Seven ABC Priorities Highlighted at 2017 Mission Summit Conversations, Facebook Groups Introduced

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 6/13/17)—This summer at the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit, June 30-July 2, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore., the Mission Summit Conversations will showcase seven dedicated rooms for the seven denominational priorities: Anti-Violence, Discipleship, Ending Poverty, Gospel in a Rapidly Changing Society, Innovative Models of Pastoral Ministry, Next Generation of Leaders and Women in Ministry. Leading up to the Biennial Mission Summit, American Baptists are invited join Facebook Groups dedicated to the seven priorities to engage in discussion both before, and after, the Biennial Mission Summit.

To join a Facebook Group to participate in the conversation about one or more of the seven denominational priorities, visit the American Baptist Churches USA Facebook page and click on “Groups.” Select the Group(s) you would like to join and click “Join Group.” You may also use the following links:

www.facebook.com/groups/abcantiviolence/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcdiscipleship/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcendingpoverty/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcgospelinarapidlychangingsociety/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcinnovativemodelsofpastoralministry/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcnextgenerationofleaders/

www.facebook.com/groups/abcwomeninministry/

The Mission Summit Conversations are an open opportunity for anyone attending the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit to engage in meaningful dialogue about a topic of interest by self-selecting into a small group. At the 2017 event, all seven Mission Summit Conversations will occur simultaneously on Saturday, July 1, from 10:00AM – 11:45AM. During the first phase of the 90 minute conversation time, attendees will have an opportunity to hear updates of local, regional, and national mission and ministry activity related to the conversations. During phase two, participants will engage in dialogue about what they have heard and what they hope for regarding the topics of conversation.

In order to better prepare for the conversations, and to aid in an understanding of the priorities when taking part in Facebook Group discussion, delegates and participants are encouraged to review the case statement for their topic in advance of the event. To view the case statements developed at the 2015 Mission Table for each of the denominational priorities, click the topic name below.

To view additional information about the Mission Summit Conversations, click here.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.