ABHMS welcomes 2025–26 cohort of emerging leaders and passionaries at orientation weekend in Valley Forge

VALLEY FORGE, PA (08/22/2025)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) welcomed nine energetic young adults to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, from August 1–3 for a weekend of orientation, spiritual reflection, and vocational exploration. The gathering marked the official launch of the 2025–26 Emerging Leaders Cohort and Summer Passionary Institute (ELC/SPI).

The yearlong program features virtual learning, collaborative project development, and 10-week internships at ABHMS-approved mission partner sites nationwide, including Puerto Rico. Themed “Justice in Action,” the orientation weekend set the tone for the cohort’s shared journey of discernment and engagement over the next 12 months.

Members of the the 2025-26 ELC/SPI cohort, joined by ABHMS facilitators Alexzandria Sanchez (far left) and Rev. Dr. Jennifer Stewart (far right), gather for a group photo outside ABHMS’ Leadership and Mission Building during their three-day orientation in early August.

Alexzandria Sanchez, ABHMS’ director of Scholarships, Ministerial Grants, and Emerging Leaders Initiatives, describes ELC/SPI as more than just an internship or leadership program. “It’s a sacred invitation for young adults to grow deeply, serve faithfully, and discern their vocational calling at a critical time in their lives,” she said. “They are navigating life-changing questions of identity, purpose, and spiritual formation within the context of faith, justice, and community.”

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, ABHMS’ director of Healing and Transforming Communities, who co-led the orientation with Sanchez, sees the program as a chance to walk alongside emerging leaders as they envision new possibilities for justice and transformation. Said Stewart, “Their creativity, courage, and faith will help shape communities that reflect God’s vision of healing and wholeness, and we are honored to accompany them on that journey.”

Stewart also views the ELC/SPI program as a rich foundation for new expressions of faith to take hold and develop. “I am inspired by the vision and passion these young leaders bring,” she said. “Their commitment to justice, service, and spiritual growth mirrors the heart of our work of Christ in community. Nurturing the next generation of leaders is itself a healing act—strengthening not only our churches but also the communities we are called to serve.”

Orientation activities, a blend of workshops, team-building exercises, and devotionals, took place at ABHMS’ Leadership and Mission Building (LAMB). On Friday, students participated in goal-setting dialogues and penned letters to their future selves. Saturday’s robust schedule included sessions on faith-rooted advocacy and organizing, storytelling, networking, and justice-centered project ideation. Interactive activities, including an escape room and the “Ripple Effect” simulation game, rounded out the day’s agenda. The orientation concluded on Sunday with a cultural outing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and lunch at Reading Terminal Market.

Participants in the 2025–26 cohort hail from across the United States and Puerto Rico and bring with them experiences from diverse background. The interns include:

• Anais Santiago Colón, a graphic design student from Puerto Rico and active church leader;
• Andrew Cook, a Morehouse College sophomore and athlete from Philadelphia;
• DeShon Cooper, a realtor and ministry student from New Jersey;
• LV Dyer III, a psychology major from Texas State University;
• Glenda-Avril Galloway, a stage management student at Ithaca College passionate about theater and the African diaspora;
• Rebekah Hartsuch, a biochemistry major at Iowa State University with a focus on global health;
• Thian Kim, a youth leader and Sunday school teacher;
• Lydie Philippe, a senior at Kean University in New Jersey; and
• Nathen Poe, a Truman State University student with a heart for campus ministry and global learning.

Throughout the upcoming academic year, cohort members will participate in six virtual sessions and receive mentorship as they collaboratively create student-led justice initiatives. Their work will culminate in a national retreat, followed by summer internship placements that match their vocational interests and ABHMS’ mission of developing Christ-centered leaders committed to spreading the Gospel.

As part of its long-standing commitment to leadership empowerment, ABHMS continues to expand the reach and depth of its Emerging Leaders and Passionary programs. “We believe in equipping young people with the tools for ministry and service and instilling in them the confidence to live out their calling boldly and compassionately,” said Sanchez. “My hope is that each one of them not only discovers more about their own calling but also experiences what it means to be held by a community that believes in their gifts.”

For more information about ABHMS’ Emerging Leaders Cohort and Summer Passionary Institute, visit www.abhms.org.

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.