Youth and Young Adult

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV)

Pastor Arthur A. Sutton a native of Jackson, Mississippi is the youngest child of the late Rev. Jesse Sutton Jr. and the late Missionary Evangelist Della K. Sutton. Pastor Sutton comes from a direct line of ministers, following his great grandfather, grandfather, and father.

Having answered his calling and receiving his mandate from God, Pastor Sutton, started his ministry in March 1994, as an Associate Minister at New McRaven Hill Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, under the leadership of his father, the late Rev. Jesse Sutton, Jr. He pastored at St. Matthew M. B. Church in Flowood, Mississippi, and New Concord M. B. Church near Bentonia, MS., prior to accepting his calling as Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi in May 1999, where he has served for over twenty-six years and is the longest tenured Pastor. Pastor Sutton is a powerful preacher, a man with extraordinary vision and leadership ability, totally committed to the work of God. Under his leadership Progressive Missionary Baptist Church has reached new heights and has become a solid pillar in the Georgetown Community through service and ministry. Progressive Missionary Baptist church continues to prosper under Pastor Sutton’s leadership. Progressive has seen the equipping of members to become servants and dedicated to ministering to those in need in the Georgetown Community and surrounding areas. He furthers the ministry in the ordaining of Associate Ministers and licensing of Evangelists. There are eight Evangelists and ten Associate Ministers; six of the Associate Ministers are pastors.

Pastor Sutton is an enthusiastic leader, educator, and advocate for youth and young adults across the country. As the President of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary, he leads with vision and heart—championing programs that uplift, educate, and empower the next generation of faith-driven leaders.

Pastor Sutton has held key roles at every level of the Convention, including Vice President at Large of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary, Executive Director of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention for seventeen years, Director General of the Congress of Christian Education for the General Missionary Baptist State Convention, and Board Member of both the General Missionary Baptist State Convention and the Southwest Regional Young People’s Department. He also serves as Financial Treasurer for the Jackson District Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

Pastor Sutton is widely recognized for his dynamic teaching and his unwavering commitment to the spiritual growth of children, youth, and young adults. His ministry is marked by a passion for equipping the next generation through education, mentorship, and transformative leadership. His influence extends into the Jackson Public School District, where he actively supports students through the adoption of Mary C. Johnson Elementary School, Callaway High School, and Lanier High School. He serves as the Chaplain and Spiritual Advisor for the Jackson State University champion football team. Through these partnerships, Pastor Sutton invests deeply in the academic, emotional, and spiritual development of young people, ensuring they are empowered to thrive and lead with purpose.

Active in community and civic organizations, Pastor Sutton is on the Board of Pioneer Ministries in Pearl Mississippi, is a member of the NAACP, SCLC, One Hundred Concerned Clergy, the Hinds County Women’s Institute, and the Hinds County Adjoining Institute of Hinds and Madison counties and a former member of the Jackson Civil Service Commission. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Sutton received community recognition with the Gospel Music Pastor of the Year Award and the Phi Beta Sigma Religious Leader of the Year Award.

Pastor Sutton is a graduate of Forest Hill in Jackson, Mississippi. He continued his education at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Currently he is employed as the Drop-out Prevention and Transition Coordinator with Jackson Public School System. Pastor Sutton is a member of Fairfield Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother, Rev. Frank L. Sutton.

Pastor Sutton is married to the former Vonnie R. Gentry of Jackson, Mississippi. They are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters: Brittani Shavon Keaton, Ashli Nicole Sutton, and Courtni Artrice Sutton; one grandson, Kohen Brice Keaton and one son-in-love, Coach Teddy Keaton.

Pastor Sutton believes that all his accomplishments are possible by trusting in the Lord. One of his favorite scriptures is “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6).