Wale Hudson Roberts introduces Young Bright and Bold (YBB), a residential initiative designed to nurture and develop young Black and Brown leaders within our Baptist family. 

 

Young Bright and Bold (YBB) exists to identify, encourage, and invest in young people who are sensing a call to leadership and ministry. By supporting them early, local churches play a vital role in strengthening the future leadership and sustainability of Baptist churches across the country. What is it – and why does it matter? 

 

What is YBB? 

YBB was established in 2006 in partnership with Canon Street Baptist Church, Birmingham. For four years it brought together 40-50 young Black and Brown Baptists for a residential weekend of worship, learning, and community. These weekends created a safe and affirming space to explore faith, culture, theology, and identity, while forming lasting friendships and confidence in leadership. Many participants described the experience as deeply formative – some even life-changing. It re-emerged in 2023. 

Why this matters now 

Young Black and Brown people continue to face significant challenges within wider society and, at times, within church spaces. Despite living in the 21st century, young Black people continue to experience the profound impacts of racism. 

Its consequences – such as the invalidation of Black culture, tradition, and thought – remain significant hurdles. Experiences of racism and exclusion can undermine confidence, calling, and belonging. Research into young adults in the UK church shows that ethnicity is a crucial part of identity for many Black and Minority Ethnic young people. 

YBB offers something simple but powerful: togetherness. A space where young people can share stories, faith, and theology, and be affirmed in who God has made them to be. This kind of support helps young people grow in resilience, faith, and leadership – and reminds them there is room for them within our Baptist movement. 
 

What happens when YBB are together? 

Many Black and Brown young people are natural leaders. Sadly, the predominantly white environments they inhabit often tell them otherwise. Whiteness tends to validate talents in sports, music, or preaching, but rarely encourages aspirations such as becoming astronauts, architects, engineers, or even Baptist ministers. 

Young Bright and Bold challenges these limiting narratives. By using resources that resonate with Black and Brown young people, and by empowering them to co-create their own programme, YBB instils a powerful message: 

‘Yes, we can.’ 

The last two YBB events (2023 and 2024) were one-day workshops hosted at Regent’s Park College, focusing on leadership and character formation. 
 

YBB residential 2026 

This year a YBB residential and mentoring programme will take place at Whitemoor Lakes, Action Centre in Lichfield, for young people aged 13-19 from 30 October to  1 November. The weekend will focus on discipleship, building relationships and leadership development. 

The cost per young person, including accommodation and food, is normally around £200. Though for this year, I am delighted Baptists Together Home Mission is generously covering all accommodation expenses. Do please prayerfully consider if there is someone in your congregation who would benefit from participating in the YBB residential.  

At a time when there are a paucity of Black and Brown leaders serving across Baptists Together, initiatives like YBB are an important way for local churches to invest in the next generation of leadership. 

 

---

Wale Hudson-Roberts is the Justice Enabler at Baptists Together

---