Council of Baptist Pastors Names Orville K. Littlejohn President-Elect Starting Jan. 1, 2026

December 27, 2025

The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity has selected Pastor Orville K. Littlejohn as its next president, with his term beginning January 1, 2026, following Pastor Richard White III's three-year leadership. Littlejohn, who currently serves as the council's First Vice President and leads Messiah Baptist Church, was nominated without opposition and brings extensive experience from leadership roles across multiple Baptist organizations and as chaplain for Detroit Police Department's 12th Precinct.

Who is affected

Pastor Orville K. Littlejohn (incoming president)
Pastor Richard White III (outgoing president)
Members of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc.
Pastors and ministers receiving training and support from the Council
Detroit residents who rely on church-based services including food assistance and crisis response
Families, schools, and neighborhoods served by Council member churches
The broader Detroit-area faith community

What action is being taken

Littlejohn is currently serving as First Vice President of the Council
The Council is developing, nurturing, training, networking, and educating in areas tied to social justice and spiritual support
Littlejohn serves as Moderator of the Michigan District Baptist Association
Littlejohn holds the role of Vice-President at Large of the Baptist Missionary Educational Convention of Michigan
Littlejohn serves as a board member of the Heritage Center for Religious Studies
Littlejohn serves as chaplain for the Detroit Police Department's 12th Precinct

Why it matters

Detroit's faith community, particularly the Black church ecosystem, serves as a critical safety net and organizational force beyond traditional worship services. Churches and their leaders function as first responders during crises involving grief, violence, and conflict, while also convening diverse stakeholders including residents, advocates, elected officials, and agencies. Leadership changes at major pastoral councils carry significant weight because these organizations coordinate how clergy address community needs when government budgets are insufficient, particularly in areas like food security, education partnerships, violence response, and providing moral guidance backed by concrete action. The transition affects not just clergy but the broader community that depends on coordinated faith-based services and advocacy.

What's next

Littlejohn's term as president-elect becomes effective January 1, 2026
The formal gavel-passing ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Messiah Baptist Church, 8100 W. Seven Mile Road in Detroit
Littlejohn is expected to continue advancing the Council's mission focusing on training, education, and social justice engagement

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle