Rev. Dr. Calvin Arthur Birch Sr. Accepts Petition to Contest 2028 Liberia Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention Presidency

Rev. Dr. Calvin Arthur Birch Sr. has accepted a petition to run for the presidency of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (LBM&EC) in 2028. The petition, presented at Gracie A. Reeves Baptist Church in Monrovia, was organized by Baptist ministers, deacons, church leaders, and members known as the Explorers. Birch’s campaign platform emphasizes unity, economic independence, youth empowerment, healthcare, and institutional development.

Birch accepted the petition on October 10, 2026, during a program that highlighted his pastoral experience, Christian education, and chaplaincy. He stated that his acceptance of the candidacy was rooted in a commitment to service rather than position. The decision followed about 18 months of prayer and consultations among Baptist leaders, who began organizing in April 2025 to address the Convention’s challenges.

Birch emphasized the Convention’s potential to build upon its existing people, resources, institutions, history, and spiritual heritage. “Our task is to bring those gifts together, organize them, develop them, and place them at the service of God and humanity,” he said. He called for future leaders to preserve the Convention’s achievements while strengthening its institutions effectively.

Unity and reconciliation are central to Birch’s agenda. He pledged to bring together churches, associations, institutions, and members, warning that disagreements should not destroy relationships. “We can disagree without destroying one another. We can debate without becoming divided,” he said, adding that the Convention’s mission must be greater than individual interests or factions.

Birch also emphasized the importance of upholding Scripture while embracing innovation and technology. “Our programmes may change. Our technology may change. Our methods may change. Our institutions may change from time to time, but the Word of God remains our foundation,” he said. He proposed establishing children’s and youth centers across Liberia to support spiritual growth, education, and leadership development. Young people, he said, should play an active role in the Church.

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