American Baptist Churches of Ohio

Consuming Fire Music Festival August 19

American Baptist Youth of Ohio are invited to attend the FREE Consuming Fire Music Festival on August 19 beginning at 4 PM. This is a one day outdoor music festival (rain or shine) hosted by First Baptist Newark, Ohio. It is a FREE concert event located on Newark's twelve acre campus. On site tent camping will be available for groups who want to stay over on Saturday night, (water and electricity available). Area hotels are available in Newark and Heath.

On Sunday morning, First Baptist Newark will host a special American Baptist Youth Ohio Worship Service with Justin Mumper (from Lima FBC) as our speaker. All ABC youth are invited to participate in the service (prayer, skits, musicians, singers, etc.), please contact Pastor Jim Addy at First Baptist Newark if interested in participating (read more for contact details).

Make plans now to attend this free event! Download a flyer by clicking here and SPREAD THE WORD!

The 191st Annual Gathering

The 191st Annual Gathering of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio will be held October 3rd and 4th, 2017. All events will take place over two days (Tuesday and Wednesday only) at Crowne Plaza, Columbus North, 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229 (download the Hotel Information Sheet HERE). Please note that there will be no one day registrations.

The Gathering is highlighting and celebrating the Region's 2017 Ministry Theme, "Transformed by the Journey" from Luke 24:32.

The ‘Gathering’ will be only two days in length, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and concluding at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. There will be only three meal functions, the cost of which will be included in the Registration Fee. The three meal functions will be a Tuesday luncheon – Celebrating ABC/Ohio Region Ministries, a Tuesday dinner – Celebrating International Ministries, and a Wednesday All-Convention luncheon. Also included in the cost of registration is a continental breakfast on Wednesday morning. Election of officers and reports will take place on Tuesday morning. Lastly, Rev. Dr. Jones, ABC Ohio Executive Minister will share an inspirational message as we close the ‘Gathering’ at the All-Convention Luncheon on Wednesday.

Longtime American Baptist Churches of Ohio Pastor Finishes His Race

Rev. David Dodridge passed away early on July 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He served his entire life in ministry in American Baptist Churches of Ohio congregations. Most recently he served as a Pastoral Care ARM in Northwestern and North Central Associations, encouraging and praying for pastors and their families.

Dave and his wife, Teresa served the Lord for over 54 years at several churches in Ohio that included, Perry Chapel Baptist Church, Ostrander Baptist Church, Seville First Baptist Church, Newport Baptist Church, Brandon Baptist Church and Clear Fork Baptist Church. He also served as an interim Pastor at Clark Township Baptist Church and Liberty Concord Baptist Church. Dave was a member of the Gem and Mineral Club in Akron and in his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and making jewelry. Please pray for the Dodridge family during this time.

World Mission Offering

During the months of September and October, over 4,000 American Baptist International Ministries’ supporting churches are invited to rejoice in the great work God is doing in global missions. The highlight of this celebration in many churches is receiving a special offering for global missions, called The World Mission Offering (WMO). Many churches choose to do this on World Communion Sunday the first Sunday of October. However, giving to the WMO is gratefully accepted at any time during September and October and throughout the year.

There are changes in the way to obtain materials for the World Mission Offering. Please read more for details.

Mission Discovery Tour to Costa Rica Opportunity

Costa Rica Partnership Liaison John Grisham of the Great Rivers Region invites you to be part of a mission discovery tour October 30 to November 7. The Discovery visit is 9 days and 8 nights. The cost is $2,000 (airfare included).

Here are the tentative plans according to John:
• We will visit past and prospective partnership churches, including Spanish and English speaking.
• We will be hosted by the Baptist Federation for Lunch and an introduction to the work of the Federation.
• We will travel in the San Jose Central Valley and to the Atlantic Coast.
• We will meet Missionaries Sue Hegarty, Ruth Mooney and Sarah and Peter McCurdy.
• We will have opportunities for conversation and worship as well as travel and R&R.
• There will be opportunity to participate in BWA Baptist Women’s Day of Prayer and in Ministers monthly fellowship meeting.
• We will have conversation about partnership projects in 2018.

A deposit of $750 along with registration will be due in early August. To find out more, contact John directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Youth and Family Ministry Position Available

Bethel Baptist Church in Springfield Ohio seeks a Youth Ministry Director to guide the Student Ministries and develop Family Ministries. This position in responsible for leading and providing direction and vision for both students and fostering families at Bethel Baptist. Read more for additional job description information. Interested parties may contact Rev. Scott A. Fetter, 6425 New Carlisle Pike, Springfield, OH 45504 (937) 206-6986 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.