The board of directors for the National Black Fellowship made a decision in September to name me the next President of the NBF. I look forward to serving you and fulfilling the mission and vision of this great fellowship. Judy and I already know many of you personally, because I have served as the Vice-President for the past 6 years. Yet we also look to deepen our relationship with each of you.
I especially appreciate Michael and Carmela Nelson. They’ve displayed phenomenal generosity, humility, integrity, servant leadership and passion for the NBF. Special ‘THANKS” are due to their church, The House of Peace in Jacksonville, FL, for sharing in the vision of the NBF and sharing their spiritual leaders with us. I have learned so much serving alongside of former President Nelson. He has set the bar high. The learning curve is steep. We have much to do but we are encouraged because we have an amazing team on the NBF Board of Directors. We count on each of you for continued faithful support, prayers and passion for transforming our nation’s communities.
My main responsibility will be to steward the vision of developing and deploying African American leaders, planting and revitalizing churches, advancing biblical justice and restoring families. We are very excited and filled with faith. In many ways I feel my whole life has shaped me for this opportunity. My family, our church and I have a long supported the NBF in my 26 year tenure as the Senior Pastor of Parklawn Assembly of God in Milwaukee, WI. During this time, we have seen success in church planting, church revitalization, economic development and community transformation. I have experience leading Christian organizations, but I also deeply understand the needs of the constituents we serve at the NBF. I have served the General Council and District on various levels, providing leadership and a voice for Black, multi-ethnic, language groups, community, pastors and churches. In addition, racial reconciliation, empowering the next generation and especially emerging leaders are a few of my passions. I have served on several non-profit boards and in city government appointed positions. I love the local church and our Assemblies of God fellowship and I’m passionate about seeing our ministers, churches, communities and families flourish and thrive.
Our nation and the Assemblies of God as a whole, desperately needs the National Black Fellowship. Here is why. Rick Joyner, said “when Black believers are fully healed, they will bring revival and true spiritual liberty to the whole nation”. In addition, the late author Chris Rice said, “I have become convinced that God is not very interested in the church healing the race problem. I believe it is more true that God is using race to heal the church.” The work of the NBF is as much needed today in American and the Assemblies of God as it was when it began 38 years ago. We have a rich Pentecostal heritage and the future is even brighter.
The REACH Conference recently held in Cincinnati was an epic turning point for our fellowship. One minister reported after the conference, “I came empty and tired but left full. I wrote in my journal at the start. I came expecting nothing, but I am open for anything but I came away with everything.” Many of you also attended the REACH Conference and witnessed the new vision and “Movement of Hope”. For those who came and even for those who did, your talent, time and treasure will be needed to reach our goals. Together we can do it. The NBF is positioned to fulfill our vision, complete our strategic plan and bring real answers and solutions to the problems our ministers, churches, families, communities, Districts and Fellowship faces. Most of all, it will require the same sense of unity, humility and commitment to the NBF motto: “We don’t care who gets the credit, as long as God gets the glory and the job gets done.” I’m excited about the journey ahead and I look forward to working with and leading you.
Faithfully,
Walter HarveyPresident,National Black Fellowship