VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/8/12)—The Board of General Ministries for American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) began its meetings on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge. This marks the third and final meeting of the Board of General Ministries in 2012, after the new denomination bylaws changes went into effect on January 1, 2012.
After a meditation led by BGM Chaplain Rev. Jeff Savage, ABCUSA President Ruth Clark gave the report of the President.
“I challenge us as a Board to remember who were are in Christ and that bearing the name of Christ is what brings us all together to do the work of kingdom. We need to strive to hear each other regardless of differences that exist. We need to be working toward unity, which we as the children of God also need to model,” said Clark. “It is not enough for us to come together in aftermath of hurricanes and disasters. God calls us to be in the church every day to point people to the kingdom and model love and forgiveness.”
During the report of the General Secretary, Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley said, “It’s really an energizing time in ABC life right now as we are in a period of rebuilding and reknitting this family together. I am finding a renewed sense of empowerment by the spirit to do ministry together.”
“God is at work,” said Medley. “I continue to be excited about the work being done by our churches, through our churches and in our churches and denomination.”
Following the President and General Secretary’s reports, Rev. Savage led the board in a discussion about the exciting ministry opportunities that are taking place in board directors’ churches.
Dr. Reg Mills, Mission Summit/Biennial Planning Team Chair, gave a presentation in the second plenary session about Board development and governance. He reported on and led a discussion based on a document he authored, titled, “Non-Profit Boards: Taking Governance Seriously.”
The Board of General Ministries meetings will conclude on Saturday, November 10, 2012.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.