By Barnett Wright
The Birmingham Times
For over a century the National Baptist Congress has traveled across the country and held its six-day event in different cities.
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr., Pastor of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church in Birmingham, this will be its first year in the Magic City.
The National Baptist Congress will hold the 110th annual session June 12-17 in the Sheraton Hotel and Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The event is expected to attract 5,000 to 7,500 attendees to Birmingham.
Wesley, who is host pastor for the gathering, said the convention is an opportunity for the area’s vast religious community to enjoy a spiritual feast.
He also weighed in on a number of other matters including the impact of the black church; the importance of the Word of God in today’s society and the spirit of expectation building for the convention.
What has the black church meant to Birmingham and the overall community?
The Black Church in Birmingham has been and still is the mother that gives birth to major movements. It was true during the Civil Rights Era of the 60’s; it was true for voter registration movements; it is true today, the church still must stand against the social ills of today including same sex marriages; black on black crime; disrespect of authority from today’s youth and lewd and perverted behavior that is being posted and displayed in the public and on social media.
How important is the word of God today when we see so much dysfunction in politics and society as a whole?
The Word of God is as relevant today as it was the day it was written. Laws and moral codes that govern society are extracted from the Word of God – from portions of Scripture such as the 10 Commandments which remind us that we should not kill; steal; covet. It also speaks of children obeying their parents which is the first commandment that carries a promise: ‘that your days may be long.”
Therefore, the Word of God is always contemporary because God does not change to fit generational dynamics. “He is the Lord God who changes not.” God’s principles for living a godly life and holding society to right standards are critical for society to have moral fiber. The church therefore must teach the Word of God to today’s children and youth, to build that moral foundation that is being tested by today’s wavering trends. The church must teach adults: must teach men how to be men; women how to be women; parents how to be parents and couples how to be tolerant of one another that families may stay intact and society can continue to exist. But without such a firm stance in the face of political challenges, society is headed for a sure collapse.
How can you describe the atmosphere, the spirit, the love where so many people of faith are gathered together for one common cause?
Convention atmospheres are usually electric with a spirit of expectation in the air. Convention goers are excited to be in a new city where they can explore its cuisine, sights and culture as well as gaining stimulation that come from convention sessions.
The multiple events that are attached to a convention’s schedule allows for diverse crowds through its various venues. Love for given genres attract likeminded crowds. Here are some examples: There will be a pre musical concert that will attract music lovers and classes that will attract learners. This convention also offers a lot of classes for children and youth, especially drill teams, mime dancers and other activities that stimulate youth groups. For those who don’t mind hanging out a while, late night preaching attracts those who love good old fashion gospel preaching before retiring for the evening. Other venues will include a fashion show; and even a comedy show. That kind of diversity allows for many different people to be drawn to a central place where each can feast on what stimulates their own spiritual appetite.
