ABC Ohio Leadership Conference April 20-21
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The American Baptist Churches of Ohio is pleased to welcome the Rev. Joel Zaborowski as the presenter for the 2023 ABC Ohio Church Leadership Conference. This year's Conference will be held April 20-21 at the First Baptist Church, 1000 Granville Rd., Newark, Ohio 43055. We are grateful to Pastor Jim Addy and the congregation for hosting this year’s conference.
The 2023 Ministry Theme is “IGNITE 2023: Sparking New Life through the Power of Jesus Christ,” based on 2 Corinthians 12:9. This two-day conference will focus on how Jesus made disciples and the four chairs of discipleship. Equipping leaders to build disciple-making ministries following the Ancient Path of Christ. Thursday will focus on Jesus’ model of discipleship. Friday will focus on strategy, planning and implementation. This in-person conference is open to all pastors, church leaders, and other interested persons.
Registration cost for this two-day in-person only conference is $65 per person and a special rate of $45 per person for Ohio Leadership Academy students. Panera Bread will provide lunch. The DEADLINE for registrations is April 10. Registrations are limited to 90 people.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE AND MAIL IN REGISTRATION HERE!
A special block of 40 rooms has been reserved with a discounted rate of $95 per night at the Hampton Inn, 1008 Hebron Rd., Heath, Ohio/phone (740) 788-8991. When making a reservation tell them that you are with the American Baptist Churches of Ohio. The DEADLINE for hotel reservations is March 19. Additional area hotels are located in Heath (Holiday Inn Express & Comfort Inn) and Newark (Double Tree Inn).
We hope that you’ll decide to join us for a time of fellowship, ministry development and encouragement. If you have questions about the event, please call Leslie Hoskinson at our Region Office at (740) 587-0804.
Plan now to join us at the Leadership Conference!
Women's Retreat April 1 at Diamond Hills Baptist Church
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The ladies of ABC-Ohio are invited to attend the 8th annual Women’s Retreat on April 1 at the Diamond Hills Baptist Church (647 South Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44907). Our one-day retreat welcomes guest speaker Rev. Katie Oskin. Registration deadline is March 24. For details and registration please call Diamond Hills at 419-524-4761.
Our day will begin with worship at 9:30 am and conclude at 3 pm. Doors open at 8:45 am with a light continental breakfast. The retreat will features a full schedule of activities, with the theme “Only for a Season” from Ecclesiastics 3:1.
Women of all ages are invited and asked to register as soon as as possible.
Guest speaker Rev. Katie Oskin had a calling upon her life from an early age. Although she has faced the challenges of a life lived with Cystic Fibrosis and many other medical difficulties, it has given her the ability to help others, especially in their time of need and trauma. The Lord called her to give people hope and blessed her with the gifts of teaching, shepherding, and worship ministries. Katie is passionate about helping people learn about and meet Jesus: from outreach ministries to youth ministries, community engagement, and much more.
Read more: Women's Retreat April 1 at Diamond Hills Baptist Church
Akron Association Welcomes a Familiar Face as Associate Regional Minister
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The Rev. Kevin E. Slyh has been called to serve as the new ARM for the Akron Association in Northeast Ohio beginning March 1, 2023.
Rev. Slyh began his pastoral ministry with ABC-Ohio in 1979 after graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary. He served as full-time pastor with three congregations; First Baptist Tiffin from 1979-1983, Park Avenue Baptist Church in Mansfield from 1983-1988, and First Baptist Church in Canton from 1988-2011. Following these full-time ministries, Kevin has served as either a part-time pastor or interim pastor at Community Baptist Church in Tallmadge, Springfield Baptist Church in Akron. Calvary Baptist Church in Elyria and First Baptist Church in Perry.
Rev. Slyh comes to us having served the region in various other ministries as well. He is a past-president of the ABC-Ohio Region Board and has held various other positions and served on committees at the region and association level. He fondly remembers many years ago when he was a Camp director at Judson Hills Baptist Camp in Loudonville, Ohio.
When asked what he looks forward to accomplishing in this new role, Kevin said, “I look forward to serving and being an encouragement to our association pastors and their families, as well as assisting Rev. Kevin Thomas, Northeast Ohio regional minister.”
Kevin resides in Hartville, Ohio with his wife Susan (47 years). They have always considered ministry something they embraced to do together. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys high school and college sports. He’s also never short on good clean jokes. ABC-Ohio welcomes Rev. Kevin E. Slyh.
ABC Ohio Regional Ministers
It is a joy to share our four Regional Ministers for ABC-Ohio. Each began their service on October 1, 2022. October through December 2022 served as a time of orientation and staff development for our new team. Rev. Jane Gibbons has retired and concluded her ministry, after serving 23 years with ABC Ohio on December 31, 2022.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
First Baptist South Zanesville Seeks Youth Minister
First Baptist Church in 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 fbcz(at)columbus.rr.com or to First Baptist Church, 80 E. Main Street, South Zanesville, OH 43701. No telephone inquiries, please. Email only. Applicants will be forwarded a complete job description and application form.
The Retirement Celebration of Rev. Jane Gibbons
The Retirement Celebration of Rev. Jane Gibbons at Kingwood Center Gardens on Saturday, November 5, 2022!