Rev. Dr. Sumner Grant, Executive Director MMBB

Rev. Dr. Sumner Grant is as compassionate and caring as the organization he represents. Serving as executive director of The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board for the past nine years, Grant both personally and professionally embodies the human spirit of kindness, dedication and hard work. Those characteristics are reflected through his deep personal connection to the organization and his commitment to supporting its members.

Grant first came to know MMBB as a recipient of their services. MMBB had learned of the family’s financial struggles while his father served a small rural church. A backyard garden provided insufficient food for the family of seven. During a particularly difficult time when Grant’s father became too ill to pastor the small Baptist church, his disability benefits were activated and the family was able to survive as a result of MMBB’s services. A few years later, when his father passed away, MMBB again proved enormously helpful by providing assistance with death benefits, children’s allowances and an annuity for his mother that continued until her death 30 years later. In addition, MMBB also provided educational allowances for each of the five children, including Grant, who all chose to pursue careers in helping professions.

Originally brought on board as MMBB’s assistant to the treasurer, Grant demonstrated a true passion for the organization and was quickly elected to the position of treasurer in 1993. In 1998 he began leading the organization as executive director. Since his appointment, Grant has shown a tremendous commitment to the ministry, focusing on issues such as equitable pay and benefits for pastors, racial justice, social responsibility in investments, and advocating for women and minorities in ministry and management.

Recently, Grant traveled with other American Baptist leaders to visit missionaries in South Africa, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Grant has been forever touched and emotionally impacted by his interactions with the missionaries who have worked within these regions transforming the lives of others through their good works.

Grant has devoted his life to inspiring others through ministry work. It is not only his cause, it is his passion. Throughout his career he has held service positions on the World Mission Support Council, Interchurch Center, New York State Council of Churches, Church Alliance, and numerous other organizations.

Additionally, Grant was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Franklin College in 2002. Before that he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University’s School of Business and graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (B.D. Summa Cum Laude) and Gordon College (B.A.).