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American Baptist Churches Of The South
A Region of American Baptist Churches, USA
"Strengthening and Caring for Church Environments for Strong Ministry & Missions"
P.O. Box 47277 Windsor Mill, MD 21244-0277
Website: www.abcots.org | (443) 551-3045 - Main Line | (800) 466-9571 |
gloria@abcots.org. jmharrison@abcots.org. abcotsadmin@abcots.org. pwhite@abcots.org
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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!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
ABCOTS Regional Offering
Love Gift: Gifts from local church American Baptist Women’s Ministries’ organizations, although men are welcome to participate. 15% of these contributions support the work of American Baptist Women’s Ministries and the remaining 85% is shared like United Mission (above).
ANNUAL OFFERINGS
America For Christ Offering: Supports the ministries of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (2/3) and the local region (1/3), after a 12% promotional cost. Generally promoted and received in early spring.
World Mission Offering: Supports the work of Global Mission through International Ministries. Contributions are used to support the work of International Ministries’ partners, projects, and global servants in over 70 countries around the world. May be designated. Generally promoted and received in the fall.
Retired Ministers & Missionaries Offering: The Missionaries & Ministers Benefit Board (MMBB Financial Services) uses these gifts to provide emergency relief and “thank you” checks to retired ministers and missionaries (global servants). Generally promoted in December.
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering: Gifts provide disaster relief and development assistance in the United States and overseas. Administered by the American Baptist World Relief Committee of the American Baptist Churches USA Board of General Ministries. May be designated. Generally promoted and received during the summer months, with the exception of disaster response which can happen at any time during the year.
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Your gifts to the America for Christ Offering impact thousands – through ministries with marginalized children, mission trips that transform lives torn asunder by hurricanes, resources that cultivate Christian leaders, chaplains who bring comfort to hospitals and nursing homes, and much more. Two-thirds of received offerings are
directed to the American Baptist Home Mission Societies and one-third are directed to the ABC regional office of the giving church. This offering is promoted in February and March.
ABCOTS Regional AFC meeting
Date: Saturday, March 22
Time: 9:00 am
Zoom Meeting Format
Meeting ID: 836 3129 6083
Passcode: 746050
American Baptist Churches Of the South
Every Tuesday “Connecting ABCOTS…” A Virtual Conversation 11:00 a.m. (EST)
Meeting ID 929 6541 9729 Passcode 6Qi4WF
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March 22 Region Event America For Christ (all virtual)
SAVE THE DATE: April 29 to May 1st, 2025 55th Annual Session of ABCOTS
Location: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 7237 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte NC 38214.
Host Pastor Rev. Dr. Casey Kimbrough
Theme: Living For Christ, Serving This Present Age
Scripture: Acts 13:32-42
Hymn: I Am Thine, O Lord
May - June One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) (Funds support disaster relief)
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July 13 ABCOTS Day in our Churches
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August - October Areas Annual Meeting
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September - October World Mission Offering (WMO) (Funds Received to Support International Ministries)
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November - December Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) - (Funds Thank You Gifts to MMBB Retirees)
December 23 ABCOTS Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
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Ministers Council
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For times such as this, when debates around immigration divide our nation, we pray for Your guidance for all leaders and all Your children. Refine our minds and purify our hearts that we might know how to wisely meet the needs of our nation. Show us how to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We ask for the strength to make difficult and sacrificial decisions. We pray that our own hearts would be softened and our minds to be opened. Guide our leaders to pursue justice and mercy, reflecting Your love for all people. Use as as Your instruments of peace and power in these demanding times. Protect those who are vulnerable and fearful, and remind us of Your call to welcome the stranger. Show us what this means for this day.
We're here to serve you as you seek God's direction in your life and ministry in 2025! Contact us for more information on clergy groups, spiritual direction opportunities, book studies and ongoing virtual gatherings.
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ABC Announcements
Women Wear Many Hats
https://bonsecoursrcc.org/event/women-wear-many-hats
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​February 8, 2025 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $70 Sale
Through gentle interactive group conversation, guided reflections, contemplative spiritual practice of Visio Divina, and moments of solitary journal writing, retreatants will be invited to pause and notice how the Holy Spirit welcomes each individual as they are. Bring a journal for your personal writing, doodling, capturing God’s whispers. Handouts will be provided. Lunch is included. Guided by Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil.
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Save the Date for ABCUSA Sunday – February 9 or 16!
Dear ABCUSA Family,
Get ready for an uplifting and mission-driven Sunday as we celebrate American Baptist Churches USA through ABCUSA Sunday this February! This special event offers a wonderful opportunity for us to come together in unity and purpose, honoring our history while looking forward to our future. As Matthew 28:19-20 reminds us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This year’s theme, “Serving with Love, Transforming through Mission,” captures the essence of our calling. Choose to celebrate on either February 9 or 16, or a Sunday of your choosing, depending on what works best for your congregation.
All the resources you need are available on the ABCUSA website at abc-usa.org/abcusasunday:
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Videos: Downloadable videos are available for you to show to your congregation. Feel free to post them on social media, your church website, or include links in your newsletters/emails.
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Bulletin Inserts: Use our bulletin inserts to tell the ABCUSA story.
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Online Toolkit: Access a variety of resources in our United Mission Toolkit, including articles, sermons, webinars, and more. Visit abc-usa.org/united-mission-toolkit.
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Poster: A downloadable, legal-sized poster will be available for you to print and display, helping to promote ABCUSA Sunday within your community.
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Prayer: Include in your celebration a prayer for our ABCUSA leaders, partners, global servants, and local churches. Give thanks for how God has blessed us with a rich history and continue to seek God’s mission, as we are United in Christ, Together in Mission.​​
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AN HOUR OF Soul Care
February 21 12-1pm EST Via Zoom
Calling clergy to a Noon time to pause and be invited into a guided meditation and contemplative practice of breath. Give yourself an hour to step away from divisive conversations, polarizing statements, stirring newsfeeds and intentionally pause and receive gentle nourishment from the Holy Spirit. Make this hour a choice to sit, breathe and feed your soul. Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil will lead a guided meditation and time of silence. To Register: Email Erin at admin@ccdmin.org
 
If you are applying for ecclesiastical endorsement, please read this important announcement!
Dear Colleague:
Kindly note that the Office of the Ecclesiastical Endorser for American Baptist Churches USA and ABHMS is moving a critical deadline in the first quarter of 2025.
New Applications for Ecclesiastical Endorsement and Supplemental Forms for Healthcare, Military (all branches), and Correctional Chaplains will not be available for submission and processing until April 14, 2025. This means all applications for all categories of endorsement and government forms associated with chaplaincy will be processed beginning April 14, 2025.
All currently endorsed chaplains, pastoral counselors and specialized ministers who have submitted their 2024 Annual Reports will receive updated Letters of Good Standing and appropriate forms in January 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact me, Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, in the Office of the Ecclesiastical Endorser by phone (610-768-2050) or email (endorsements@abhms.org) no later than January 16, 2025.
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Everyday ABC Conversations
Join us for an Everyday ABC Conversation!
American Baptist Churches USA is happy to create space for the “Everyday ABC Conversations,” a series of dialogues around topics of interest. Each Everyday ABC Conversation begins with a presentation on the topic by two leaders associated with the subject area, followed by a time of of small group conversation in randomly assigned breakout rooms of up to 5-6 persons each. A typical discussion question might be, “What are the implications of what you have just heard for you and your congregation?” with additional relevant discussion questions for each topic. The entire conversation, including presentation, lasts approximately one hour.
Join us for upcoming Everyday ABC Conversations events: ABC Conversation Series: Harmony
Join us for a series of Everyday ABC Conversations focusing on the topic of Harmony.
Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Presenters to be announced soon!
Register Now for Thursday, March 20, 2025 Conversation
Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church, a Liberian community of faith in Philadelphia. She also serves as program administrator for the Ministers Council of American Baptist Churches USA, and is serving as co-facilitator of the Engage program for the denomination, which will provide seminarians and pastors new to ABC an introduction to ABCUSA at the upcoming American Baptist Churches 2025 Biennial Mission Summit, July 3-6, 2025 in Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Myers is the lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Seymour, Ind., where he has served since 2017. He has over 20 years of ministry experience in the local church and not-for-profit work. He has a passion for helping emerging and existing generations learn to make space for each other and caring for the under-served and marginalized.
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PASTORAL and Other Position OPENINGS
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Area I
The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist), Baltimore, MD
Seeking a Senior Pastor
The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) is seeking a caring and dedicated Senior Pastor to lead our congregation in spiritual growth, community outreach, and service. As the God-sent spiritual leader of our church family, the Senior Pastor will play a vital role in developing an environment where individuals can deepen their faith, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute to our community.
Qualifications
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Must currently be a licensed and ordained Baptist minister, having received his/her divine calling and demonstrated a commitment to the call.
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Minimum three years as a pastor with congregational preaching and teaching experience. Additional years’ experience preferred, along with a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of the doctrines of the Christian faith and the principles of the teaching of the Holy Bible.
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A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary, college, or university is required.
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Strong preaching and teaching skills with the ability to communicate biblical truths in a relevant and engaging manner.
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Proven leadership experience in pastoral ministry, including pastoral care, worship planning, and community engagement.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
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A heart for pastoral care and a desire to walk alongside individuals and families during both times of celebration and times of difficulty.
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A collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and church leaders to achieve shared goals.
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objectives.
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Good computer/technology skills required.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the Senior Pastor position, please download and complete the fillable PDF application form. The following materials must be submitted with your application for consideration.
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Cover Letter - The cover letter should express your interest in the Senior Pastor position, why you believe you might be a good fit as the Senior Pastor of the City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist), your qualifications, and your salary requirements.
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Resume - Your current resume should detail your educational history, ministerial and pastoral experiences, and accomplishments.
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Degrees - Provide a copy of degrees attained and transcript.
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Certificate of License and Ordination - Provide a copy of your certificate of license and ordination.
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References - Provide three written references, one from a previous pastor who has supervised you, and personal references.
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Statement of Faith - Provide a page or less overview of your Christian faith journey and theological beliefs.
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Links to sermons - Provide access to three to five recently recorded sermons and teachings you have delivered.
Interested applicants should review the City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) website at https://thecitytemple.org/ for information about the church. Applications and supporting materials should be emailed to search-committee@thecitytemple.org. All applications and supporting materials are due by Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Any questions regarding this posting should be directed to Racquel Smith or Carolyn Gaskins at search-committee@thecitytemple.org
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Download Application Here
AREA II
St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Richmond, VA is seeking a Chief Operating Officer
https://thecitytemple.org/pastor-application
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for delivering effective and efficient business solutions, in support of executing ministry with excellence. This executive level role contributes to the strategy, vision and operating plans that ensure organizational viability. The COO works collaboratively with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to develop strategy, align operations, motivate people, build effective infrastructure and model a culture reflective of the St. Paul’s Baptist Church (SPBC) values.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE:
An ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
·· Able to build effective teams that bring individual perspectives together to reach shared goal and organizational purpose / mission / vision
· Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Decision Science and/or an equivalent combination of experience and expertise
· Minimum of 10 years coaching, leading and influencing people
· Minimum of 10 years leading multiple functions (administration, operations, etc.) and delivering on performance expectations, in a fast-paced ever-changing environment
· Demonstrated success in navigating business infrastructure, church operations and government regulations to drive organizational capability
· Proven track record in supporting large scale changes: Process Improvement Projects, System Implementation, Technology Roadmap, etc.
· Agreement with and adherence to Saint Paul’s Baptist Church polity regarding membership, leadership, and service
· Experience, passion, sense of call and relevant spiritual gifts will enhance formal education
The Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church serves as the Chief Dreamer and CEO for the pastoral, finance and operations / administrative staff. The COO reports to the Senior Pastor. Visit our page to learn more about the organization www.myspbc.org .
HOW TO APPLY.
Interested candidate should send the following details via the platform
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Resume that includes your education, licenses and certifications, relevant ministerial experience, publications, honors, and awards -3 page maximum
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Cover Letter that describes your approach to leading people, in accordance to how God has gifted you – 2 page maximum
Please submit the items via one of the following digital recruiting platforms:
SPBC COO on ADP Career Center; SPBC COO on Indeed; SPBC COO on ZipRecruiter
Incomplete and/or printed (hard copy) application packages will not be considered. All materials sent to the SPBC Human Resources function (via the digital recruiting platform) will be kept confidential and are non-returnable to applicants. All submissions are due on or before January 17, 2025.
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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
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