Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain was called as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA by the Board of General Ministries on November 4, 2024, and began to serve on February 1, 2024.

Dr. Jacobs-Strain’s faith journey began when she committed her life to Christ during her elementary school years. Since then, she has been dedicated to sharing the gospel, nurturing authentic relationships, engaging in hands-on ministry, developing leaders, and transforming communities while speaking the prophetic word in love.

Her rich ministry experience includes her previous role as Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM), where she led transformative initiatives such as the AB GIRLS program, “Building Bridges and Gateways to Girls’ Future/Hie-STEAM,” empowering girls to discover God’s creative potential through science and technology. Under her leadership, ABWM expanded its ministries, including the Beloved Community initiative and domestic violence advocacy, while offering nationwide seminars for young adult women.

Rev. Dr. Jacob-Strain also held various pastoral roles, including Transitional Pastor at First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, N.J., Interim Pastor at St. Paul Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., and Associate Regional Pastor for Women in Ministry with the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABC-NJ). She currently serves as an Associate Minister of Christian Education at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, N.J.

As General Secretary, Dr. Jacobs-Strain helps gather the denomination through events such as Biennial Mission Summits, the National Leadership Council, the National Executive Council, and other caucuses and special events.  Recently, the denomination has also engaged the denomination through Everyday ABC Conversations, wherein presenters focus on Harmony, and an October 2024 Webinar series on Domestic Violence Awareness and Well-being. These gatherings foster unity, fellowship, and collective mission within the American Baptist churches. The Office of the General Secretary also supports local congregations by providing stewardship resources, leadership development retreats, pastor conferences, and regional board training.

Rev. Dr. Jacobs-Strain continues to carry out the vision of the Office of the General Secretary by empowering and uniting God’s people and facilitating essential conversations. She upholds ABCUSA’s core values of integrity, altruism, interconnectedness, achievement, creativity, and passion, striving to create a faith community that reflects the gospel’s power through love, grace, and hope.

Rev. Dr. Jacobs-Strain earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University’s Theological School. She was also honored with the Old Testament Studies Scholar Award from the Biblical Studies Department. In 2015, she received a Certificate of Excellence from Palmer Theological Seminary & ABC-NJ Academy, and in 2017, she completed the Nehemiah-Leadership Program. In May 2020, she attained a Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. She is married to Clifton Strain, and together they have three sons.