VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/3/21)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) hosted their 70th Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 17, 2021. Newly elected board officers for 2021-2024 include, National Board President is Rev. Christine Smith, senior pastor of “Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc.” in Euclid, Ohio. Rev Smith is also the founder of “Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland” and an author. In addition to her service as pastor of a local congregation, Rev. Smith is engaged in community service and outreach through work with local clergy groups, hospitals, and educational institutions. She has served as a workshop leader, keynote speaker, Bible study leader, and host for AB Women annual days and retreats. Most recently, Rev. Smith served on the ABWM national nominating committee (2018) and as the Ohio facilitator for the AB GIRLS STEAM program, “Building Bridges and Gateways to Girls’ Future” (2019).
Also elected, Coordinator of the Eastern Section, Julie Tankersley. She is committed to the Lord, her family, and church. Historically, she served in multiple ministries, including the financial team, hospitality ministry, and food pantry. Currently, Julie serves as church secretary at New Hope Baptist Church Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her commitment to charity includes Habitat for Humanity, food drives, and the support of women through mentorship and guidance. Professionally, Julie has strong leadership and organizational skills gained through 20 years of corporate managerial experience.
“We are excited to welcome our new board members, as they bring passion and commitment to ABWM. We plan to continue to strengthen the board with the skills and talents needed as the Nominating Committee will begin its work seeking nominees for opportunities to serve in additional key positions,” said Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, executive director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries.
ABWM’s nominating committee will begin its work in the Fall to select women to be nominees for Coordinator of Mission with Women and Girls, Coordinator of AB GIRLS, and Midwestern Section Coordinator. These positions are three-year terms that begin September 2022. For more information and to complete a national position application due no later than October 1, 2021, visit www.abwomensministries.org.
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 as well as internationally. 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, 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 our website at 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.