, TN. Dr. Young also replaced traditional convention sermons with workshops and seminars aimed at training pastors and preachers. These changes, along with his leadership, are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the convention.
The week featured numerous meetings and special events honoring Dr. Young and his wife, Helen Young. Highlights included a presidential banquet on September 3, where U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina urged attendees to register voters ahead of the November 5 elections. Clyburn was introduced by U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who reflected on Dr. Young’s Mississippi roots.
Mrs. Young was celebrated during a luncheon on September 4, where Dr. Cynthia Smith, president of the Woman’s Auxiliary, and other ministers’ wives commended her grace and dedication as First Lady of the convention.
On September 5, Dr. Young delivered his final address before more than 5,000 delegates. His daughter, Dr. Jerlen Young Canada, introduced him, recounting his efforts to revitalize the youth ministry and his leadership through financial challenges, lawsuits, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared a video montage of his past addresses, followed by a stirring solo performance of “Fight On” by his younger daughter, Kelli Young Hart, which brought many, including Dr. Young, to tears.
In his address, Dr. Young thanked his family, New Hope Baptist Church, and NBCUSA staff for their support throughout his presidency. He called on preachers to prioritize time with God over distractions, declaring, “Your theology ought to lead you to a doxology, or else it’s idolatry.”
Dr. Young also addressed the upcoming NBCUSA presidential election, where Dr. Boise Kimber, pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, CT, was the only certified candidate. Despite challenges from other potential candidates, Kimber received 69% of the vote, securing his election as the 19th president of NBCUSA. He will be officially installed at the Mid-Winter Board Meeting in January 2025.
Dr. Young’s final session marked the end of an era, highlighting his resilience and contributions to the convention while paving the way for new leadership under Dr. Kimber.