Pastor James Black is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He is a graduate of Oakwood College with a Major in Theology and a Minor in Biblical Languages. He also attended the Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, MI.Pastor James Black is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He is a graduate of Oakwood College with a Major in Theology and a Minor in Biblical Languages. He also attended the Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, MI.
Pastor Black began his ministry in the Southwest Region Conference where he served as youth pastor and senior pastor. He served as conference youth director from 1991-2000. His responsibilities included teens, young adults, pathfinders, adventurers, singles, NSO and camp ministries. During this same period he served as a member of the NAD Youth Committee and Secretary for the NAD Pathfinder Committee. He also served 4 years as president of the Black Adventist Youth Directors Association. This group is responsible for planning a United Youth Congress every four years and has drawn over 30,000 youth.
Currently he is serving his second term as the Director of Youth Ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. Many youth initiatives have been launched and training resources developed under his leadership. He organizes one of the largest bi-annual leadership training conventions in the world church with over 3000 leaders attending from around North America and the world. However, God has given him a vision to go deeper with today’s youth. In April 2007, the 2nd NAD World Youth Prayer Conference will convene in Columbus, Ohio. Over 15,000 youth and young adults will worship through prayer and mission service under the theme “Just Claim It.” He is convinced that it is time for Adventist Youth to claim their entire cities for Christ.
Pastor Black is married to Maxine and they have 3 grown children; James Jr., Raquel (husband William & daughter Elyse), and Stefani. (They are the real youth department). He enjoys fishing, golfing, biking, boating, horses, camping and motorcycles.
Pastor Black lives to show young people that JESUS truly is the WAY. His favorite quote: “The quality of your preparation will determine the quality of your performance.”