ABHMS’ Church Starters Initiative helps plant new seeds of Baptist ministry
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/11/2025)—A new missional effort is gaining momentum at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) as the Church Starters Initiative (CSI) nurtures its first cohort of faith leaders working to build new and re-emerging congregations across the United States. After a brief period of virtual interaction, the twelve starters met in person this fall for a hands-on learning experience at ABHMS’ Leadership and Mission Building in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
The initiative emerged from discussions within ABHMS’ Board of Directors. The encouragement and insights of former board member Rev. Mia Chang and now-ascending board president Rev. Trevor Hyde helped shape early thinking about how ABHMS could support faith leaders starting new ministries. That vision, together with the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS’ executive director, and the collaboration of ABHMS staff members, helped establish CSI as a further expression of ABHMS’ longstanding commitment to equipping leaders for vibrant Christian ministry.
“ABHMS has always encouraged the creative movement of the Spirit in local communities,” said Haggray. “This initiative supports leaders who are stepping forward with courage and imagination to plant new ministries and renew existing ones. They remind us that the Gospel continues to grow in unexpected places, and ABHMS is honored to walk with them as partners in mission.”
ABHMS engaged Rev. Dr. Wallace Smith to facilitate the program. The senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Overland Park, Kansas, Smith has experience as a church planter and a history of ministering to both established and transitioning congregations. He also possesses a strong commitment to developing confident and spiritually grounded leaders.
The inaugural cohort of church starters includes Ben Dubow from Riverfront Family Church in Hartford, Connecticut; David Chun from Los Angeles Japanese Baptist Church in California; Don Darius Butler from Concord Fellowship in Harvest, Alabama; Mang Hau from Zo Christian Church in Logansport, Indiana; Gregory Keven Ellis from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; Liz Ullery Swenson from Wildwood Gathering in Olympia, Washington; Enith Alicia Trujillo and Pedro Reina from Verdad y Vida in Omaha, Nebraska; Keturah Clark-Weathers and Stefan Weathers from Impact Church in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Tramaine and William Guy from Purpose Church in Magnolia, Delaware.
Over the four days of their in-person gathering, the church starters shared their ministry stories, reflected on their communities, and met one-on-one with mentors and ABHMS staff. They also engaged in several learning activities that drew on ABHMS’ heritage and the history of the surrounding region. A virtual visit to an American Baptist chapel car recalled the innovation of past generations who carried the Gospel by rail to rural communities, while time spent at Valley Forge National Historical Park encouraged reflection on perseverance and spiritual growth. A visit to The Simple Way, an intentional Christian community in Philadelphia, emphasized the call to serve faithfully within one’s neighborhood.
Cohort member Dubow reflected on his experience, sharing, “I feel like I have a better understanding of ABHMS and what they can offer the local church. The spotlight on each church starter was great; hearing from each person or team was powerful, interesting, and gave me lots to think about. I really appreciated both the history and vision shared in the train car chapel, Valley Forge, and The Simple Way. But the best part of the three days was the relationships and connections within the cohort, with the mentors, and with ABHMS staff.”
From his perspective, Smith saw the gathering as a promising beginning. “Each starter brings a unique vision shaped by their community and context, yet they share a deep commitment to the work of the Gospel. Our time together confirmed that ABHMS can play a crucial role in encouraging new ministry leaders and helping them develop confidence, clarity, and connection. We look forward to walking alongside them in the months ahead.”
The group will continue to convene online every month through October 2026, concentrating on leadership development, cultural engagement, mission strategy, and opportunities for collaboration with ABHMS program units. The long-term goal is to develop an expanding network of church starters who support one another and strengthen the ministry of American Baptists in diverse communities nationwide.
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.
