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WELCOME to the American Baptist Churches of the South, (ABCOTS) website.  ABCOTS is a Maryland non-profit corporation associated as a covenanting Regional organization with the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. See us in Missions, Evangelism and Denominational Work, supporting the local congregations serving the District of Columbia and 15 states throughout the southern United States. Join us in reaching the world for Christ believing and perpetuating His identity, His message and His ministry! 

Click Here to donate

Join Weekly Zoom calls with ABCOTS Executive Minister Dr. Harrison
Tuesdays at 11 AM EST
Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92965419729?pwd=dnV5TmZQQlhHOHVrT2lJVmtVREJPdz09

Meeting ID: 929 6541 9729  Password: 6Qi4WF

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Griffin GA

Seeking a Senior Pastor
 

Qualifications:

Candidates must be Holy Spirit filled and guided. The ideal candidate will possess theological training and/or have:

● Seven (7) years of significant related ministry experience which includes experience in church administration (i.e., Assistant Pastor, Executive Pastor, Associate Minister, Ministry Leader, etc.)

● Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver biblically sound, stimulating, inspirational, and Spirit-filled sermons; should have a demonstrated aptness for Bible-based teaching; should possess strong interpersonal skills; and should be approachable and demonstrate inclusiveness for all demographics within the congregation.

● The successful candidate should have a vision for growing church membership that is both grounded in the Word of GOD and strong in relationship with Christ. He or she must have a vision, commitment, and a plan for increasing membership and spiritual development of youth and young adults. Candidates must be open to new ideas, proficient in the use of technology, and must have a proven record as a skilled administrator and manager of church staff and programs. The successful candidate will have a commitment to Christian education and a zeal for missions and evangelism.

 

Responsibilities:

The following are the primary duties to be performed by the Pastor:

● Serve as a spiritual leader for the congregation.

● Preach and teach the gospel by preparing and delivering relevant, Spirit-filled sermons; plan and conduct the worship services, provide alternate minister in place of absence.

● Serve as the chief officer of the church, administering business with the church officers, the policies and mandates duly approved by the congregation.

● Serve as moderator of church business meetings except when the meeting pertains to the tenure of the Pastor.

● Chair the committee which handles charges against an officer for failure to perform duties or for personal misconduct.

● Collaborate with the deacons, trustees, officers, and ministry leaders to administer church constitution and by-laws.

● Present to the church membership for vote, any recommendations affecting church policy changes after these have been weighed, considered, and approved by the pastor and executive board in accordance with church constitution and by-laws.

● Develop and implement a strategic plan for healthy church growth. (Spiritual, membership, financial, facility, etc.)

 

Interested and qualified persons must submit an initial Package consisting of the following information:

 

  • A letter of interest describing your call to the ministry.

  • A completed application. Click here:  https://bit.ly/mzbcpastorsearch

  • A current resume that includes a summary of relevant ministerial and educational experiences

  • Copies of ministerial license and ordination certificate

  • Copies of degrees from an accredited institution of higher learning

  • Three (3) recommendation letters (2-clergy, and 1-layperson) with email addresses and phone numbers

  • A current color photo

 

Complete the Application and Submit to

 https://bit.ly/mzbcpastorsearch

 

All questions should be directed to

mz1867search@gmail.com

No phone calls.

Candidate Packages received after the deadline will not be considered.

Deadline: December 4th, 2023

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https://www.abwomensministries.org/eventDetails.aspx?EventId=73&blm_aid=23113

Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop for Clergy



 Clergy are invited to join us on Monday, January 29, 2024, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM EDT, for a virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop.


American Baptist Women’s Ministries is partnering with American Baptist Home Mission Societies for a Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop for Clergy. This workshop will enable clergy to come together in a safe and intentional manner to learn ways to support and aid those in their communities who are suffering from Domestic Violence. The Bible study will take familiar scripture text and look at it through the lens of domestic violence. Together, we will reflect and see how our actions and inactions may impact a survivor in our families, churches, and communities. Clergy will receive Continuing Education Units (CEU) for this workshop. 


Topics Covered

  • Biblical Exploration of Violence

  • Domestic violence behaviors

  • Supporting victims & survivors

  • Issues of faith & domestic violence

  • Safety planning for victims & the church

  • Referring & issues of confidentiality

  • Responding to & supporting abusers



Bible Study Leader
Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain is the Executive Director for American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) and is a member of the National Executive Council for American Baptist Churches, USA. Rev. Dr. Gina served as the Transitional Pastor for First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, New Jersey; Interim Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; Associate Regional Pastor for Women in Ministry for American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ); and is an Associate Minister of Christian Education at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, New Jersey. Click here to read Rev. Dr. Jacobs-Strain's full bio.

 

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.

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Photos from Think Tank #2

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