American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) hosted its biennial gathering, Space for Grace and Spiritual Caregiver Conference, April 9-11 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The theme was “Intergenerational Faith Engagement: Listen. Learn. Live.” The event was hybrid, with participants meeting online and in person.
Inspired by Colossians 3:16, the organizers of this event aimed to respond to the needs of our time for transformative ministry inside and outside the local church, and across generations.
“This year’s theme challenges an emerging generation of Christians to share leadership in envisioning their beloved community, shaping its cultural, moral, and spiritual contours, and speaking out on important issues and concerns.” “This was prompted by a growing sense of urgency to invite the following,” said the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Hagley, Executive Director of ABHMS. “Through interactive learning experiences and opportunities to connect through the conference’s virtual hub, we aim to create an immersive experience that transcends physical boundaries.”
“The Spiritual Caregivers Conference is for pastors, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, and all who understand these calls to ministry to gather together in our communities for a time of total renewal. It is a ground-breaking experience created specifically for you,” said Dr. Patricia Murphy, pastor of the church.favorite said an official from the Chaplaincy and Professional Ministries.
The meeting was filled with a celebratory mood.Judson Press celebrates its 200th anniversaryth For anniversaries, we offer an anniversary lunch and ice cream social. The featured luncheon speaker was the Rev. Leslie Copeland, chief operating officer of the American Council of Christian Churches.
At Wednesday’s luncheon for pastors and spiritual caregivers, Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs Strain, General Secretary of the American Baptist Church of America; preached About the importance of faith across generations. In her sermon entitled “Stubborn Hope,” she told her audience:need to tell [them] About how God brought you through. We need to inherit a stubborn hope in Jesus. ”
The celebration continued with Dr. Tony A. McNeil receiving the National Treasure Award for his outstanding leadership contributions as a music and worship educator, liturgical scholar, music minister, and conference musician. He paid tribute to the late Elder Cal Murrell, and Mr. McNeil was also presented with the “Happy Conference Musician Award.”
“In recent years, Dr. McNeil has traveled the country planning services, providing music, organizing concerts, and conducting choirs, and has become one of the best-known and best-known choirs of our time,” ABHMS said in a statement. He has become one of the beloved conference musicians.” “Dr. McNeil brings peace, love and happiness wherever he goes.”
U.S. Air Force Capt. Richard Blanchett and Chaplain Carol Ramsey-Lucas also received the Lorraine K. Potter Military Chaplain Achievement Award and the Paul Strickland Institutional Chaplain Achievement Award, respectively.
The Rev. John Simon received the American National Pastoral, Pastoral Counselor, and Professional Pastoral Achievement Award, and the Rev. Christina R. Gutierrez received the Carolyn M. Piper Pastoral Counseling Achievement Award.
Pastor Lauren Lisa Ng was also recognized for her many years of service as Director of Leadership and Empowerment. At ABHMS. She left to join the staff at Berkeley Theological Seminary.
The national gathering also featured six didactic keynote speakers. Rev. Michael Koppel, Wesley Theological Seminary Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care Howard Chandler Robbins, Abner Cotto-Bonilla National Coordinator of Latino Ministries at ABHMS, Rev. John Robbins, Abner Cotto-Bonilla, Wesley Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care at the Seminary, Dr. Sarah Drummond (Founding Dean of Andover Newton School of Theology at Yale Divinity School), Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson (President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund); Rev. Grace Ji-Sung Kim, Professor of Theology, Earlham School of Religion, and Rev. Theresa Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and Chapel, Princeton University.
“Why are they leaving? This question blames young people for leaving the church,” Cotto-Bonilla said in his keynote address. “But we, as a faith community, have never asked ourselves, ‘Are we doing anything to make young people lose interest in the church?'”
“We can no longer take for granted the transmission of our faith from generation to generation. [It] I can no longer trust it,” said pastor Dr. Sarah Drummond. “It’s neither good nor bad. It just is.”
Pastor Dr. Starsky Wilson delivers a message inspired by Jeremiah 8 in “Black Boy Joy,” a prophecy of a young boy crying Jeremiah against the backdrop of suicidal thoughts among African American boys. He positioned himself as a person and stated as follows: Lord’s. The community’s job is to restore joy to the crying boy. Restoring the boy’s joy is equivalent to making God smile. ”
In addition to a rich worship experience, attendees will also enjoy “Recent Teens” hosted by Monique Harrington with panelists Kayla Bird, Kirston Singleton, and Jordyn Spedi, and “Trauma” with Dr. Naomi. We were treated to engaging workshop leaders who included sessions such as , Family, and Transforming Faith. Mr. Padgett, a Federal Bureau of Investigation board certified chaplain and crisis interventionist, co-authored “We Care for Each Other: The Intergenerational Effects of Depression” with the Rev. Willard W.C. Ashley Sr. He spoke with Dr. Michael Crutchfield about “being a church that transcends generations.” , Rev. Dr. Dennis Janssen, Clara Scott Chair of Church and Mission, and Associate Professor of Christian Education.
The Space for Grace and Spiritual Caregivers Conference will include an early morning training session with certified fitness trainer and coach Franklin Onwubualili, and a “wilderness experience at Valley Forge National Park” with Pastor Jonathan Malone. Opportunities for reflection and rest were also provided. , a person who leads a hiking or backpacking trip nature journey. Participants were also encouraged to spend time in a reflection room featuring the Oasis Project, led by founder Pastor Paul Schneider and Pastor Shavon Walker, who has been part of the Oasis team for seven years. The Oasis Project offered a variety of meditative, spiritual, and relaxation aids and tools.
Participants also had the opportunity to participate in a “community art piece: ‘Wings of Grace'” by Eliezer Morales Ruiz. Here they can write their names on feathers, increase the spread of the wings of grace, and see that they too are covered by them. The exhibition features local and national groups, photo booths and raffles, further proof that there is something for everyone.
The days ended with an evening of infectious fellowship, interspersed with an evening service under the direction of Dr. Tony McNeil, accompanied by General Conference speakers and soul-stirring music. This year’s Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference showcased faith and fellowship across generations.
“‘Intergenerational faith participation'” [is] “This is a rare opportunity for faith leaders to exchange ideas on innovative approaches to fostering lifelong faith formation and putting faith into action,” said conference planners. “This gathering that transcends generations… [enables] There was a rich dialogue about different interpretations and practices among Christians of all ages, the challenges of organized Christian living, and more effective ways to bring Christ into the lives of believers. ”
