This week, the leading group of Black Protestants in the country is convening for an important event that could lead to a significant leadership dilemma, especially as it struggles to engage a younger demographic.

The National Baptist Convention, USA (NBCUSA) is one of the four primary Black Baptist denominations in the United States and holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest. With an estimated membership ranging between 5.2 million and 7.5 million, the convention has long been involved in numerous important issues such as affordable housing, health inequality, education, and criminal justice reform.

Historically, the denomination has been a champion for civil rights and has devoted recent efforts to voter registration and advocacy for voting rights, catching the attention of national political figures. For example, President Joe Biden attended a church service led by the denomination’s president in Mississippi during the 2020 primaries, while Vice President Kamala Harris addressed its annual meeting in 2022. Harris is also connected to a church affiliated with this denomination as she runs for the Democratic presidential nomination in the upcoming election.

However, the convention, also known as NBCUSA, faces significant hurdles in engaging young individuals to replenish its predominantly aging base, both among churchgoers and leaders. These challenges have intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted historically Black congregations especially hard.

This week, a contentious presidential election taking place in Baltimore may further complicate these issues.

During its annual meeting from September 2 to September 5, the NBCUSA is set to determine whether a single candidate, Rev. Boise Kimber from Connecticut, will take over for Rev. Jerry Young, who has been the denomination’s leader for the past decade.

However, there has been growing discontent regarding a recent decision that restricts which churches can nominate candidates for the presidency, resulting in uncertainty about the election process. Although there is only one candidate on the ballot, should opposition succeed in achieving a majority “no” vote, it could initiate a potentially lengthy two-year process for nominations and elections.

Depending on the outcome, the denomination may be left vulnerable, continuing to face issues of waning enthusiasm and participation from its members.

“In times when denominations are needed more than ever, we find ourselves more fragmented,” remarked Rev. Breonus Mitchell, a Nashville pastor and chair of the NBCUSA board of directors, which oversees convention matters beyond the annual meeting. “That division leads many to feel that we are no longer essential.”

Recently, the board implemented a policy restricting some churches from nominating candidates for the presidential race, disqualifying four potential candidates from the ballot. Those disqualified — Rev. Alvin Love from Chicago, Rev. Tellis Chapman from Detroit, Rev. Claybon Lea, Jr. from the San Francisco area, and Rev. James Sampson from Florida — launched a joint initiative to “fight for the soul of the convention,” arguing that the board’s decision denied the broader convention the chance to participate in critical leadership choices.

“Right now, our most significant obstacle isn’t just Boise Kimber. It’s not solely about the board’s antics,” stated Rev. Alvin Love, a Chicago pastor and aspiring presidential candidate. “Our most pressing challenge is generating enough enthusiasm among our members to encourage them to actually attend the event in Baltimore.”

A unity campaign has arisen in reaction to a recent special meeting of the board in March, during which they voted 46-11 to tighten the rules concerning which churches can nominate candidates.

“Our wonderful convention should not have to convene secret meetings to select its leaders, but that’s precisely what has occurred,” expressed Sampson in an open letter on August 21. “The recent decision to determine our next leader was unethical, poorly chosen, and morally wrong.”

Critics of the unity campaign contend that the protests are hindering the candidates’ efforts for progress by possibly delaying the appointment of a president. However, the four candidates argue that any change will be meaningless if it continues to be based on ongoing governance disputes.

“If we do not adhere to our existing rules,” Lea remarked, “we’re essentially undermining our own efforts.”

Liam Adams reports on religion for The Tennessean,