1 Ministers Council Newsletter Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson, Executive Director April 2016 From the Desk of the Executive Director I was in a hurry. I had a few hours to go visit a location for a mini-retreat that I was planning for my 7Rs of Sanctuary cohort. I had spoken to the home-owner, a dear semi-retired clergy woman who has begun the practice of renting out her home for writing groups and clergy retreats. Yes, the home was located on a lovely cove overlooking the water. Yes, the bulls-eye glass door, so indicative of old New England homes, was inviting. But I was in a hurry. I had hoped to run in, say hello, get a quick tour, and be on my way so that I could return to my day. Have you ever had one of those kinds of days? That’s the shape of ministry for me these days. Oh I don’t offer that comment with any type of pride or glee. It’s like the image of screaming a lullaby. You know it’s not soothing. It is certainly not sustaining. However, it is sometimes the reality in the midst of ministry. I was having one of those kinds of days and I wanted to move this visit along. Well it took less than two minutes for me to know that my best laid plans were a bust. I was met by this lovely septuagenarian and her golden lab. I had hardly gotten into the door when my host said, “Oh my dog will sit on your feet if he wants to you stay.” And almost on cue, the dog plopped his 50 pound body on my feet. I had to see each room, notice the view of the water from each space. I had to see the art on the wall and understand its significance. I had to go to each bedroom to see its layout. I received the tour of the kitchen, saw the contents of cabinets, and learned the workings of all appliances. I received a tour of the grounds, and the various amenities there in. And after talking and seeing and strategizing, my host said, “Oh, and I’ve made lunch. Come, please sit down.” Three hours later, I was still at this woman’s home. It was one of the best days in a long time and of course I was convicted by the rushed and hurried thoughts of the start of my visit. This woman gave me a precious gift of hospitality and welcome but had I had my way, I would have missed it all because of hurry. Wouldn’t that have been a shame? Ministry is about relationships and relationships require time. Ministry is done in the non- anxious moments where we can simply greet one another without being in a rush to get to the next agenda item. It is the spaciousness that creates room for a pause rather than immediately filling the gap with words. It is a hug or touch that affirms humanity. It is the direct look in the eye that says, “I see you.” Ministry requires us to take the time to savor and sense. And I was reminded of that during my visit. In the time during which we were together, I learned of how this woman and her late husband came to own the home. I was able to take note of little things, like how a pair of binoculars sat perched next to a chair in the living room overlooking the water. I sensed the presence of the spirit as I walked through the home. I learned the story of her rescue dog who wanted me to linger. But the best part was that as I did linger, I gained a friend with whom I will continue to engage long after this single transaction is completed.
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Ministers Council Newsletter
Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson, Executive Director April 2016
From the Desk of the Executive Director
I was in a hurry. I had a few hours to go visit a location for a mini-retreat that I was planning for my 7Rs of Sanctuary cohort. I had spoken to the home-owner, a dear semi-retired clergy woman who has begun the practice of renting out her home for writing groups and clergy retreats. Yes, the home was located on a lovely cove overlooking the water. Yes, the bulls-eye glass door, so indicative of old New England homes, was inviting. But I was in a hurry. I had hoped to run in, say hello, get a quick tour, and be on my way so that I could return to my day.
Have you ever had one of those kinds of days? That’s the shape of ministry for me these days. Oh I don’t offer that comment with any type of pride or glee. It’s like the image of screaming a lullaby. You know it’s not soothing. It is certainly not sustaining. However, it is sometimes the reality in the midst of ministry. I was having one of those kinds of days and I wanted to move this visit along.
Well it took less than two minutes for me to know that my best laid plans were a bust. I was met by this lovely septuagenarian and her golden lab. I had hardly gotten into the door when my host said, “Oh my dog will sit on your feet if he wants to you stay.” And almost on cue, the dog plopped his 50 pound body on my feet. I had to see each room, notice the view of the water from each space. I had to see the art on the wall and understand its significance. I had to go to each bedroom to see its layout. I received the tour of the kitchen, saw the contents of cabinets, and learned the workings of all appliances. I received a tour of the grounds, and the various amenities there in. And after talking and seeing and strategizing, my host said, “Oh, and I’ve made lunch. Come, please sit down.”
Three hours later, I was still at this woman’s home. It was one of the best days in a long time and of course I was convicted by the rushed and hurried thoughts of the start of my visit. This woman gave me a precious gift of hospitality and welcome but had I had my way, I would have missed it all because of hurry. Wouldn’t that have been a shame?
Ministry is about relationships and relationships require time. Ministry is done in the non-anxious moments where we can simply greet one another without being in a rush to get to the next agenda item. It is the spaciousness that creates room for a pause rather than immediately filling the gap with words. It is a hug or touch that affirms humanity. It is the direct look in the eye that says, “I see you.” Ministry requires us to take the time to savor and sense. And I was reminded of that during my visit.
In the time during which we were together, I learned of how this woman and her late husband came to own the home. I was able to take note of little things, like how a pair of binoculars sat perched next to a chair in the living room overlooking the water. I sensed the presence of the spirit as I walked through the home. I learned the story of her rescue dog who wanted me to linger. But the best part was that as I did linger, I gained a friend with whom I will continue to engage long after this single transaction is completed.
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I thank God that I was graciously reminded that my sense of hurry isn’t always what is most called for in the moment. God works in the seams of time and because God made time, there is plenty of it. I told someone recently that every sermon has a word in it for the one who is delivering it. My monthly musings often speak to my own convictions. But if by chance you were similarly touched by my words this month, perhaps you might be motivated to slow down to savor and sense. Ministry happens in the non-anxious moments when God is able to minister to the minister.
ABSW Mourns the Death of President Rev. Dr. Paul M. Martin
March 31, 2016 ~ Tripp Hudgins
Students, faculty, staff, trustees, and graduates mourn the sudden death of Dr. Paul M. Martin, President and Professor of Pastoral Theology at American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) in Berkeley since 2009. He died on March 23 at the age of 77 while in Denver with his wife, Dr. Agnes Martin. A former ABSW trustee, Dr. Martin was the first African-American president of ABSW.
Dr. Martin came to Berkeley with sound credentials. He earned his B.A. degree from Pepperdine University, his Master of Divinity degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, VA, and his Doctor of Philosophy from the California Graduate School of Theology. His dissertation was entitled, “A Critical Analysis of Black Theology from Slavery to Civil Rights.” Dr. Martin was a life member of the Urban League, the NAACP, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Honoring his homiletical skills, Morehouse College named him to its Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Hall of Preachers.
During nearly six decades as an ordained minister, he served as senior pastor for twenty-seven years at the Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, seventeen years at Macedonia Baptist Church in Denver, and later was the interim pastor for two years at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles.
Dr. Martin believed in serving the community. During his tenure in Denver, Colorado, he served on the development committees for the Denver International Airport and the Stapleton International Airport. Starting in 1959, Dr. Martin hosted radio ministries on eight stations in Los Angeles and Denver. At the time of his death, he had once again returned to radio by hosting a Saturday morning show from Los Angeles.
Dr. Martin is survived by his wife, Agnes, and their children Anthony Martin, Robert Williams, Rosalyn Thomas, Arlene Sharp, and beloved grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on: April 16 at 11:00 am at Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Avenue, Los Angeles, CA; April 30 at 10:00 am, Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd, Oakland, CA; and May 14 at 11:00 am, Macedonia Baptist Church, 3240 Adams Street (MLK Blvd. and Adams Street), Denver, CO
We would also like to announce the establishment of the Rev. Dr. Paul M. Martin Presidential Scholarship. This will be an endowed scholarship to be awarded each year by the ABSW President, a resource that was close to Paul’s heart.
Founded in 1871, the American Baptist Seminary of the West is a charter member of the Graduate Theological Union and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
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Spiritual and leadership renewal for mid-career clergy Pendle Hill
338 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA, USA
Each season of ministry has its own rewards and challenges. By the time we are mid-career, we are facing some questions, decisions and discernment that would have never occurred to us when we began our ministries. How we navigate and respond to this critical period of ministry has an impact on our personal, spiritual and ministerial lives.
Mid-career is a particular threshold in ministry which may sometimes feel age-related or related to where you are in your own professional development. Mid-career can feel as if you are "in the middle" of your ministry, with some years behind you and not yet at the finish line. You get to self-define it.
In this retreat, we will engage in presentations, personal and small group reflections, and spiritual practices that will allow you to listen deeply to our own gathered wisdom and to the emerging imagination of your ministry—so that you might discern next steps. There will be pre-readings and self-assessments prior to the retreat. During this retreat, we’ll provide some time for appreciating the contemplative, springtime atmosphere of Pendle Hill, a Quaker center for study and contemplation. Limited to 18 participants.
Facilitators:
Lawrence Peers is Director of Learning of the Pastoral Excellence Network. His teaching has been honed through his extensive background which draws on his expertise in organizational dynamics, clinical and spiritual psychology, and coaching. He has often worked with clergy during times of change or life/career transition. Larry leads training for clergy group facilitators, clergy coaches and mentors. His background includes serving as a senior consultant with the Alban Institute, a director of education & research with a national denominational office, a manager of organizational learning in a not-for-profit, a minister in a congregation and a therapist. He has masters degrees in psychology and theology, and doctoral degrees in Congregational Studies from Hartford Seminary and in Organizational Change from Pepperdine University. Debora Jackson is Executive Director of the Ministers Council, American Baptist Churches in the USA. Prior to her appointment, Debora served as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Needham, MA. Having previously held numerous corporate leadership positions, she has served as a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer and an independent consultant. She is the author of the Judson Press book Spiritual Practices for Effective Leadership: 7R’s of Sanctuary for Pastors.
Event cost: The cost is $500. This registration fee covers the cost of single occupancy room, board and materials for this retreat. This program is subsidized by the Pastoral Excellence Network. A limited number of commuter registrations are available. The commuter registration fee of $250 includes the lunch and dinner, materials and training. We cannot offer refunds for cancellations made 14 days or less from the start of the retreat.
Deadline: Deadline for registration is April 8, 2016.
- See more at: http://www.cpx.cts.edu/network/events/2016/02/09/spiritual-and-leadership-renewal-for-mid-career-clergy#sthash.xMsiz59q.dpuf
Baptist Heritage Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, May 15, 2016. It is a time to remember our ancestors in the faith. In Hebrews 11 and 12, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Rahab are listed in the “cloud of witnesses” whose faith, collectively and individually, reminds us of God’s power. This list of witnesses also includes
the less famous and more recent: Adoniram and Ann, Sarah and Emily Judson, as well as other missionaries of the American Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Societies.
American Baptist Historical Society has resources for your church to use on Baptist Heritage Sunday and as you collect and organize your own church history. Bulletin inserts for Baptist Heritage Day tell about various members of the ‘cloud of witnesses’ and are available on our web site, abhsarchives.org, click on the “For Churches” page.
A pamphlet entitled Pilgrimage of Faith which gives a timeline of American Baptist people, places and events is available from ABHS. Order through the web site, ( “Publications” page, ‘Items for Sale‘), or call the office at 678-547-6680. ($.50 each in quantities of 25 or more)
Do you know someone who thinks God might be calling them to become global missionaries? Tell them about “Hear the Call”, a high-intensity weekend retreat sponsored by International Ministries at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin from July 1 - 4. Missionaries and staff will help participants to explore their call, answer questions and banish misconceptions of what it really means to be a missionary in today’s world. Worship, inspirational messages, Bible study and personal reflection time all combine to make this a powerful discernment experience. Register at: http://www.worldmissionconference.org
Join the Ministers Council
One of the gifts of being the Executive Director is that I travel all over the country speaking to ministers. Whether pastors, seminarians, counselors or chaplains, I hear similar stories where ever I go.
I hear the challenges of ministry. I hear the joys and the discouragements. But most often I hear how the Ministers Council is making a difference. You tell me how programs offered locally have made an impact. I hear how workshops that we offer have changed lives. I learn of colleagues who have been meeting for decades because of a Together in Ministry group.
And then when I review the renewals and new member rosters, I recognize the names of folks that I have met: new pastors, Executive Ministers, denominational leaders, students, and lay leaders. It’s heartening. All of these folks can’t be wrong. They recognize the benefit of being in the Ministers Council. I for one am glad to be in their company as a card-carrying member.
What about you? Are you a member? You’re obviously receiving this newsletter (you and some 2500 colleagues, I would add). You might even read it from beginning to end. But have you taken the time to join? If not, why not? The work that we do, the ministry that deliver, is accomplished through the support of dues paying members and generous contributors. We need your help to enable us to do the good work of ministering among the leaders who minister to us. Go to http://ministerscouncil.com/subscriptions/ and join the Ministers Council for 2016. And thank you for your support!
With a focus on “The Holistic Maintenance of the Ministry,” the 2016 Ministers Conference will
provide a well-rounded view of healthy ministry. Come to connect with colleagues and realize a time a renewal and respite. In addition you will learn strategies for sustainable living in ministry and practical actions as outcomes. You will emerge with energy to continue in ministry and tools for ministry longevity.
Registration Opens Soon!!! Come to the 2016 Ministers Conference so that you can lead well and finish strong for yourself and for those you are leading.
Registration Packages
Full Package Plan Includes Conference Registration and Events, Housing and Meals Ministers Council Members (Single) - $625.50 Non Member (Single) - $675.50 Ministers Council Members (Double) - $433.11 Non Member (Double) - $483.11
Family Plan Includes Conference Registration and Events for attendee, plus choice of Housing dates and Meals for family members Ministers Council Member Registration - $100 Non Member Registration - $150
Housing - $128.26 per night.
Breakfast - $11.93
Lunch - $16.43
Dinner - $18.55
Commuter Plan Includes Conference Registration and Events, plus flexible choice of Meals Ministers Council Member Registration - $125.00 Non Member Registration - $175.00
Breakfast - $11.93
Lunch - $16.43
Dinner - $18.55
A la Carte Plan Includes Conference Registration and Events, plus flexible choice of Housing dates and Meals Ministers Council Member Registration - $150.00 Non Member Registration - $200.00
Housing - $128.26 per night.
Breakfast - $11.93
Lunch - $16.43
Dinner - $18.55
Directions The National 4H Conference Center is located at 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. The center is one mile from our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. For more information see http://www.4hcenter.org/conference-center-information-resources/.
Accommodations All rooms include private bath, free wireless internet, flat Screen TV with remote control, telephone with voicemail, alarm clock/radio, Irons, ironing boards and hair dryers available upon request from front desk.
Our Conference featured leaders are Jennifer Davidson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Worship and Theology/Director of Chapel at American Baptist Seminary of the West, and Brad Berglund, pastor, musician and worship leader, who will lead us in contemplative worship practices through Rhythms of the Spirit.
Dr. Davidson brings contemplative practices of reflection, meditation and silence to experiential engagements, while demonstrating deep commitment to inclusion of all voices in the body of Christ. In addition to co-leading our
experiential time, Dr. Davidson will share her extensive research and scholarly perspectives to help participants cognitively understand how to enrich our worship experiences.
Brad Berglund is a premier thought leader and author of Reinventing Sunday: Breakthrough Ideas for Transforming Worship (Judson Press, 2001). As a pastor, his focus was on worship creation and leadership. Rev. Berglund is an expert in Taize style worship and leads regular pilgrimages and retreats. He brings these experiences for our Ministers Conference, offering an enriching and refreshing worshipping experience to participants. In addition to Rev. Berglund, Rev. Rene Colson Hudson and Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins to offer Spiritual Direction, Labyrinth walks, and one on one consultation.
Our Music Director for the Ministers Conference is Mr. Paul White, Jr., Mr. White is an accomplished musical artist has performed extensively in many musical milieus nationally as well as internationally. He has won numerous piano competitions during his formal training. Paul White has studied at the New England Conservatory, Conservatory in Geneva, Switzerland, Atlantic Union College and Tufts University. His formal training included many musical genres and because of his well-rounded experiences is versatile in many musical styles. Paul is proficient in pianoforte, electronic keyboards and pipe organ. Mr. White is the Director of Music for the historic Peoples Baptist Church in Boston, MA.
Women in Ministry: The Soul of Leadership July 24 - 27, 2016 Washington DC
Women in professional ministry serve in a variety of roles and lead in a variety of ways. But the model for leadership in twenty-first century Western culture is one in which leaders are rewarded for their drive, decisiveness, productivity, and long work hours. What would it look like for leaders to step off the treadmill, reclaim their calling, carve out time to cultivate the inner life, and take time apart for personal reflection? What would leadership arising from a core of spiritual groundedness and compassion look like?
This event will be co-led by Margaret
Benefiel, Ph.D., the new Executive Director of Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and
the Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson, Executive Director of The Ministers Council and is offered as a partnership of ABWIM and
The Ministers Council.
American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) and AB Women’s Ministries are partnering to offer a women’s intercultural/interfaith spiritual pilgrimage to the Republic of Georgia on August 3-13, 2016. Participants will include up to 20 Baptist and Muslim women from the U.S. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to break barriers and build bridges between Christians and Muslims, generations, Georgians and Americans, and lay and ordained women. In the Republic of Georgia, the American women will be hosted by the Georgian Muslims Union and Georgian Baptists. Participants will experience homestays with Muslim families, reverent reflections in mosques and ancient Christian churches, worship experiences with the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia community, seminars to deepen understanding of Christianity and Islam, respectful dialogue between Baptists and Muslims, advocacy for gender justice, hiking, and the country’s unique hospitality, cuisine, and folkdance. For additional information, itinerary, and registration materials, visit www.abwministries.org/Events.
National Event for American Baptist Women and Girls in Washington, D.C. American Baptist Women’s Ministries invites you to two concurrent events for women and girls this summer at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport hotel in Herndon, Virginia, in July, 2016. “Dwelling, Discovering, Discipling/ Dedicando, Descubriendo, Discipulando,” based on Romans 12, is the theme of the national conference for women and the national gathering for girls. The women’s conference will be using “unconference” principles throughout the event, including dialogue and conversational groups for Bible study and topical discussion. It will be inclusive of young adult women and older women. Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray of McCray Consulting will be facilitating Bible study dialogue and table conversations, and worship experiences will be led by the members of the intergenerational planning team with music coordinated by Valeria Foster, Gospel Choir Director at the National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. In addition to the conference programming, young adult women will also have opportunities to gather together for fellowship and learning. A semi-formal banquet celebrating the 65th anniversary of American Baptist Women’s Ministries will be on Saturday evening, and will include recognition of former presidents and executive directors of the organization and highlights from the history of the ministry.
The women’s conference, including components for young adult women, begins Thursday, July 21, with evening worship, and ends Sunday, July 24, with morning worship. From Sunday evening, July 24, through Tuesday evening, July 26, there are four optional seminars for women, focused upon such topics as hunger and advocacy, leadership capacity development, Baptist-Muslim dialogue and, in partnership with American Baptist Women in Ministry and Minister’s Council, women in professional church vocations.
The conference for girls who have completed grade 6 through seniors in high school begins on Thursday, July 21, with evening worship, and concludes Tuesday, July 26th, with evening worship. Participants in the girls’ event will join with the women’s conference in worship and conversation in significant ways through the weekend, as well as having their own times of worship and learning planned by the national leadership team of AB GIRLS. A highlight of the girls’ conference is two days of hands-on mission in the Washington D.C. area.
For information on each event, visit www.abwministries.org. Registration is open now. A
downloadable flyer and bulletin insert are available on the event page.
Local News Anyone? We want to share news and events from local Ministers Council chapters and ABCUSA organizations that want to promote their good works across the country. Do you have news to share? Forward your stories and information to Debora Jackson at [email protected]. We want to share your happenings with others.
Give to the Ministers Council Support the work of the Ministers Council. Use our Donor Information Form to contribute to the Equipping Ministries Endowment Fund, Together in Ministry Endowment Fund, General Fund or to a designated ministry effort that you specify. As you support the Ministers Council, you make ministry happen.
Ministers Council Contact Information Web: www.ministerscouncil.org Mail: The Ministers Council PO Box 851 Valley Forge PA 19482-0851 Phone: 1-800-222-3872, extension 2333 (Rev. Debora Jackson, DMin) FAX: 610/768-2066
Travel Schedule National Leadership Committee Meeting – Green Lake Wisconsin – April 4-7.
Women of the National Leadership Committee Retreat – Green Lake, WI – April 7-9.
Travel to Valley Forge, PA. In Ministers Council Office – April 11-13
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Ordination for Rev. Esther Irish, Warren, RI – April 24.
7Rs of Sanctuary Retreat, Barrington, RI – April 24-26.
Mid Career Clergy Retreat, Wallingford, PA – May 2-5.
ABCoRI Ministers Council Retreat, Block Island, RI – May 16-18.
Tentative Date for the next 7Rs of Sanctuary Cohort Retreat – June 6-8, Western Massachusetts (Contact [email protected] if you are interested in participating)
