Summer Passionary Institute welcomes second cohort with three-day orientation
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 05/24/2024)—The Summer Passionary Institute (SPI), a unique initiative of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), launched its second cohort on May 16. Seven SPI interns and three SPI ambassadors convened with ABHMS staff in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, for an intensive three-day orientation in preparation for the immersive experience the “passionaries” will begin June 2.
ABHMS launched the SPI in 2023 specifically to nurture passionaries, which the organization describes as individuals who engage in the extraordinary work of healing and transforming communities through the embodiment of Christ’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit,
The SPI originated as an eight-week summer internship designed for young adults aged 18-28. Objectives included helping participants discern their calling and develop professionally and spiritually through practical experiences and reflections.
This year, the original SPI program has evolved into the SPI + Emerging Leaders Cohort (SPI + ELC), combining the summer internship with year-round skills development. The SPI + ELC aims for the passionaries to achieve three key outcomes: Engage deeply with peers through meaningful interactions while exploring formative questions; achieve greater vocational alignment through exposure to experiences that resonate with their evolving life callings; and develop empathy by connecting deeply with those facing challenging circumstances.
Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of ABHMS, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “ABHMS is committed to cultivating leaders, equipping disciples, and healing and transforming communities. The SPI + ELC is another example of our team attempting to live out this mission. We genuinely believe that investing in this generation of leaders is imperative to the perpetuation of the gospel and the ultimate survival of God’s church.”
For more information about the SPI + ELC and other ABHMS initiatives, please visit 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.
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.
