This department oversees ministry to Adventurers, Pathfinders, Camping, Teens, and Collegiates for the churches and schools of the North American Division. We mobilize large networks of empowered local leaders for each of these ministry disciplines. We oversee the development of products, training, and many other services to assist leaders in accomplishing ministry in their local settings.

Bio

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 pastored several churches. He served as conference youth director from 1991-2000. His responsibilities included youth, young adults, pathfinders, adventurers, singles, NSO and camp ministries. During this same period he served on the NAD Youth Council and served as 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 the United Youth Congresses that historically draws over 30,000 youth.

On November 1, 2000 he was elected as Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Camp Ministries Director for the North American Division of SDA, Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD. On June 6, 2001 he was elected Youth Ministries Director for the North American Division. This vote was historic, in that, for the first time all youth ministry related departments are under one umbrella.

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 and 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 March 2007, the 1 st NAD World Youth Prayer Conference will convene in Dallas , TX . Over 50,000 young people will worship through prayer and mission service under the theme “Just Claim It”. He is convicted that it is time for Adventist Youth to claim their entire cities for Christ.

Pastor Black is married to Maxine and they have 3 children; James Jr., Raquel, and Stefani. (They are the real youth department). He enjoys fishing, golfing, biking, boating, horses, and camping.