ABC Ohio Introduces Regional Ministers

It is a joy to share our four Regional Ministers for ABC-Ohio. Each will begin their service on October 1, 2022. October through December 2022 will serve as a time of orientation and staff development for our new team. Rev. Jane Gibbons will retire and conclude her ministry, after serving 23 years with ABC Ohio on December 31, 2022.

The Region Board has asked that Rev. Mark Click focus his ministry on the role of the Executive Minister for ABC Ohio. He will no longer be serving in a dual capacity as Executive Minister for Administration & Denominational Relations and Regional Minister for southern Ohio.

Welcome our ABC Ohio Regional Ministers:

Rev. Dr. James Willis – Northwest Regional Minister. Dr. Willis serves as the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Toledo and has served in the Toledo Area Baptist Association and for several years on the Region Board as Vice-President, President and Past-President.

Rev. Kevin Thomas – Northeast Regional Minister. Rev. Thomas serves as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Canton and has served in the Akron Baptist Association and Ohio Baptist Education Society.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Hairston – Southwest Regional Minister. Dr. Hairston serves as the Senior Pastor of the Living Word Bible Fellowship of Columbus and has served in the Columbus Baptist Association and as Dean of the Ohio Leadership Academy. 

Rev. Mark Eaton – Southeast Regional Minister. Rev. Eaton serves as the Senior Pastor of the Porterfield Baptist Church of Little Hocking and serves as the Associate Regional Minister (ARM) for the Marietta Baptist Association.

The Region was blessed to have sixteen excellent ministers apply for the position(s) of Regional Minister. Each candidate was uniquely gifted and qualified to serve, ranging in education and experience. After much thought, consultation and prayer our candidates were selected to serve as Regional Ministers. 

Please pray for Rev. Gibbons as she prepares for the next chapter of life and ministry, the new Regional Ministers, the continued ministry of the Associate Regional Ministers (ARMs), and Rev. Click as everyone transitions in our ministries – Equipping the People of God to Impact the World for Christ.

Thank you for your prayers, support and partnership in ministry, as we work together to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, make disciples and impact our world for Christ.

The Retirement Celebration of Rev. Jane Gibbons

The Retirement Celebration of Rev. Jane Gibbons at Kingwood Center Gardens on Saturday, November 5, 2022!

Reverend Robert "Bob" Melton Passes Peacefully

Rev. Robert “Bob” Melton of Chillicothe, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 18, 2022. Pastor Bob served American Baptist Churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kansas and West Virginia. He retired in 2001 after serving at Tabernacle Baptist in Chillicothe.

Bob was born on May 17, 1936, to Robert A. “Skid” and Demma C. Melton. He grew up in St. Albans, WV, graduated from St. Albans High School, and went on to Morris-Harvey College to major in Music Theory. There, in choir, he met Rayma Kay Ramsey, daughter of George E. and Erma D. Ramsey from Belle, West Virginia who would be his companion, partner in ministry and best friend for the rest of their lives. After graduation in 1958 Bob and Kay married and headed off to prepare for Christian pastoral work at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, where Bob completed a Masters in Christian Education.

Over the next decades they would serve together in pastoral ministry. The Melton’s finished their full-time vocational ministry in service at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio where they remained after retirement in 2001, continuing in volunteer church work for many years at Freedom House and Chillicothe First Assembly.

Read more: Reverend Robert "Bob" Melton Passes Peacefully

Youth Minister Search

First Baptist Church (South Zanesville) is seeking an energetic person with a strong commitment to Christ and a desire to minister to youth in grades 6-12. The ideal candidate will be pursuing a ministry-related degree and/or have experience in Christian youth ministry. We are seeking a person with the skills and desire to start a new program “from the ground up.” At present, the position is part-time (up to 15 hours per week.) Wages will be based on education/experience and the number of hours the accepted candidate is able to be employed.
 
To apply, forward a resume with references to Youth Minister Search Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to First Baptist Church, 80 E. Main Street, South Zanesville, OH 43701. No telephone inquiries, please. Applicants will be forwarded a complete job description and application form.

2022-2023 Ohio Leadership Academy Important Dates and Deadlines

Ruth "Kathleen" Hughes Passes Into the Arms of Jesus

Ruth "Kathleen" Hughes passed away on November 14, 2022. Kathleen is a former ABC Ohio President. She served most recently as the organist for Faith Fellowship Baptist Church until her retirement at the age of 89. She served in many capacities ministering with her husband Robert in small churches around the state of Ohio.

She was born in Akron, but grew up in Ironton, Ohio. She graduated from Ironton High School in 1946. After working for three years, she enrolled at Denison University as a Music major. Early in her first year, she met Robert Hughes, a senior, and her plans changed. They were married in August, 1950, and moved to Philadelphia while Robert was in seminary. In 1954, they began a life of ministering together in small churches around the state. Wherever they went, Kathleen served as Sunday School teacher, choir director, pianist/organist--wherever the need was. Most recently, she served as organist for Faith Fellowship Baptist Church until retiring at the age of 89.

Read more: Ruth "Kathleen" Hughes Passes Into the Arms of Jesus