Welcoming our new Interim Director Rev. William Moses Summerville.

Editorial note: I met William during a Zoom call while I was preparing to give a lecture in Toronto. We spoke briefly about transition processes and his expectations with the staff. A few weeks later, we had a deep phone conversation where we shared ideas, possible futures, goals, and family stories. William’s appointment as interim executive director has been featured in outlets such as Baptist News Global and Good Faith Media, among others. What follows is an unedited interview with our interim director, Rev. William Moses Summerville. Enjoy!

RD: William, congratulations on becoming the new Interim Executive Director of BPFNA! To begin, could you tell us a bit about yourself—your upbringing in the church, your family, and your journey as a professional? 

WS: I was born and reared in Champaign/Urbana, IL, which is a college town of twin cities that has shaped my view of a world that may be a glimpse of what heaven can look like. Though, in my inaugural address at the ABCUSA Biennial BPFNA/Bautistas Por La Paz Breakfast; I did allude to the fact growing up in my hometown arguably best prepared me for this role. 

As the first Black American and Black person in this role for BPFNA, I am somewhat following the foot path of my parents, who came out of the segregated Jim and Jane Crow South of the United States of America integrated into many educational institutions and contributors of the Great Migration in America. There is an archive in their memory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library. 

As far as my church upbringing is concerned, I was the first baby dedicated to God in my childhood church where my parents served as founding members of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Urbana, IL. This environment cultivated and birthed me into professional ministry.  

RD: Looking back on your early years in church, are there particular memories or experiences that have shaped your understanding of theology, church life, or nonprofit work today?

WS: Where do I begin… I would suggest all memories and experiences initiated my understanding of theology, church life, and nonprofit work today. From me taking a leap of faith by jumping off the church balcony at 4 years of age, my first girlfriend, phenomenal Sunday School Teachers, Children’s Church Services, and being a part of the first All-Black Boy Scout Troop earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I was also fortunate enough to serve as a representative of the Midwestern region of America at the International World Jamboree, Seoul, South Korea, during my time in Boy Scouts. 

My early years in church were the early years of the church. Many of my pivotal moments in my early childhood church life were momentous occasions for the church. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church is the same age as me, and the Pastor that offered Christ to me, baptized me, licensed me, and ordained me still is serving that faith community. The only thing I find/found challenging was that my pastor was very well read, but not theologically trained. Fortunately, my parents were beneficiaries of great policy as public school educators that welcomed questions and challenged assumptions. Especially, when needing to recognize white supremacy in both its blatancy and subtleties for survival.  

RD: How did your journey with BPFNA begin, and how long have you been involved with the organization?

WS: I have been with BPFNA/Bautistas Por La Paz dating back to 2009. I attended my first peace camp at Gonzaga University on Racial Justice, where I presented a paper. I saw, for the time, 10 years post seminary where racism and white supremacy in America was addressed with some semblance of integrity by non-Black Americans. However, later in the week I learned and met the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley, who was a Board Member of BPFNA making an appeal and attempt for  more Black people to join BPFNA. I carry much of her shared passion today, and I am grateful for her fortitude and seed planting of allowing me to stand on her shoulders in this role. 

RD: What do you love most about BPFNA—whether in terms of the people, mission, or work?

WS: The mission and vision that holds membership, staff, board membership, Baptists, and Christians at large to be their better and best selves beyond the platitudes and piety performing faith. 

RD: In your view, where do you see opportunities for growth within BPFNA as a community committed to peace and justice?

WS: The opportunities for growth are endless. However, I believe the main opportunity we should not lose sight of is to serve and be a prophetic organization in a manner where BPFNA can lead and positively influence corrupt institutions with a more just way of existence. 

RD: You are also a scholar finishing your Ph.D. Could you share more about your academic work and how it connects with BPFNA’s mission and values?

WS: My doctoral work is focused on doing a comparative study measuring different cultures' levels of cultural empathy. As it relates to the mission and values of BPFNA, my doctoral work is seeking out peace rooted in justice for different cultures to have a shared empathy with other cultures.

RD: BPFNA is a beautifully diverse and bilingual community. What does that diversity mean to you, and how do you envision BPFNA continuing to grow and deepen its inclusive membership?

WS: I remember when BPFNA made the shift to become a bilingual community in order to be more welcoming as an organization. However, I don’t know if we were fully equipped to embrace the steps of diversity, while other cultural groups and demographics did not feel fully embraced. Diversity is only as good as its equity. It is my prayer that BPFNA will become a more intentional community of equity. I believe it is very important and possible. 

RD: As you step into this leadership role, what are three to five things our community can expect from you in the coming months?

WS: A balanced budget, more correspondence from me in this role, more practices of equity, and much energy to serve with deep passion.  

RD: Before we wrap up, is there a message you would like to share with our readers and membership?

WS: I solicit your prayers for the following: good health, safe travels, administrative wisdom and responsibility, and being a good steward of this opportunity.