Annual Black Church Leadership and Family Conference sponsored by Lifeway reflects growing ethnic diversity in the SBC

Attendees form a special bond of fellowship – not only through leadership training and worship experiences – but by enjoying the beauty of God’s creation amid the mountains of North Carolina.

The annual Black Church Leadership and Family Conference sponsored by Lifeway, returns to Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, N.C., July 22-26. The theme of this year’s event is “Thrive” based on Psalms 92:12-15.

The conference has been a part of Southern Baptist life for more than 14 years, and reflects the growing ethnic diversity in the denomination – and in particular – the growth and influence of black Southern Baptist churches.

The Black Church Leadership and Family Conference is three events in one, according to Lifeway: a leadership development conference, a spiritual retreat, and a family vacation.

As this writer can attest after attending the event in the past, attendees form a special bond of fellowship – not only through leadership training and worship experiences – but by enjoying the beauty of God’s creation amid the mountains of North Carolina.

“Whether you are a pastor, pastor’s spouse, ministry leader, or church member, God has called you to lead fearlessly in the work of His Kingdom. Black Church Leadership and Family Conference is designed to encourage, equip, and inspire you,” a Lifeway article on the event reads. “Bring your family and as many church leaders and members as possible for an unforgettable week together.”

SBC Racial Diversity Grows

The number of African American churches in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has been growing rapidly in recent years.

Recent data indicates that African American congregations in the SBC grew by 52.2 percent from 2000 to 2010, and by 10.2 percent from 2010 to 2020.

The growth is part of a broader trend of increasing diversity within the SBC, which now includes 3,904 predominately African American churches or church-type missions, according to SBC.net. With the total number of churches in the SBC now at 47,614, this means African American churches now make up 8% of all SBC churches. What’s more, Hispanic churches are the second-largest ethnic group at 3,368 churches, which is 7% of all SBC churches.

For a denomination that has been criticized for lack of diversity, the two largest ethnic groups in the United States now make up 15% of its churches.

For more information about the Black Church Leadership and Family Conference click here.