National Baptist Convention Of America

Observance of the Christian year has greatly increased in the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. during the past twenty years. A growing number of well-trained pastors, educational resources offered by the denomination, and innovative use of art forms have all been instrumental in overcoming the historic Baptist resistance to such observance. Historically, the traditional church calendar has not been a primary concern of pastors and member churches in the National Baptist Convention of America, Incorporated, even though many of the festivals of the Christian year are now celebrated. The Baptist church has always focused upon freedom, autonomy, and the proclamation of the Word, especially the black Baptist churches. These hallmarks of Baptist heritage have tended to isolate Baptist churches from the mainstream Protestant liturgical churches. Baptists have traditionally regarded the Christian year commemorations as strictures to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and intense s…