American Baptist Churches of Ohio

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.

Executive Minister Dr. Ernest Jones Receives Award

Our own executive minister of ABC Ohio Dr. Ernest Jones has received the McKee Bible Encouragement Award. This is a presentation to an individual who in the past year has experienced difficulties in their ministry work and/or personal lives. It is given as a form of encouragement and uplifting by fellow McKeeites. It is tradition that an African American Study Bible is given and signed by planning team as a part of the award. The McKee Bible Encouragement Award is one of the William T. McKee Memorial Consultation Awards presented to deserving members. Congratulations to Dr. Jones and we continue to pray for him and his leadership daily!

Dr. William Shiell Keynote Speaker for Annual Gathering October 3 & 4

Our Keynote Speaker for the American Baptist Churches of Ohio Annual Gathering is Dr. William D. Shiell, President of Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. Dr. Shiell will preach on Tuesday evening at the worship service. There will be two Bible Studies – one on Tuesday afternoon and the other on Wednesday morning. Our mission speakers will be Emerson and Ivy Wu, American Baptist International Missionaries.

Dr. Shiell holds a PhD in New Testament from Baylor University and has pastored for seventeen years. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dr. Shiell obtained his Master of Divinity degree from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He completed his PhD in 2003 and has served as an adjunct professor at Carson-Newman College. The author of several books and numerous articles, he is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Bill and his wife Kelly were married in 1995, and they have two sons: Parker (2001) and Drake (2007). His hobbies include golf, reading, and writing.

West Virginia Youth Mission Trip June 18 to 24

The West Virginia Mission Trip June 18 to 24, 2017 is an opportunity for ABC Ohio students to work with adult supervision as they seek to make a difference in the lives of families and communities impacted by last year's flood. The group will work in and around Clendenin, West Virginia. This experience will seek to build faith, community and compassion while being a witness for Jesus Christ. Pastor Howard Thompson of Market Street Baptist Church in Zanesville is the mission team leader. Download the American Baptist Youth Ohio 2017 Event Brochure HERE!

On June 23, 2016, thunderstorms brought torrential rain to most of West Virginia. Accumulations totaled up to 10 inches in many areas in only 24 hours qualifying this as a 1,000 year rain event.

There was widespread destruction throughout the state. This trip will give our students an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ as a part of the on-going cleanup of the flood damage.

Emerson and Ivy Wu Speaker Opportunity this September

Emerson and Ivy Wu will be in Ohio this September 2017.

Speaker opportunities with the Wu's are available for our American Baptist Churches of Ohio congregations.

Please contact Leslie Hoskinson or 740.587.0804 if you would like to schedule a speaking opportunity with the Wu's.

The Rev. Ivy and Emerson Wu serve as the directors of the Global Chinese Training Ministry.

The Speakers' Spotlight focuses on those speakers who might be of interest to our American Baptist Churches of Ohio congregations.

2017 National Shine the Light Awarded to Three ABC Ohio Women

Ms. Maria Averhart, Ms. Helen Hawthorne and Ms. Valerie Moore of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio will receive the 2017 Shine the Light Award from American Baptist Women's Ministries. The award is presented to outstanding light-bearers for Christ in mission and ministry. A time of special recognition takes place during Women's Day, on Friday, June 30 2017 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

The Shine the Light Award was created in 2011 by the American Baptist Women's Ministries national board with the goal of recognizing Amercan Baptist women who have made outstanding strides in sharing the Gospel. The ABWM National Board is pleased to present this award to Ms. Averhard, Ms. Hawthorne and Ms. Moore who have heeded the call to "let [their] light shine before others, so that [all] may see [their] good works and give glory to [their] Father who is in heaven," (Matthew 5:16). Continue reading to find out more about our ABC Ohio women who will receive this special award...