November 23, 2010

VALLEY FORGE, PA – At the ABCUSA General Board meeting November 18-21 in King of Prussia, Pa., a new plan for American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) work was announced by ABWIM Steering Committee chair Rev. Mary A. Hulst and ABWIM consultant Rev. Holly Vincent Bean. The plan concludes a year of learning and reassessment by the steering committee, which also includes members Rev. Dr. Alice J. Greene and Rev. Lauren L. Ng.

The ABWIM plan seeks to educate churches towards greater openness to women clergy; advocate for the equal partnership of women and men in ministerial leadership; cultivate the leadership of new women clergy and celebrate the gifts they bring to the church. The plan focuses ABWIM work on a set of strategic priorities for the years 2011 through 2015.

A search for a part-time national director will begin in December of this year. The national director's work to fulfill the strategic priorities will include building new and mutually beneficial partnerships with ABC entities. In addition to the national director, the plan calls for a team of volunteer coordinators to advance the ABWIM work in regional settings and with various groups of women clergy. An ABWIM Advisory Committee will also be created to work with the national director on matters of strategy and support.

Mary Hulst commented, "American Baptist Churches have officially supported the equal partnership of women and men in ministry for many years, but that goal has remained elusive. With this plan, we hope to activate and energize the potential we know is out there."

General Board members showed appreciation for the plan, and General Secretary Roy Medley endorsed it saying, "To thrive, our churches need the leadership gifts of all those called by God. This plan offers real promise."

Watch for the job posting and updates on the new ABWIM plan at: http://www.abwim.org.

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