VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/11/13)—The search committee seeking an Associate Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABC/NYS) announced on April 8, 2013, that the position has been offered to Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot. He will begin his work with the region in June.
In his acceptance letter, Hugenot wrote, “Regional ministry is a vital part of the American Baptist tradition. Such work is fundamentally about equipping the saints in local congregations, providing support and encouragement to pastors and lay leaders and working together to navigate changing contexts for our ministry and mission. I look forward to collaborative work with Dr. Kelsey, the Board of Mission, the Regional Enhancement Team, and each of the 300+ local churches within the ABC/NYS family.”
Jim Kelsey, executive minister of ABC/NYS, said, “He brings a deep appreciation and knowledge of our Baptist distinctives and history and belief. His expertise will help our churches sharpen their sense of identity and clarify their place and purpose in their communities.”
A lifelong American Baptist, Rev. Hugenot comes to ABC/NYS Regional staff with pastoral experience in congregations in rural Kansas, metro Kansas City and most recently as the Coordinating Minister of the First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont (2006-2013).
Ordained in 2004 to ABC ministry, Hugenot brings pastoral experience with missional church development, small church ministry, and ecumenical and interfaith work. During his Bennington pastorate, Hugenot offered leadership in fostering missional thinking and collaborative action among his congregants and in his efforts within the Bennington area interfaith movement, particularly in the area of basic human needs initiatives.
Denominationally, Hugenot has board experience with the American Baptist Churches General Board (2002-07), including serving with the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, the Committee on Christian Unity, and the former Board of Educational Ministries. Presently, he serves on the Christian Ethics Commission of the Baptist World Alliance (2011-15). His writings and book reviews appear in various Baptist-related journals as well as Sharing the Practice, the journal of the Academy of Parish Clergy.
He received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Ottawa University (Kansas) and a M.Div. and a M.A. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas).
Hugenot will reside in the Albany area with his wife, Kerry Shermer.
American Baptist Churches USA 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.