VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/27/16)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) continues its nearly 200-year-old commitment to domestic mission across the United States and Puerto Rico with a redesigned website that brings the ministry to life for the 21st century and beyond.
For easy navigation, the updated website—www.abhms.org—categorizes content by three ministry emphases—“Developing Leaders,” “Equipping Disciples” and “Healing Communities,” as envisioned by new Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray.
“On a recent visit to Virginia Union University,” says Haggray, “I was moved to see, for the first time, the university’s inspiring granite chapel built on land purchased by ABHMS in 1899. We have such a profound legacy of mission and ministry that has changed the world. ABHMS’ new website harnesses 21st-century technology to ensure our mission continues bringing transformative ministries to churches and communities today, and for many tomorrows to come.”
New features include an inspirational free video of renowned theologian Brian McLaren’s first Bible study at ABHMS’ “Space for Grace” conference; a “Profiles in Mission” podcast series providing engaging interviews with mission volunteers; a history timeline that colorfully traces ABHMS from its roots to present day; a comprehensive calendar of events; a digest of current mission efforts by American Baptist congregations and ABHMS partners; and the opportunity to interact via social media. The site will continue to offer useful resources as well as highlight American Baptist-related feature stories—now called “Mission Stories”—and informative news releases.
The redesigned website’s debut coincides with the anniversary of the founding of The American Baptist Home Mission Society on this day—April 27—in 1832 at Mulberry Street Baptist Church, New York City.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.