ABHMS board meeting showcases new ministries, new staff, and renewed commitment to mission
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/11/2025)—The Board of Directors of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) gathered November 3–4 at the Leadership and Mission Building in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, for its semiannual meeting, which included a time of reflection and forward-looking conversations about opportunities that lie ahead.
Celebration and connection
The meeting began with greetings from Board President Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam, who invited directors to reconnect and share updates from their communities and ministry contexts. Their stories highlighted the scope of ABHMS’ national ministry and its partnerships across the United States and Puerto Rico. Rev. Dr. Conley Hughes then offered a reflection and prayer that set a grounded and gracious tone for the work ahead.
A year of growth and expanding impact
Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray provided a comprehensive overview of ABHMS’ work since the board last met in June. He noted that 2025 has been a standout year, characterized by increased participation in program offerings, the launch of several new initiatives, and the arrival of new staff across multiple units.
Haggray’s report spotlighted ABHMS’ presence at key denominational gatherings, celebrations, and ministry events. These included participation in the 2025 ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit in Omaha, Nebraska; the 23rd Baptist World Alliance Congress in Brisbane, Australia; the Lott Carey Annual Convention; and the Oikos Institute’s Fishing Differently Conference, both in Philadelphia; as well as the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship in Toronto, Canada. Additionally, numerous regional and partner engagements took place. Other sojourns strengthened ties with Native American, Latino, and local church partners, along with seminaries and ecumenical groups nationwide. The schedule reflected ABHMS’ ongoing dedication to supporting ministry partners, addressing needs, and representing American Baptists at important moments across the country.
Haggray also recognized the passing of several cherished American Baptist leaders in 2025, whose ministries left an indelible imprint on ABHMS and the broader American Baptist community. Among them were Rev. Kenneth Sullivan, Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray, Margaret “Peggy” Johnson, Rev. Dr. Walter Parrish II, Rev. Dr. James Stallings, Rev. Dr. David Gregg, Judge Earl Trent, and Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr., whose witness continues to bless the communities they served.
As he reflected on his tenth anniversary as executive director, Haggray expressed deep gratitude for the board’s partnership and for the staff whose dedication strengthens ABHMS’ ministry every day.
Program Highlights and Emerging Leadership
Presentations by program leaders showcased the breadth of ABHMS’ work and the enthusiasm driving its future.
In Healing & Transforming Communities, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Stewart introduced a newly formed leadership team that includes Rev. Dr. Brian Ellis Gibbs and Minister Matthew Rivera. As national coordinators, they guide ministries focused on community healing, justice-centered engagement, and compassionate outreach.
Rev. Rebecca Irwin Diehl, Ph.D., director of the ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning, described recent growth in educational programs and introduced new staff members Shreya Ramachandran and Jacalyn Barnes, national coordinators who support the CCL’s expanding learning opportunities for clergy, lay leaders, and ministry partners.
Program Director Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri shared updates on Intercultural Ministries, including two initiatives funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. She introduced Rev. Daryn Stylianopoulos, who leads the Nurturing Children Initiative as program director, and Rev. Abner Cotto-Bonilla, who directs Creciendo Juntos. Cotto-Bonilla currently holds two roles at ABHMS, as he also continues to serve as the national coordinator for Latino Ministries. This dual leadership reflects ABHMS’ commitment to deepening organizational engagement with Latino faith communities.
The Board of Directors also met Rev. Dr. Wallace Smith, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Overland Park, Kansas. He was called to facilitate the Church Starters Initiative within ABHMS’ Leadership Empowerment unit. His work supports new pastors and church planters through mentoring and shared learning experiences.
Together, these program updates affirmed ABHMS’ continuing commitment to cultivating capable, compassionate leaders and expanding ministries that respond faithfully to the needs of diverse communities.
Treasurer’s Report and Committee Updates
Board Treasurer and CFO Clifton Strain, who joined ABHMS in late 2024, provided a general overview of its financial condition and presented the proposed 2026 budget to the Finance Committee and the full board. He described the first year in his role as a time of both learning and stewardship, grounded in the conviction that God continues to provide for ABHMS’ ministry.
Underscoring ABHMS’ comprehensive approach to mission oversight, board committee chairs presented additional reports on governance, finance, audit processes, and World Relief. These reports collectively demonstrated the organization’s ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible management of mission resources.
Transitions in Board Leadership
The Board of Directors celebrated the election of two new members who bring extensive pastoral experience and an unwavering commitment to the values and mission of ABHMS. Rev. Bianca Luna serves at Urban Grace Church in Tacoma, Washington, where she guides youth faith formation and leads community engagement. Rev. Dr. Erika Marksbury is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in McMinnville, Oregon, a congregation dedicated to justice, inclusion, and creative discipleship. Both will begin their terms on January 1, 2026.
The board also affirmed its incoming officers, whose leadership will guide that body starting January 1, 2026. Rev. Trevor Hyde will succeed Washam as president, and Rev. Janna Louie will become vice president, replacing Hyde when he transitions to his new role.
Finally, in a moment of joyful celebration tinged with sadness, the board recognized several directors completing their terms of service on December 31, 2025. Acknowledged for their wisdom, guidance, and ministry partnership were Rev. Dr. Conley Hughes, Rev. Sanetta Ponton, Rev. Dr. Kathryn Ray, and Rev. Karen Yee.
Looking Ahead
The Board received an update on preparations for the 2026 Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference, scheduled to take place April 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio. This upcoming edition of ABHMS’ signature national event aims to immerse attendees in the intriguing complexities of storytelling while also providing space for grace, healing, and renewal that is unique to this gathering.
The meeting ended with a prayer led by Rev. Sanetta Ponton and a dinner honoring outgoing directors. With gratitude for their work and hope for what lies ahead, board members left feeling inspired and ready for the next chapter.
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.
