The ABC headquarters in Valley Forge, PA (The Holy Doughnut).
This past Sunday it was announced in church that I accepted an invitation to serve on the General Board of the American Baptist Churches U.S.A. I will be one of three New York State American Baptist representatives that will represent our region on the denomination’s leadership board. No, I’m going anywhere. I’m still serving as the pastor of The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa and my ministry here will not be interrupted.
This presents a wonderful personal opportunity and a tremendous opportunity for the church. The church benefits from having a pastor serving as a voice on our denomination’s leadership board by representing the interests of New York State American Baptists. In addition, being able to bring a young perspective in a mainline denomination is an exciting prospect.
Many of you maybe wondering, “What is the General Board and what do they do?” That is a great question. In order answer some questions for my church and other interested parties, I have pulled together a quick FAQ on the General Board:
What is the General Board and what do they do?
The General Board is responsible for:
- Policy Making, the General Board is the primary policy-making body of the ABC USA. This includes electing persons to offices and
committees, voting on budgets and policies and program direction. - Representative, being an advocates for the work of the denomination as a whole channels for communication from our constituency to denominational leadership.
- Evaluation and Oversight, General Board Representatives are responsible for holding denominational staff accountable to our policies and program direction.
- Envisioning, the General Board serves as the “think tank” to envision the future God has planned for the denomination. In addition, the General Board helps with the direction of the denomination and each of its ministries.
Read here for a news release of the last General Board meeting.
How does the General Board function in a denomination where local churches are autonomous?
Organizationally, where does the General Board place?
Read here. (PowerPoint Slide)
What are some policies that the General Board makes?
What is the commitment?
I am replacing a representative who resigned their position and I will serve out their term. The commitment to be a General Board representative requires attending a few days of meetings during the year and keeping up with correspondence from the General Board.
General Info
Want to know more about our denomination? Check out the ABC website: http://www.abc-usa.org and this website.
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.
1 Comment
What an honor Alan! Congratulations! We are all so happy for you and know you will be a tremendous asset to the board. God has chosen you to be a disciple in so many ways. You are truly an inspiration to us all.