What if you suddenly found out that Christmas was tomorrow? Would you be ready? Most of us would probably say no. The cacophony of responses would probably include concerns about Christmas cards and letters; wreaths, bows, ribbons, and trees; ham, turkey, tofu, and sweet potatoes; trips, schedules, and maps, etc. It takes time to plan […]
An Invitation In response to the 75th Commemoration (in 2018) of the Hopevale martyrdom in the Philippines in which missionaries of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (now International Ministries) died heroically for their faith, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) approved a resolution to designate the Sunday nearest to December 20 (the anniversary […]
The Generosity Project is a collaborative effort between ABCUSA, regions, and local congregations. The Generosity Project aims to help pastors re-frame the conversation around stewardship and generosity in their congregations. Bi-monthly blogs help support new growth and understanding as we deepen our ministry and discipleship. In his chapter on “Stewardship of Money and Finances” in the […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/20/19)—Nine Matthew 25 Grants ranging from $1,300 to $3,500 were awarded in October to applicants who offer a variety of services to people in need across the United States. The Matthew 25 Grant, sponsored by the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) Office of the General Secretary and the Board of General […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/10/19)—At the November 2019 meeting of the Board of General Ministries, the Board voted to approve the nomination of Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods as Acting General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). Woods has served in the role of Associate General Secretary for Regional Ministries with ABCUSA since 2003. […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/10/19)—The American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) Robert A. Roblee Ministry Building was dedicated on Friday afternoon, November 8. The dedication and celebration service was preceded by an open house for attendees visiting the new home to the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary and the American Baptist Historical Society (financial secretary’s […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (11/11/19)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is pleased to announce the addition of two new personnel to its staff. As of Nov. 1, the Rev. Erica Van Brakle has been serving as national coordinator for American Baptist Personnel Services (ABPS) and ministrElife, while Minister Brittany Graves has been serving as associate for […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/15/19)—In a cultural context where the church is struggling to survive amid other competing organizations and commitments, pastoral leaders need a new leadership paradigm that equips ministers to serve as chief executives for making disciples for Christ. Father-and-son coauthors, Vincent Howell, D.Min., and Vincent Howell Jr., MBA, offer this “quick book”-styled […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/4/19)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), has released $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Disaster-relief Funds to CrossWalk Community Church, Napa, Calif. CrossWalk—which has been a Red Cross evacuation site for many years—has been providing shelter since Oct. 27 for those […]
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/4/19)—In “Envisioning the Reign of God: Preaching for Tomorrow,” professor and scholar Debra J. Mumford, M.Div., Ph.D., shows that what we believe about the kingdom of God deeply affects how we relate to the world we inhabit here and now. She makes the Christian study of “last things” (eschatology) practical for […]
