ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE 

​

ABCUSA Announces “Least of These” Grant for Giving Tuesday 2023

​

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/15/23)—American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) is excited to announce an inspiring initiative for Giving Tuesday 2023 that empowers churches to make a meaningful impact in their communities. The “Least of These” Grant, aimed at providing support to the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods, is set to be a game-changer. Read the story of the Least of These in Matthew 25:31-46.

Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity, is on November 28, 2023, and ABCUSA invites all dedicated partners and supporters to join in this endeavor. The “Least of These” Grant is a pivotal step in the mission to serve those in need within communities.

“The ‘Least of These’ grants will enable churches to apply for resources that support mission aimed at making a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities. It’s an opportunity for us to come together and amplify our impact by providing financial support where it is needed most,” said Rev. Dr. Robin D. Stoops, Associate General Secretary for Mission Resource Development at ABCUSA.

ABCUSA’s goal is to raise $25,000 to fund this program, and they believe that together, they can not only reach but exceed this target.

​

How to Get Involved:

Spread the Word: Start now and help build excitement and anticipation for Giving Tuesday. Share ABCUSA’s mission with your network and let them know about the “Least of These” grant. The more people who know, the closer we will get to the $25,000 goal.

Donate: On November 28, consider donating to support the “Least of These.” Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact and brings the initiative closer to its call. We challenge you to become a supporter and contribute $25 each month to this initiative by selecting the “monthly” recurring gift option here.

Engage: Actively participate in the Giving Tuesday campaign. Share ABCUSA’s posts on social media, email your friends and family, and encourage your congregation to rally behind this cause.

Apply for a Grant: If you’re part of a church or organization that would benefit from the “Least of These” Grant, be ready to apply once the application process is open.

ABCUSA believes that together, great things can be achieved, and the “Least of These” Grant is a testament to our shared commitment to serving those in need.

​

​

ABHMS Continues to Foster Beloved Communities with Intercultural Leadership Institute Preview

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/15/23)—Fulfilling American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) missional priorities of cultivating leaders and equipping disciples, the lead team of the Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI) hosted the Intercultural Leadership Institute: A Preview on November 3 in King of Prussia, Pa. Aimed at “faith leaders and disciples courageously fostering transformed beloved communities across race, ethnicity, and other cultural distinctions,” the event presented a rich variety of resources soon to be available through the ILI.
 

“This is a very important briefing and sharing about the Intercultural Leadership Institute and the emerging vision for this work in the critical times we’re living in,” said Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director, in his welcoming speech. Emphasizing the need for leaders who are proficient at collaborating across cultures, he added, “We don’t want to be keepers of the status quo where folks are segregated by ethnicity, by language, by cultural identity. ABHMS is trying to play its part and provide some pathways for intercultural leadership. And I think [Intercultural Ministries team] is modeling the kind of work that should be happening across the board, the local churches, regions, and so forth.”

Faith leaders who hope to become effective leaders in multicultural contexts, including young adult leaders, will be able to access resources divided into four categories:

• Tiered education series: Learning experiences offered through the ILI and select network partners that aim to lay a broad foundation and framework for intercultural leadership (Tier 1), cultivate character development and skills mastery (Tier 2), and equip leaders for the ABHMS ILI Consultancy Network (Tier 3).

• Communities of practice: Ongoing affinity groups who gather for peer learning and benefit from facilitator guidance within the scope of distinct types of intercultural leadership contexts.

• Digital media resources: An annotated resource bank for intercultural leaders offered via an online platform and a quarterly e-newsletter.

• Consultancy: A network of ILI-aligned trainers and facilitators available for direct training and consultancy with clients.

“It’s so important that we do this work because our context, our mission field, our nation, is becoming more and more culturally diverse. It is a biblical imperative for us to learn how to value all of God’s people,” said the Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri, ABHMS director of Intercultural Ministries, commenting on the aims of ILI. “And that’s really what we’re trying to do—build beloved communities across our differences. Having this event with people in our constituency is so important because we hear what’s relevant to them, what they need in their churches for their ministries to thrive. It’s through that conversation that we can meet their needs.”

ILI preview participants had an opportunity to test the resources. They analyzed case studies and conducted self-assessment exercises, which they later discussed in small groups. The resources were received with great interest.

“I love this idea! Good for all generations,” enthused Lisa Simmons, the S.A.L.T. program leader at the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. “I believe there will be some people who want to test the waters first and would want to look at a resource that tells them a bit more. Also helpful to local churches who hesitate to reach out to the team before they know more.”

Another attendee, the Rev. Frank Walton, interim pastor at Community Baptist Church in Warrenville, Illinois, commented, “Loving the sneak peek and spark toward a greater future.”

The four program areas will be rolling out over the next three years as components are developed, starting in early 2024. The best way to stay informed of the next ILI offerings is to sign up for the ILI community email list at ILIsignup. General questions can be directed to ili@abhms.org.

​

​

For more information and updates on this initiative, please visit www.abc-usa.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.