The Reverend Dr. Sammie E. Jones, local host chairman, and Reverend Dr. George W. Waddles Sr., the president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education have announced that the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education will be holding its 108th Annual Session the week of June 16-21 at the America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis.
Jones, senior pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church Christian Complex, has stated that organizers anticipate over 30,000 messengers to attend this traveling educational institution. Visitors will study and learn Baptist doctrine, biblical studies, preaching, music and worship, effective outreach, how to minister to children, teens, young adults, men, women and seniors.
This week will include classes, seminars, choir rehearsals, health fairs, street services, outreach activities, concerts and most importantly preaching. Attendees will experience informative panel discussions and breakout sessions led by some of the country’s most dynamic pastors, Christian educators and ministry leaders. Each day the 30,000-plus Baptist faithful will be in study, prayer, and worship from morning to midnight.
Some highlights:
Saturday, June 15, 6 p.m. Saint Louis Youth Choir Musical (New Sunny Mount Baptist Church). The Youth of Saint Louis & Metro East Illinois under the direction of the Minister Christopher Watkins.
Sunday, June 16 – 7 p.m.: Opening Worship Service (Hilton Ballpark). The Official Opening of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel at the Ball Park. The Reverend Dr. Zachery Lee, local host co-chairman and pastor of the Mount Paran Baptist Church (East St. Louis), is the guest speaker.
Monday, June 17 – 7 p.m.: Congress Musical (America’s Center). A 1000 local voice choir comprised of Baptist from Saint Louis & Metro East Illinois under the direction of Dr. Anita Watkins-Stevens, Minister of Music at the New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church (St. Louis).
Tuesday, June 18 – 2 pm: Dean’s Address (America’s Center). Dr. Elliott Cuff, dean of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, will present his platform for the year, as well as deliver an inspiring sermon.
Wednesday, June 19 – 6 p.m.: President’s Banquet (America’s Center). Roland Martin, a nationally award-winning and multifaceted journalist will be the Keynote Speaker at the President’s Banquet. This event is a designed to raise funds for National Baptist Congress Scholarships.
Thursday, June 20 – 2 p.m.: Congress President’s Address (America’s Center). Dr. George W. Waddles, Sr., President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education will share the state of our Christian Educational thrust, as a denomination, through an inspiring sermon.
Friday June 21 – 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Children’s Rally & Youth Rally (America’s Center): The Congress concludes on a high note as over 2,000 children and teens will lead the National Baptist Congress in Worship through song, poetry, drama, mime, stepping and dance.
Founded in 1886, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (Convention) is the nation’s oldest and largest African American religious convention with an estimated membership of 7.5 million. The National President, Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs has led the organization since 2009.
The National Baptist Congress of Christian Education (Congress) serves as the primary training arm of the Convention and was constituted to fulfill Objective #3 of Article III of the Constitution of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.: “To encourage and support Christian Education.”
The Local Host Committee is led by Dr. Sammie E. Jones (senior pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church Christian Complex) as well as co-chairs Dr. Jimmy Brown (pastor of the St Luke Missionary Baptist Church-St. Louis) and Dr. Zachary Lee (pastor of the Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church –East Saint Louis). These local Baptist leaders are working with the Convention Visitors Commission and local churches on both sides of the Mississippi to host this event.
