VALLEY FORGE, PA (5/26/21)—MMBB is pleased and privileged to announce that on Saturday, May 15, 2021, our Chief Executive Officer Louis P. Barbarin received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Berkeley School of Theology (formerly the American Baptist Seminary of the West). This honorary doctorate is awarded to individuals who manifest outstanding achievement in a ministry and mission and whose impact on the lives of people and communities is evident to all.
In addition, the person recognized by Berkeley School of Theology serves as a role model for students and graduates because of sustained personal integrity and spiritual depth throughout his or her career. Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California, a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, nominated Barbarin for the honorary degree. Barbarin was acknowledged for his long, dedicated, and exemplary service in promoting financial wisdom and faithful stewardship as a spiritual discipline in the American Baptist Churches USA denomination, including his leadership of MMBB Financial Services.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Louis P. Barbarin on this significant achievement in his ministry!
Founded in 1911 (and chartered in 1913) as The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, MMBB has grown to become a prominent provider of retirement planning and other benefits to clergy and lay church staff, primarily in the American Baptist and free church communities. While the original focus of this ministry was to administer pensions to retired ministers, today MMBB works closely with American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) and a variety of denominational partners across the United States and Puerto Rico. MMBB is committed to providing retirement planning and comprehensive financial planning as a benefit of membership designed to help members build financial wellness at all phases of their life journey.
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.