KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 10/23/24)—American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) is excited to announce an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers for the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit, taking place from July 3-6, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. This year’s theme, “Come Seek Living Water,” promises to empower attendees to engage deeply with their faith.
The four distinguished keynote speakers are:
Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain is a dynamic leader serving as general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA. As general secretary she is dedicated to sharing the great commission, sustaining harmony, and engaging and supporting our national and regional partners, local churches and pastors. She seeks to create and support meaningful opportunities for youth and young adults to engage more fully with ABCUSA. Her leadership focuses on sharing the gospel, celebrating our Baptist distinctives, and lifting up our diverse communities and intergenerational ministries. Dr. Jacobs-Strain’s pastoral experience includes serving as transitional and interim pastor at churches in New Jersey as well as the associate regional pastor for Women in Ministry for the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey. Previously, as executive director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, she expanded outreach, webinars and workshops in Beloved Community and Domestic Violence ministries, as well as initiated Building Bridges and Gateways to Girls Future workshops in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Dr. Jacobs-Strain earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University’s Theological School, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke University.
Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard is a leader of leaders who has garnered over 20 years of shepherding, ministerial, and preaching experience. Dr. Sheppard has served as the regional executive minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association since January 1, 2024. She also began serving in the role of general secretary for the North American Baptist Fellowship in June 2024. She is the immediate past president of the Baptist Women of North America, and served as a former vice president of the Baptist World Alliance’s Women’s department. Dr. Sheppard is the president and founder of Sheppard Leadership Solutions, a leadership development firm that helps faith-based leaders and organizations progressively “live, lead, and inspire.” Dr. Sheppard received two bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and African American and African Studies from The Ohio State University, a Master of Divinity degree with a specialization in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Global Leadership at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University.
Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula is an engaging and collaborative executive minister and region missionary who serves the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska. Since 2012, he has been a catalyst for transformation in the region, known as Churches Helping Churches ABC Nebraska. A gifted preacher, he excels in conflict transformation, church training, and pastoral continuing education, equipping leaders with essential skills to navigate challenges. His dedication enhances the spiritual development of both clergy and congregations, nurturing healthy church environments that prioritize collaboration. He also has an interest in Baptist polity and clergy ethics and serves as part of the Department of Professional Ministry in Nebraska, where he works to foster mission and ministry for local churches through an expanding network of partnerships. Dr. Mamula is a graduate of Williams Baptist College with a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education, George W. Truett Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Religion, and received a doctorate in Jewish Context of the New Testament from Northern Seminary in Chicago.
Rev. Dr. Zau Sam Lahtaw is a devoted pastor and chaplain, a servant leader whose spiritual journey is deeply rooted in his Kachin heritage and enriched by a wealth of diverse ministry experiences. As senior pastor of the First Kachin Baptist Church of America in Omaha, Neb., Dr. Zau Sam leads a diverse congregation, fostering community and spiritual growth while cultivating a hybrid identity that forms a unique third cultural space, blending his congregation’s cultural heritage with American traditions. Additionally, as Chaplain Supervisor at Tyson Foods, Inc., he provides spiritual care and emotional support to a multicultural workforce. He also leads the Ola Hanson Bible Institute affiliated with Central Baptist Theological Seminary. A proud Kachin native of Myanmar, he earned a Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts, all in Religion, from Lisu Theological Seminary and Myanmar Institute of Theology, and in 2019 earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Religion: Process Studies from Claremont School of Theology.
“We are thrilled to welcome such esteemed speakers who embody the spirit of our mission,” said Rev. Nikita McCalister, president of ABCUSA. “Their insights will challenge and inspire us to live out our faith in transformative ways.”
The 2025 Biennial Mission Summit is centered around the theme “Come Seek Living Water,” designed to engage collaboration and inspire action within local communities. It will be a vibrant “family reunion,” focusing on creating meaningful connections for kids, young adults, and all attendees. The Biennial Mission Summit will feature engaging activities for all ages, including many activities for children, alongside workshops and discussions that inspire fellowship and spiritual growth. With these child-friendly activities, we aim to ensure that the voices of younger generations are celebrated and heard within our community.
We’re excited to celebrate the July Fourth holiday with you! Join us for a special afternoon worship service that will uplift and inspire. Immediately following the service, we’ll gather for a fun-filled family picnic where you can connect with friends and make new memories. You’ll also have easy access to the spectacular Omaha Fireworks display, only a few blocks away from the CHI Health Center! It’s going to be a fantastic family reunion time of community and fellowship, so mark your calendars and come ready for a great time. Stay tuned for announcements about event workshops in the coming weeks!
Registration for the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit will open in November. For more information, please visit www.americanbaptists2025.com.
Join us in Omaha for our family reunion! It will be a joyful experience of faith, learning, and fellowship!
Learn more about the Biennial Mission Summit at our upcoming events! Join us for our next Everyday ABC Conversations events, focusing on harmony, occurring on Thursday, December 5, 2024, and on Thursday, March 20, 2025, each at 3:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. Dr. Valerie Andrews and Rev. Dr. Jeremy Myers, co-chairs for the Engage 2025 at the Biennial Mission Summit, will present at the December 5 event; presenters for the March 20, 2025 event will be Rev. Kay Farley and Rev. Michele Turek. Turek will also be leading a workshop at the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit. Register now for the Everyday ABC Conversations sessions at www.abc-usa.org/events.
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.