ABHMS launches professional network for chaplains, others in specialized ministry
VALLEY FORGE, PA (1/23/20)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) announces that it is developing and sponsoring the “National Network of American Baptist Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Clergy and Specialized Ministers,” a professional support and networking organization.
Membership in the network is open to all certified, noncertified, active and retired American Baptist chaplains, pastoral counselors, licensed counselors, spiritual directors, specialized ministers and other clergy in nontraditional settings who support ABHMS’ mission. Membership is also available to seminarians and volunteers in the aforementioned fields. A seminarian member must be currently enrolled at least part time at an accredited institution of higher educatio. A retired/volunteer status member is a retired American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) or nonABCUSA member who submits an annual donation.
“As we continue to participate in God’s mission for the world, chaplains, pastoral counselors, and specialized ministers apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in spiritual practices and disciplines,” says ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. “We are happy to launch this network of professionals that offers valuable networking experiences around the world.”
To encourage local networking and support, the association is divided into geographical networks and zones coordinated by a liaison.
Membership includes a welcome packet, membership card and bookmark. Members will be part of a community on the ABHMS-created ministrElife, with access to online networking at discounted rates.
“This network will certainly build our relationships within the American Baptist family by increasing our ability to connect with one another, expand our ability to continuously cultivate our amazing gifts of leadership and ultimately empower us to impact and change the world,” says the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, ecclesiastical endorser and ABHMS’ national coordinator of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries. “I am honored to be leading the launch of this new network in 2020 and beyond!”
Membership dues are $69 per person yearly. Those who join by March 31, 2020, will pay a launch rate of $49.
To apply for membership, visit ABHMS’ Chaplaincy & Specialized Ministries web page and click “Join Today.”
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
