Who We Are

A Regional Mission Body ● The American Baptist Churches of Ohio (ABC/OHIO) is one of 34 American Baptist Regions in the United States. This Region is comprised of 294 congregations, 20% of which are ethnic minority, including African American, Hispanic American, Japanese American, and Romanian. An equal number of congregations have average worship attendance above one hundred and below one hundred. Since its establishment in 1826 as the Ohio Baptist Convention, the Region has addressed mission needs both within Ohio and beyond. The Region office is centrally located in Granville, Ohio. Mission Statement The American Baptist Churches of Ohio is an expression of the Body of Christ in this world, called to provide a network of resources, support, and fellowship, and to enable member congregations to implement shared ministries in faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission and Vision ● Our vision is to S+O+A+R to new places and new heights in ministry by Supporting church leaders, Offering ourselves and our organization as a tool for God’s work, Addressing current needs beyond the local church context, and Renewing our congregations. Motto “Ministry is Job # 1.” Every ministry is designed to strengthen the local church or meet the needs of people beyond the local church context through shared ministries.

The Board ● The Board of Regional Ministries is comprised of forty-five people including officers, associational representatives, auxiliary representatives, and national board members. The Board of Regional Ministries is responsible for establishing the overall policies and fiscal guidelines for the Region in accordance with its mission statement. Each board member also serves on one of three volunteer ministry teams.

The Staff ● The Executive Minister for ABC/OHIO is responsible for implementing the policies of the Region, managing its fiscal resources, overseeing all staff, and serving as representative of the Region. Other members of the team include five executive staff, five support staff, as well as the staffs at two camping and conferencing centers. Staff priorities include providing pastoral care to pastors and their families, offering crisis counseling to pastors and congregations, assisting congregational search committees, offering conflict management advice and care, celebrating key moments with congregations, promoting shared mission, reviewing resources, and providing training. To view the full Staff Directory, CLICK HERE!

Committees ● Board members, staff, and other volunteers also carry out ministry through service on various committees, commissions, and task forces in the Region.