By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
In the world of leadership—whether political, corporate, or spiritual—how one enters a role is often just as critical as how one performs in it. I was recently inspired by the installation ceremony of Rev. Dr. Darian Bouie, where a speaker noted the profound difference between a predecessor "passing the baton" versus "throwing it" at the new leader. This essential metaphor has stuck with me. It speaks to stewardship, preparation, and the grace required to lead effectively. I sat down with Dr. Bouie, the newly installed pastor of one of Raleigh’s most historic churches, First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street, to discuss his transition, his vision for the future, and the theology of leading with love.
Dr. Bouie is unique in his current placement; he is the youngest pastor in the church's history. Yet, what defines his transition isn't just his age, but the presence of his impactful mentors and predecessor. Unlike many pastoral transitions that occur due to death or conflict, Dr. Bouie has the benefit of a supportive predecessor in Dr. Dumas Alexander Harshaw, Jr. "There is an African adage that essentially states, 'When an elder dies without sharing, it's like a library has burned down,'" Dr. Bouie noted. "It makes no sense for me to receive nothing from the person who has already served in that room.” The two pastors meet weekly for lunch, not always to talk business, but to build a relationship between a senior statesman and the new visionary.
Innovation in a historic place takes balance. Yet, being the youngest pastor in the church’s 217 history comes with a mandate for innovation. His vision for the church extends far beyond Sunday morning service. Dr. Bouie is looking at leveraging the church’s Family Life Center to engage youth in ways that resonate with the 21st century. His interest in STEM education through e-gaming, a billion-dollar industry, are likely synergies to diversify community engagement and increase overall impact. "It’s a draw that has nothing to do with church, but it's connected to the church," he said, emphasizing the need for the church to be a community hub, potentially hosting after-school mentoring programs similar to models he has observed in other cities.
For Dr. Bouie, stewardship means utilization. "It's pointless to me to have access to things that are of value to other people and not use them," he said, expressing openness to allowing local groups and businesses to utilize church facilities.
Perhaps the most poignant part of our conversation centered on how the church engages with the world. In an era where political and religious rhetoric often descends into condemnation, Dr. Bouie offered a refreshing perspective on correction and relationship. Dr. Bouie emphasized, "It makes no sense for God to call you into a space and then you be a bad steward of the people you're connected to... Love must be the foundational element." He shared a moving story of a woman he met at a pastoral event who co-founded a nonprofit with the very woman who murdered her father. It was a radical example of forgiveness that challenges us all. "If someone can forgive the murderer of her father, surely we ought to be able to forgive," he reflected. "It's not a matter of will. It's a matter of want."
As we concluded, we discussed the landscape of the Black church in our region—from Raleigh to rural North Carolina. We touched on the economic power of consolidation and collaboration, rather than the fragmentation often seen when egos get involved.
Rev. Dr. Darian Bouie represents a generation of leadership that honors history while aggressively pursuing a brighter future. He is a reminder that whether we are passing a baton in ministry, politics, or business, the goal is to ensure the next runner has the best possible start.
