ABHMS, Judson Press executive director elected to Andover Newton board

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/25/18)—Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and Judson Press, has been elected to serve a four-year term on the board of trustees of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn.

Andover Theological Seminary was founded in 1807, primarily for the education of congregational ministers. The first graduate school of any kind in North America, it served as the model for theological education for virtually all graduate seminaries ever since. Newton Theological Institution was founded in 1825 by Baptists for the education of ministers in that tradition. In 1931, the two schools affiliated. In 1965, they merged to form Andover Newton Theological School. In 2017, Andover Newton formally affiliated with Yale Divinity School.

The heart of Haggray’s ministry is motivating Christians to impact communities with their deeply-held faith; encouraging emerging leaders to discern and respond to God’s call; and emphasizing God’s loving concern for humanity’s well-being, wholeness and justice.

He works closely with diverse national and regional partners to provide a clear vision of the Christian mission in today’s world, to cultivate relationships and to develop resources for transformational ministry with congregations, communities and regions across the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.

“The United States of America is a strategic mission field for proclaiming the Christian gospel, developing Christian disciples, promoting justice, and collaborating and networking for ministry,” Haggray says. “As we impact America for Christ, we impact the world, and I am motivated by that prospect. As American Baptists develop effective strategies, resources and leaders for discipleship, evangelism, mission engagement, community-building and justice-making in America, we also strengthen the Christian witness globally.”

In addition to serving as executive minister of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention, Haggray pastored congregations in New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Georgia. He received the James F. Jenkins Pillar of Faith Award for outstanding contributions in the spiritual community of Greater Washington, D.C.

He earned a D.Min. at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.; a D.D. (Honoris Causa) from Alderson Broaddus College, Philippi, W.Va.; an M.Div. at Yale Divinity School; and a B.A. at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

Haggray is married to the Rev. Shelby Martin Haggray. They have three children.

 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.

 Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities and cultures.

 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.