KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 7/11/24)–The Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith, National President of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries, made the following announcement:

“On behalf of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries Executive Committee and Official Board of Presidents, we joyfully and unanimously announce the calling of the Reverend LaThelma Yenn-Batah as our next Executive Director. Having previously served ABWM as the Associate Executive Director from 2019-2021, and most recently as the ABWM Interim Executive Director, March 2024-present, we believe that Rev. Yenn-Batah is a special gift from the Lord to ABWM. During this challenging time in the life of our organization, Rev. Yenn-Batah’s familiarity with our struggles, and our great potential, uniquely positions her to lead us into the future.

“She is a dynamic, visionary leader with 14 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. Adept at driving organizational growth through strategic planning, effective fundraising, and public relations, Rev. Yenn-Batah offers the qualities, character and gifts that are needed in this season and beyond, for ABWM. She has demonstrated expertise in spearheading impactful programs, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and fostering collaborative relationships. It is therefore with great enthusiasm, hope, and gratitude that we welcome Rev. LaThelma Yenn-Batah as our new Executive Director!”

Rev. LaThelma Yenn-Batah states, “As I humbly accept the call to be the Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, I am reminded of the disciples in John 20:19-23, who found peace and empowerment in the midst of their fear. I am thrilled to accept this call, not merely because of my experience and skills, but because I believe the Spirit of God is with us, just as it was with the disciples.

“I thank my predecessors, the Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain and Virginia Holmstrom, for their excellent leadership, unwavering commitment to ABWM’s mission and their continuous support. I stand on their shoulders as I lead our organization into a future marked by growth, empowerment, and meaningful impact. I am committed to working collaboratively with our board, region/state presidents, partners, and community to achieve our shared goals and continue our vital ministry. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the National Board for their overwhelming support and vote of confidence.”

Rev. Yenn-Batah, a trailblazer in ministry, making history as the first African American pastor of Flemington Baptist Church in Flemington, NJ. Rev. Yenn-Batah has been an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches USA since 2018. With a rich background spanning Costa Rica, South Korea, Nicaragua, and multiple U.S. cities, she is passionate about building intergenerational and intercultural communities committed to social transformation.

Rev. Yenn-Batah received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary, along with Certificates in Theology, Women and Gender, and Black Church Studies. Additionally, she graduated Cum Laude from Scripps College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Africana Studies. Her numerous honors and awards, including The Graduate Study Fellowship for Parish and Pulpit Ministry, The David Allan Weadon Award in Sacred Music, and The Aaron E. Gast Award in Urban Ministry, further underscore her capabilities and commitment to ministry.

Rev. Yenn-Batah succeeds Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Stain, who assumed the role in May 2018 after the departure of Virginia Holmstrom.

Rev. Yenn-Batah officially started her role on July 11, 2024. ABWM looks forward to working under her leadership and is confident she will guide the organization toward greater heights.

American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) is a diverse community of American Baptist women and girls serving in ministry in Christ’s name in the US, including Puerto Rico. With local, area, region/state, and national levels of ministry, American Baptist Women’s Ministries creates and sustains communities of passionately faithful, mission-minded women and girls engaged in worship, leadership, service, and friendship. Our ministries include domestic violence and sex trafficking prevention and education, building beloved community, advocacy, and developing leaders. To learn more about American Baptist Women’s Ministries, visit www.abwomensministries.org.  

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.