American Baptist Churches USA

09/12/2026

The ABCUSA Intercaucus brings together the diverse caucuses of American Baptist Churches USA, creating space for collaboration, connection, and shared advocacy across our denomination.

By bringing together voices from across our racial, ethnic, cultural, and demographic communities, the Intercaucus helps ensure that the richness and diversity of the American Baptist family is represented in our conversations, leadership, and shared work.

To meet them and learn more about the caucus, join us at the 2027 Biennial Mission Summit, June 10–13, in Rochester, NY!

09/12/2026

On this somber occasion, the Office of the General Secretary would like to offer a few words of encouragement and hope.

We pray for continued comfort and healing.

Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches USA

09/11/2026

The Chestnut Street Baptist Church Endowment Fund Grant was established through the remaining assets of Chestnut Street Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is administered by the Office of the General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA.

Grant funds may support:
• Houses of worship and congregational ministry that provide opportunities for Pennsylvania American Baptist congregations to worship, teach, preach, and share the Gospel through ministry with refugees, immigrants, and persons of Asian descent;
• Theological education and ministry training, including seminary education and other educational opportunities for members of Pennsylvania American Baptist congregations and individuals engaged in ministry with or through these congregations;
• Hosting national or regional gatherings of Asian American Baptists that foster fellowship, leadership development, collaboration, and shared ministry;
• Encouraging and supporting the cultivation of new Asian American Christian communities and congregations
• Refugee and immigrant ministry and resettlement efforts undertaken or sponsored by Pennsylvania American Baptist congregations.

In 2026, a total of $20,000 in grant funds will be awarded to projects that align with the purposes and guidelines outlined above. Preference will be given to applicants located in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania.

The maximum grant award is $5,000 per Pennsylvania-based American Baptist local church or church organization.

The 2026 grant cycle is now open, and applications must be submitted by November 1, 2026.

Apply today and help strengthen the ministry and witness of American Baptist congregations serving immigrant, refugee, and Asian American communities throughout Pennsylvania.

https://www.abc-usa.org/assets/chestnut-street-endowment-grant-application.pdf

09/11/2026

We at the Office of the General Secretary are truly grateful to Dr. Miraz for hosting our beloved General Secretary Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain on her podcast "Faith Forward: Wisdom for Today". Dr. Jacobs-Strain shares her thoughts about the God of abundance not scarcity as well as other topics. It was great to hear from her. Tune in to the conversation here!

Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain joins Faith Forward on September 11

Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain brings decades of ministry experience, from congregational leadership and Christian education to serving as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA.

Join the conversation.

🎙️ September 11 | Faith Forward

Listen on September 11. Follow and subscribe to Faith Forward.
https://open.spotify.com/show/23d0LsaqnrooEUFXLCbqvV?si=19a7a534ba01439f

09/10/2026

Today, on World Su***de Prevention Day, we are reminded of the power of compassion, connection, and conversation.

As a faith community, may we be willing to listen without judgment, reach out with compassion, and remind one another that no one has to walk through difficult seasons alone. Every conversation can open a door to hope, and every act of care can make a difference.

09/10/2026

Leadership is rewarding, but it also requires renewal.

Join us September 26 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania for Renew & Lead, a special Leadership Wellness gathering created to encourage clergy and ministry leaders through worship, reflection, spiritual direction, and community.

Experience presentations from Rev. Dr. Sarah B. Drummond and Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, whose combined experience in theological education, pastoral ministry, and healthcare leadership offers practical encouragement for today's faith leaders.

Registration closes today, September 10.

https://web.cvent.com/event/3b17c0a4-2d5a-4e8f-b367-4c823d9a0662/summary

09/09/2026

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The ABWIM Newsletter Volume 4, is now available and it is a vibrant celebration of the gifts and callings of American Baptist Women in Ministry. In this issue, our contributors continue to open their hearts and lives, sharing powerful stories and insights obtained during their ministry service. Together, these stories offer encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration for all who are discerning, living into, or supporting a woman’s call to ministry today. Read it here:https://www.abc-usa.org/assets/abwim-newsletter-vol-4.pdf

We invite you to:
- Subscribe and share the newsletter with your congregation, colleagues, and friends.
- Submit stories, events, and reflections that may be featured in future issues.
- Engage with us as we continue to build a Spirit-led community of women in ministry.

Sincerely,
American Baptist Churches USA

09/09/2026

This October, we are excited to invite you to a series of two separate webinars on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM ET, focusing on the important topics of domestic violence and mental health. Visit abc-usa.org/events to stay tuned for more information.

09/09/2026

American Baptist Churches USA invites you to join us for Renew & Lead: A Workship for Ministry Wellness on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

As part of our Leadership Wellness Series, this day-long gathering offers clergy and ministry leaders an opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry and focus on spiritual renewal, reflection, and holistic well-being. Through worship, presentations, and group discussion, participants will explore practices that support healthy, sustainable leadership.

Take time to invest in yourself—and the ministry to which God has called you. Register by tomorrow, September 10!

https://web.cvent.com/event/3b17c0a4-2d5a-4e8f-b367-4c823d9a0662/summary

09/09/2026

Across our country, students, teachers, administrators, faculty, parents, guardians, and school communities are beginning another academic year—from pre-kindergarten classrooms to those pursuing terminal degrees. It is a season filled with firsts: the first day of school, the first day of middle school, the first day of high school, the first day of college, and countless other new beginnings. Excitement, new hopes and dreams are ahead.

There is something beautiful about this season of anticipation—the expectation of new friendships, new discoveries, new challenges, and new opportunities to learn and grow. For some, the summer was long, and the familiar routine of school days was sorely missed and will be enthusiastically embraced. There is a joy-filled buzz in the air as we anticipate all the new things the school year may bring.

As American Baptists, let us be intentional in praying for our schools and the communities they serve. Let us pray for school budgets and resources sufficient to support every student, and let us pray for communities, businesses, churches, and civic leaders to come alongside our schools and help address the needs that too often exceed available resources. Let us especially pray for families who may be anxious about sending their children to school because of violence, discrimination, limited resources, or unhealthy learning environments. May we work together to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn in a place where they are safe, valued, respected, and able to discover the gifts God has placed within them.

Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches USA