Rev. Arthur Sutton gets nod from National Baptist Convention 

By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.

JA Contributing Writer

The Sutton Impact has resonated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., with the prestigious appointment of Rev. Arthur Alvin Sutton as the new President of the Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary. 

Rev. Arthur A. Sutton is the son of Rev. Jesse Sutton and Missionary Evangelist Della Sutton, who worked as servant leaders in the church and as educators in the West Jackson community. He has two siblings, Frank and Doris; Rev. Arthur Sutton is the youngest child. 

Raised as a Baptist, Rev. Arthur Sutton continued his formal education at Jackson State University, serving as a devotion leader, and under the famous coach W.C. Gorden, he played linebacker on the JSU football team. Rev. Arthur Sutton obtained a BA degree in Criminal Justice in 1990. He attended the Mississippi Baptist Seminary and was ordained as a minister of the gospel. In 1994, he was called to a three-generation church. 

The well-known preacher and lifelong Jackson resident Rev. Arthur Sutton will now head the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.’s programs for the youth and young adult auxiliary. According to Sutton, “I have spent most of my life working with young people through various sports programs, either as a participant or as a coach. When I was a young person, I ran track and played football. I enjoyed playing football while at Forest Hill High School.”

Most people in Jackson and throughout Mississippi know Rev. Arthur Sutton for his leadership at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church over several years. As pastor at Progressive, his devotion to spreading the Word has been a staple ministry put into practice through various outreach programs that serve the community.

As the newly appointed Youth President and Adult Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, Rev. Arthur Sutton will serve under the leadership of Dr. Boise Kimber. Sutton says, “I will institute the Level Up and Rise Above Program that includes mentors and mentees to continue to grow leaders from within the convention conference…Empower to Ignite the Future. Level Up and Rise Above will focus on STEM, I-Rock Concerts, Mime, and Athletic programs. Anyone can sign up and register online through their church to be a part of these three-week programs in June 2025… All ages will be engaged to develop and explore new activities through workshops and training programs. I expect 2-3,000 youth from ages 3 to 34 years old. Music will be a big part of the conference, with choir scholarships and recording opportunities. I was a singer in the choir as a child, teenager, and young adult. Singing was a big part of my mother’s life as she led the ‘Voices of Joy,’ and my dad was a singer, principal, and coach. I love to sing. I will bring back and expand the Ambassador Programs so the public will know all that the National Baptist Convention has to offer children and young adults. Funding will be provided through sponsorships from the business community.”

When asked what makes him the right person to lead the youth at the National Baptist Convention, Rev. Arthur Sutton said, “I have a heart for children, putting in the work and time as a director at the Hudspeth Center, coach at Wingfield High School, and City of Jackson & Detention Center. I have built great relationships with young people all my life. I thank God and the leadership at the Convention, such as Dr. Jerry Young, Dr. Isaac Jackson Sr., Dr. Marcus Davidson, and Dr. Boise Kimber, for the confidence they have placed in me for this incredible opportunity to work with children as my heart has always been deeply committed to doing the work of empowering and nurturing youth and young adults in our Baptist faith over the past 16 years. I have worked through the convention and conference, which has ignited my passion to work with youth in this new season of service.”

Rev. Arthur Sutton added, “As I step into this role as President of the Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary, I am blessed to work alongside a dynamic, innovative, and capable slate of officers who share my vision for our young people. Together, we will embrace the task ahead with enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication committed to advancing the initiatives that will inspire and engage the next generation of faith leaders. I’m excited to lead us into this Level Up phase. Let us continue to work together in service and faith, trusting in God’s plan and purpose for our youth and young adults.”

On a personal note, Rev. Arthur Sutton said, “About four years ago, I decided I wanted to live healthier and longer by losing weight that would serve as a role model for working with youth. Now God has given me a position to hold myself accountable to youth by putting in the hard work to lose weight, which gives me more energy to be active in the work for which I am now tasked in my new position.”

Rev. Arthur Sutton is married to Vonnie Sutton and has three children: Brittani, Ashli, and Courtni. He said, “My parents, the late Rev. Jesse and Della Sutton, laid a foundation for me that was grounded and rooted in the Baptist doctrine, which has sustained me throughout my life. As for my parents, I could not have had a better upbringing…I wasn’t and am I not now perfect, but they taught me that God will always look beyond my faults and see my need.”

For additional information on how to enroll your children in the programs of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., contact Rev. Arthur Sutton’s chief of staff, Jacqueline Fleming, at 601-212-3454, or via email at aasuttonyyapres@gmail.com.