Thompson Seeks BMCLA Presidency

Declaring his time and season,  the Rev. Xavier L. Thompson is seeking the presidency of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Vicinity (BMCLA).

If successful, the 37-year-old pastor of Southern Missionary Baptist Church would be the youngest person to ever lead the prestigious, influential organization.

His candidacy has evoked cautions of ‘wait your turn, pay your dues.’  Yet, Pastor Thompson earnestly believes it is his time.

“There’s a difference between it being your turn and your time.  Dr. King said the ‘in this conundrum of history, there’s a such thing as being too late.’ 

“While I recognize that BMCLA has not set a precedence for a young man, such as myself, to run for this office, I’m honored that the Lord has put it in my spirit, in the words of Esther, for such a time as this,” he said.

Pastor Thompson’s platform includes a five-fold vision of assessing BMCLA’s strengths and weaknesses, adjusting programs and activities to engage members, increasing attendance and ministry resources, assisting participants by promoting spiritual and academic excellence, and emphasizing adoration and reverence of God.

“This organization comprises 200-300 Baptist pastors. My goal is to move them from the shallow waters of being associated to the deep waters of being active,” said Pastor Thompson who also recognizes his youth may be a factor.

“While I am a youthful leader, I’m not advocating a youth movement.  I love the senior statesmen of the church.  My vision is not one of exclusion, but inclusion.  I’m a bridge, one that can connect both worlds together.  We’re not in competition with each other when we need each other,” he maintained.

The election takes place on Monday, January 7 at 1 p.m., at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, 802 East 46th Street in Los Angeles.  The Rev. Dr. R.A. Williams is the host pastor.

“I’m not running against the present leadership as much as I’m running for the office and by faith, I believe history will be made.”

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