By Lindsey Williams
Writing Specialist
On October 23, the night of the Pastor’s Conference prior to the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Mississippi Baptist African American pastors and church leaders met with the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB) staff and Associational Mission Strategists. It was a night of refreshing fellowship and, let’s be honest, possibly too much good food. Paula Smith, the Director of Multicultural Ministries, and Pastor Lowell Walker, the African-American Ministry Contract Consultant and Pastor of Mt. Sinai Church in Tupelo, hosted the evening. It was filled with laughter and encouragement.
I had the joy of talking with Mrs. Jacklan Walker, wife of Pastor Walker, and her dear friend, Mrs. Peggy Jones. Sister Walker shared her thoughts: “To be honest, just getting to know people and meeting new faces is what I hope for. When I come to one of these events and help Ms. Paula with registrations, I admit I sometimes sneakily snap pictures of attendees,” she chuckled.
Sister Walker is deeply involved with the youth and children at Mt. Sinai Church. “Working with children is where my heart is. Attending the Convention helps me learn so much that I can bring back to our church and share with the kids.”
Sister Jones, a choir singer and devoted member of Mt. Sinai, shared about her role in the church’s prayer ministry. “My involvement has brought me closer to God. I believe that if I’m not close to Him, I can’t explain His ways to others. We need to exemplify His teachings if we want to guide others towards Him.”
“I enjoy attending the Convention, especially with Jacklan,” said Sister Jones. “It deepens my understanding of the ministry and introduces me to more Christ-centered individuals.”
As we gathered around tables laden with food, Dr. Shawn Parker, Executive Director-Treasurer of the MBCB, recounted how he met Pastor Walker in 2019. During a visit to a Tupelo hospital, Dr. Parker accidentally ventured into a restricted area. “I saw this big guy at the end of the corridor and thought, ‘Uh-oh, security’s here to kick me out!’ But he recognized me before I could even introduce myself. I was taken aback.”
Turns out, Pastor Walker was working as a chaplain there. “That chance meeting felt divinely orchestrated. When I thought about collaborating with our African American churches, Lowell immediately came to mind because of that special encounter,” said Dr. Parker.
He emphasized the MBCB’s vision to make the church as diverse as the world, starting with the diversity in Mississippi.
Chatting with Pastor Walker was a highlight for me. With genuine warmth, he expressed his passion: “Being in this role feels like an answered prayer. I’ve always wished to guide other pastors. Listening to those who’ve experienced past hurts and assuring them of a brighter future is a privilege. We aim to strengthen and build relationships.”
Pastor Walker also touched upon the challenges: “Trust is a major hurdle in reaching the African American community. We sometimes approach situations with old biases, which isn’t fair. I can’t blame my contemporaries for past mistakes. Our focus should be on the present. Tonight, I see hope and unity. While sin remains a reality, it’s our duty to build relationships anchored in the Gospel until Christ’s return.”
