National program directors discuss ABHMS’ new ministry model: Sarah Strosahl-Kagi

Sarah Strosahl-Kagi, director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) Emerging Leaders and Scholarship program, explains the ministry’s significance.

Q.: What is the Emerging Leaders and Scholarship program?

A.: The Emerging Leaders and Scholarship program at ABHMS provides scholarships for American Baptist students and ministers to attend continuing education events and for educational purposes. And our Emerging Leaders program also provides opportunities for emerging leaders within the denomination to connect with one another, to cultivate their leadership skills, and to change themselves and their world through personal and professional growth and transformation.

Q.: Why is the ministry important?

A.: The Emerging Leaders and Scholarship program is an important ministry within American Baptist Home Mission Societies because we are not only cultivating leadership for the future of our denomination but also providing support to the current leadership of our denomination. American Baptist emerging leaders and young adults are a vital part of our churches and our communities today. And it’s important that we support them and provide opportunities for their growth and transformation and for cultivating the skills and gifts that they bring to the church today.

Q.: What’s exciting about the ministry?

A.: The most exciting part about the Emerging Leaders and Scholarship program is having the opportunity to connect with emerging leaders across the United States and Puerto Rico. We have such a gifted and vibrant group of emerging leaders within our denomination that we are so blessed to have. And I get to work with them every day.