2019 Biennial Mission Summit

The Office of the General Secretary of ABCUSA and the Theologians’ Commission will host the fifth pre-biennial theology conference around the theme Incarnation and Identity in an effort to foster ongoing, vigorous theological conversations among American Baptist theologians, pastor-theologians, and theological educators throughout the denomination.

From Sea to Sea with Dr. Howard Stevenson Hosted by American Baptist Home Mission Societies

This track is for individuals who are exploring a personal call to join God in global mission or church leaders who can encourage those considering a call to serve.  This interactive track will answer questions and tackle practical issues of what’s involved in becoming a global servant.

The health and vitality of ABCUSA is dependent upon the health and vitality of the local church. Many congregations are plateaued, inward-focused and declining. There are many factors that contribute to this reality and no “silver bullet” exists. However strong, transformational leaders committed to an outwardly focused agenda of taking the Good News of Christ’s Love to the community are key to the church’s transformation. This track is designed to provide tools and insights to help church leaders become one of these transformational leaders willing to tackle the challenges of transitioning churches for the new world in which we presently live.

For over a decade, the Fresh Expressions movement has worked to understand how to be church in a changing culture by creating new forms of church alongside inherited congregations. The movement has brought widespread impact and renewal throughout the UK and is now rapidly spreading throughout the US. Each month, new leaders (both lay and ordained) are discovering that they can start fresh expressions of church to reach those beyond the reach of the church, and congregations are being revitalized in unexpected ways.  Join us for this track to discover the impact and potential of this movement for your leadership and ministry.

The United States of America, 5% of the world’s population, warehouses 25 % of the world’s prison population. The land of the free is, by far, the incarceration capital of the world. And, in no area of American society are the legacies of slavery and segregation clearer than in the criminal justice system. How can the church and other communities of faith respond? Based upon work being done right now by Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, and an array of multi-faith partners, this workshop will explore this human rights catastrophe while providing practical responses, including organizing church-based expungement events, cash bail initiatives and how to draw upon the moral vocabulary of our faith to change the narrative about criminal justice.

In the past ten years, violence has been inflicted on a scale that has never been seen in human history. In this two-part workshop (2.5 hours) you will learn how the Christian non-profit AMOS Health and Hope based in Nicaragua uses restorative practice circles to promote health and healing, and how you can use circles in your ministry to improve emotional and psychological well-being, reduce conflict, and create safe spaces for sharing.

“Transition - Interim Ministry for Today’s Church” will provide clergy and church leaders a basic understanding of the need for churches in transition to call trained transition/interim ministers, and or clergy wishing to serve as interim ministers to receive specialized transition/interim ministry training. The extended workshop will include a variety of modules that will highlight key issues faced by churches in transition, the need for trained transition/interim ministers, and specialized transition/interim training for clergy considering interim ministry. The workshop will introduce Transition Ministries ABCUSA as a resource for churches seeking an interim minister, or clergy seeking interim ministry placement opportunities.

This session, led by Rev. Tom Carr, offers a biblical, theological and spiritual basis for the work of creation-justice. In an age when the most vulnerable human beings are crying out in the midst of global ecological devastation, how does our Christian faith speak to our call to be servants of God’s Love for all life? This session will offer another lens through which to see our faith and ministry in relation to all God’s creation.

There is a traditional Burmese saying, “myinma mini yawkya phawngsi” which means that the risk of a man working on a boat is like a woman at child-birth. In the earthly days of our Lord, working on and traveling through Sea of Galilee was not an option. It was part of life. Quick and constant change of the sea was a natural occurrence, and so was the risk of people working on it. Jesus was walking on the sea of storm while the disciples were struggling. Then the sea calmed down to show that Jesus is its Master. Peter even was able to walk as long as he kept his attention on Jesus. As we work on the sea-of-life, all sorts of storms are opportunities to invite Jesus, walk with Jesus and show the world anew that Jesus Christ is the Lord of the sea-of-life and the universe.

Who are your Ninevites? How does one approach Ninevites? Does Jonah get it right? In this session we will look at the overall missiological thrust of the book of Jonah, seeking the implications for us as Christians in our current context.

The pastoral search process is a crucial and formative stage in the journey of the church. Yet it can also be a daunting task. The search process can either produce positive and/or negative energy. The pastoral call process has profound and long-lasting implications in the life of the church. Therefore, laying a good foundation and employing best practices can provide a healthy pastor-congregation relationship. It is important to remember that the church’s preparation for the search, their openness to the leading of God’s Spirit in the process, their clear understanding of the type of person the church is seeking, the church’s honest representation of themselves to the candidate and patience and prayer are all important pieces of a good search process. In this workshop participants will learn about: key steps in selecting a search committee, the function of the search committee, working with your regional/denominational leaders, interim/transitional period, and steps in the search process

Learn the basics of the Accordance philosophy, design, and interface. Discover how Accordance Bible Software can revolutionize your Bible study and communication of Scripture.

Unbiased, expert guidance is hard to find.  Now, more than ever, planning is an essential step towards financial well-being.  A good financial plan along with sound advice can lay the foundation for a financial future that is more manageable and more secure. Join us for an overview of the planning process and learn more about what financial planning can do for you. Session repeated in the afternoon.

This session will focus on the reality of Social Media identity and why it should be grounded in physical identity. Session repeated in the afternoon.

We all depend on nature to flourish, that is one reason that God calls us to care for creation. When creation suffers, the most vulnerable among us bear the consequences. Join this session and our ecumenical partner, Blessed Tomorrow, to become a Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador. Climate Ambassadors serve as a witness to the impacts of climate change in their congregations and communities and share important information about what we can do to better care for creation. This session is the first of a three-part training to equip you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak confidently on climate change, its impacts, and solutions. Following the summit, participants will complete the remaining parts of the training virtually. Together, we can care for God’s creation and work for climate justice.

Accordance allows you to search the Scriptures with blinding speed and efficiency. Learn how to access original language meanings from translated Bible versions and amplify to an ever-growing literary of biblical reference works.

Fundraising is more than asking for money.  During this session, participants will discuss ways to communicate with existing donors and to persuade new donors to support critical issues facing the Church, our country and the world.  Most people support causes that affect their hearts first, and then their heads. In this workshop, Cause and Issues-Based Fundraising participants will: Together we will examine ways that effective fundraising organizations use stories of change, and leverage volunteer support to increase donations.This is a dialogue-based session so come prepared to share, debate and question.

La prophétie de Jonas pour le peuple de Ninive révèle l’universalité et la compassion de Dieu envers les perdus. Le refus du prohète d’accepter l’ordre du Seigneur d’aller précher la répentance aux païens (les Ninivites), de peur qu’ils n’obéissent et que Dieu ne leur pardonne. Explorons ensemble le miracle de Dieu à l’égard de son prophète afin de sauver le peuple de Ninive

Nobody understands the complex financial issues facing clergy and faith-based leaders the way we do.  Whether you are an employer or an employee, we offer peace of mind and financial security.  Find out about MMBB’s benefits, investment options and financial planning services. Session repeated in the afternoon.

This session will explore the different ways Christians interpret the idea of “sharing the Gospel,” and how these different interpretations can lead believes to use social media in much different ways. Session repeated in the afternoon.

En la jornada profética de Jonás, el huyó, atravesó angustia, tuvo coraje y cuestionó a Dios; aun así, experimentó su justicia y misericordia, el mismo mensaje que Jonás tenía que compartir con los Ninivitas. Dios fue paciente y con profundo amor le preguntó: ¿No crees que yo debo preocuparme y tener compasión por la ciudad de Nínive? (Jonás 4:11(a) TLA) La experiencia de Jonás nos invita a respondernos: ¿Dónde estamos ubicados en nuestra jornada profética? ¿Cómo respondemos a la pregunta de Dios?

American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ Mission Summit luncheon program will offer a multi-sensory experience that invites guests to explore the “Emerging Leaders and Innovative Models of Ministry” theme. It will feature emerging musical artists as well as guest speakers, the Rev. Anne J. Scalfaro, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, and the Rev. Eugene Downing, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, both of Denver, Colo., and minister Sheena D. Rolles, owner of FHJ Strategies, Orlando, Fla.

Leaders across the country are rediscovering Jesus' dinner table theology that dominated the Apostolic Era. The present-day Dinner Church movement is giving leaders and churches a renewed ability to reach people who would never attend their Sunday morning gatherings. It is also proving to be a scalable and reproducible model of mission as the church moves into a new era. Join us for this track that could provide an important option for the future of your congregation. It is recommended that attendees of this session also attend the morning session Church Beyond the Walls or have a solid background with Fresh Expressions.

The Hispanic population in the United States is culturally rich, diverse and exponentially growing. The unique challenges facing First, Second & Third Generation Latinos provide the church with unprecedented opportunities for Latino congregations to grow today. This two-session afternoon track will explore how cultivating Fresh Expressions can maximize the potential of the Church to reach diverse and multicultural communities, particularly within Hispanic cultures.

“Transition - Interim Ministry for Today’s Church” will provide clergy and church leaders a basic understanding of the need for churches in transition to call trained transition/interim ministers, and or clergy wishing to serve as interim ministers to receive specialized transition/interim ministry training. The extended workshop will include a variety of modules that will highlight key issues faced by churches in transition, the need for trained transition/interim ministers, and specialized transition/interim training for clergy considering interim ministry. The workshop will introduce Transition Ministries ABCUSA as a resource for churches seeking an interim minister, or clergy seeking interim ministry placement opportunities.

How conditions for children in economically poor neighborhoods are being adversely impacted in this current social-economic and political climate. What faith-based community organizations are doing in response.

Learn about living your faith and creation justice ethics in the wider world. This session provides practical tools for mobilizing effective action and advocacy in the broader community. Skill-building will include public policy advocacy, securing earned media, and ideas for leveraging opportunities for ecumenical and interfaith collaborations.This session provides practical tools for mobilizing effective action and advocacy in the broader community.

When one of ancient Israel’s most famous prophets is assigned the case of investigating a crime spree in the foreign city of Nineveh, Jonah takes off for parts unknown. As our wayward prophet careens along a comical thousand-mile misadventure in which he encounters a crew of superstitious Phoenician sailors, a whale, a city full of evil-doers, a scorching sirocco, a scrubby tree, a worm, and a herd of righteous cows, Jonah is forced to confront his deepest fear. This session led by Professor Gregory Mobley of Yale Divinity School will explore one of Scripture’s best-known stories, uncovering its continued relevance to a world riven with culture clashes, threatened by ecological degradation, and overgrown with superficial, self-righteous religion.

God is preparing to do a new thing in our midst. Do you perceive it? Are you prepared for that new thing? Are you preparing those following you? These are questions of succession planning: that critical ability to identify and develop leaders for the future. Succession planning is an important leadership skill because it provides us with the reflective space to discern God’s leading and recognize those whose gifts and abilities are best suited for the future, while also considering how God is moving in our lives and ministries. Thus, the workshop Leading and Succeeding for the Future provides leaders with strategic and tactical tools for succession planning in organizations, ministries, and churches. In this workshop, we will learn how to: Discern God’s leading in our lives and churches, freeing us to make room for others; Recognize and celebrate the gifts and abilities of others; Create critical development experiences to broaden skills; Foster a culture that is permissive and welcomes new leadership.

Unbiased, expert guidance is hard to find.  Now, more than ever, planning is an essential step towards financial well-being.  A good financial plan along with sound advice can lay the foundation for a financial future that is more manageable and more secure. Join us for an overview of the planning process and learn more about what financial planning can do for you. An identical session is available in the morning.

Accordance Bible Software is an indispensable tool in the preacher’s workshop. In this session, learn how to create fully-searchable personalized content in Accordance as well as how to access sermon illustrations and striking visual images from a wide range of teaching and preaching resources.

This session will focus on the reality of Social Media identity and why it should be grounded in physical identity. An identical session is available in the morning.

El libro de Jonás es un gran ejemplo para entender el llamado de Dios para la iglesia de hoy. En este estudio biblíco reflexionaremos sobre el llamado de Jonás y las implicaciones de su respuesta en su entendimiento acerca de Nínive. ¿Por qué Jonás huye de Dios en medio del llamado? ¿Cómo esta historia nos ayuda a entender el mandamiento más importante de acuerdo a Jesús: ama a Dios y a tu prójimo como a ti mismo? Para responder a estas preguntas, tendremos en consideración a Jonás como ejemplo para acercarnos a narrativas del Nuevo Testamento, específicamente el libro de Hechos, tomando en consideración a los Gentiles. El estudio bíblico se enfocará en temas como peregrinaje, immigración y respuestas teológicas para el llamado de Dios a la iglesia de hoy.

If biblical languages get you excited, Accordance is ready for you! Take Accordance Bible Softwrae to the next level with Hebrew and Greek texts and lexicons, syntax and diagramming tools, biblical language grammars and much more.

Can you remember the specifics about when a motion needs a second and when it doesn’t? Can you quickly bring to mind in the middle of a discussion how to properly amend a motion? And how often do these concerns for order actually get in the way of honest discussion that brings wide perspectives to the table? With apologies to the parliamentarians in our midst, there are more appropriate ways for ministry organizations to discern God’s vision for our work together, and better ways to make sure all voices are included in the process, than those to which most of us are accustomed. Additionally, there are many methods for gathering input that give attention to different personality types and cultural backgrounds, and there are elements of creating space for dialogue that are often missed. In Embracing a Noisier Table, participants will: Learn ways to gather input as effectively as possible, Explore the possibilities of the consensus model (with a note that what many of us take as “consensus” is not), Learn how to create a holding space for authentic conversation.

When one of ancient Israel’s most famous prophets is assigned the case of investigating a crime spree in the foreign city of Nineveh, Jonah takes off for parts unknown. As our wayward prophet careens along a comical thousand-mile misadventure in which he encounters a crew of superstitious Phoenician sailors, a whale, a city full of evil-doers, a scorching sirocco, a scrubby tree, a worm, and a herd of righteous cows, Jonah is forced to confront his deepest fear. This session led by Professor Gregory Mobley of Yale Divinity School will explore one of Scripture’s best-known stories, uncovering its continued relevance to a world riven with culture clashes, threatened by ecological degradation, and overgrown with superficial, self-righteous religion.

Today’s church records -- annual meeting minutes, clerk's and treasurer's reports, membership rolls, newsletters, etc. -- are “born-digital” in Word documents, spreadsheets, websites, social media posts, digital pictures, digital recordings, and other formats. But all of these digital records are more fragile than the paper of the past.  Come find out what basic digital preservation steps you can take to ensure these records can be “born-again” (accessed in the future). The salvation of your church’s story is at stake!

Nobody understands the complex financial issues facing clergy and faith-based leaders the way we do.  Whether you are an employer or an employee, we offer peace of mind and financial security.  Find out about MMBB’s benefits, investment options and financial planning services. An identical session is available in the morning.

This session will explore the different ways Christians interpret the idea of “sharing the Gospel,” and how these different interpretations can lead believes to use social media in much different ways. An identical session is available in the morning.

Hear from a panel of Pastors whose congregations are actively engaged in the “small things.”

Feeling out of the loop as a retired ABC executive? This is your opportunity to catch up with other retired executives and to hear a little bit about what is happening in the wider American Baptist family. Over the years, several retired executives have expressed a desire to be more connected to the American Baptist network. Because of those desires, the Office of the General Secretary is creating this opportunity to gather, reacquaint with friends, and meet new persons. If you are among the ABC retired executives who would like to be more connected to the ABC, we encourage you to sign up for this event.

Across the Seas with Rev. Elijah Brown Hosted by International Ministries

Navigating Choppy Seas with Dr. Jolene ErlacherHosted by American Baptist Women’s Ministries

Worship by the Sea, with Rev. Ngwedla Paul MsizaHosted by the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board and the Office of the General Secretary

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk provide an opportunity for persons to share their thoughts, views, ideas, ministries, and concerns with one another around topics that they care deeply about. This year, the Mission Summit Conversations and Baptist Talk sessions have been combined into one session. The session will include a teaching component on Civil Discourse.

A Sea of Witnesses, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the ABC of the SouthHosted by the American Baptist Churches of the South