November 24, 2009

VALLEY FORGE, PA – At a meeting of the Board of National Ministries last week, where discussions about proposed bylaws changes took center stage, Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III asked in his report to members, "Can you see what I see?"

Wright-Riggins' question pointed to his vision of National Ministries' future: "This is the heart of what I want to talk to you about," he said. The upcoming year, which will launch the second decade of the 21st century, will be a "bridge year" in which the organization celebrates its past while "looking forward to ask where God is taking us" He added, "It's not so much the mission that we do as it is the mission we help others to do."

Wright-Riggins' remarks set the stage for lengthy discussion of proposed bylaws changes designed to increase the board's efficiency and, therefore, empower more effective mission. These changes include:

• A decrease in the board's size to 15-19 members, which will result in reduced meeting costs, and the development of new committees, including a governance committee.

• The ABCUSA president will have the opportunity to choose a director for the Board of National Ministries; this provision cannot be changed without the approval of ABCUSA. In addition, all directors of National Ministries, The American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), must be members of American Baptist churches.

• An important addition is the preamble, which lays out information regarding the incorporation of ABHMS and its connection to the Northern Baptist Convention, which later became ABCUSA. Also included in the preamble are affirmations of mission as stated in the Act of Incorporation, and affirmations of the values of mutuality and respect, as well as the principles of autonomy and interdependence. In addition, ABHMS affirms in the preamble the ABCUSA vision statement, which states in part: "American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. Our commitment to Jesus propels us to nurture authentic relationships with one another; build healthy churches; transform our communities, our nations and our world; engage every member in hands-on ministry; and speak the prophetic word in love."

During the meeting, ABHMS directors met with directors of International Ministries, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, to review proposed changes together, ask questions and hear reports from the executive directors of both organizations.

ABHMS directors voted unanimously to approve the proposed amended bylaws and recommend their adoption by the organization's corporate members at a meeting scheduled for December 21. Bylaws changes will go into effect January 1, 2012.

In other business, Rev. Eddie Cruz, associate executive director for mission interpretation and development, announced the 2010 America for Christ Offering – "With Willing Hands: Care. Connect. Celebrate." Offering materials – posters, leaders' guides, bulletin inserts, videos and more – will be mailed to churches in December.

The meeting closed with lunch and featured speaker Rev. J. Brent Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC). Walker reminded National Ministries' directors and staff that religious liberty is the first freedom protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. BJC, he said, works every day "to extend and defend religious liberty and the separation of church and state."

American Baptists can help to promote this important ministry by:

• Inviting BJC to speak at churches and other organizations

• Promoting BJC's annual essay contest (see http://www.nationalministries.org)

• Applying for internships at BJC's Washington, D.C., offices and

• Advocating for religious liberty in their churches, schools and places of employment.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God's mission around the world.

American Baptist News Service