Pastoral Leadership
Empowering and equipping ministry leaders through training, support, and resources.
The American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware takes support and encouragement of our pastoral leaders very seriously. Building healthy and vital partnerships with pastoral leaders is a key part of our regional vision for ministry.
If you believe God is calling you into professional ministry, there are many documents that will be of help to you below from the ABCOPAD Commission on Ministerial Leadership. It is this representative body from within the region that sets the standards for licensing and ordination recognition performed through the local associations in ABCOPAD. While ordination is a act of the local church, recognition is a process performed by the associations using regional standards.
Refirement Interim Minister Network. This is our regional version of Interim Ministry. We work in partnership with our American Baptist Churches to secure qualified, trained interim ministers. Our Refirement Interim Network is a group of trained and screened individuals who assist our partner congregations during the fragile leadership time between pastoral leaders. We also partner with ABCUSA's Transition Ministries for larger churches who have more "full-time" needs.
Leadership Learning Communities in ABCOPAD. We have Leadership Learning Communities across ABCOPAD to encourage our pastoral leaders personally as well as professionally. These groups of pastoral leaders pray, study, share and challenge each other together in ministry.
Commission On Ministerial Leadership
The ABCOPAD Commission on Ministerial Leadership supports and guides pastors and churches in matters of ordination, licensing, and ministerial standing. This page provides essential resources for clergy, church leaders, and those exploring a call to ministry within ABCOPAD. Whether you're seeking guidance on the ordination process, ministerial ethics, or continuing education, this commission is here to assist and equip leaders for faithful service.
George Garrett Grant Fund for Students
The George Garrett Grant Fund provides financial assistance to worthy students preparing for ministry, with funds distributed directly to their school. Administered by ABCOPAD, this grant is made possible through the George Garrett Trust and supports multiple denominations, making funds limited. To apply, students must complete an application, sign a Declaration of Faith, submit a 100-word essay, and provide a recent transcript. All documents must be submitted electronically by May 31, 2025. For more details and to access the required forms, visit the link below.
ABCOPAD & MinistrElife: Connecting Pastoral Leaders with Churches
ABCOPAD has partnered with MinistrElife – American Baptist Profile Services to assist church Search Committees in finding pastoral leaders interested in serving in our region. With many pastors joining the new MinistrElife-ABPS system (www.ministrElife.org), we are working to identify leaders who are open to new opportunities and willing to serve in an ABCOPAD church.
Why This Form Matters
If you are a pastoral leader open to serving in ABCOPAD, please complete this simple form. By doing so, our Regional Staff can access your MinistrElife/ABPS profile or reach out for your resume. Filling out this form is required for us to share your profile with active Search Committees.
Resources and Partnerships
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American Baptist Home Mission Societies' (ABHMS) Center for Continuous Learning
The Center for Continuous Learningwill help you respond to current trends in leadership training, critically engage the cultural moment for justice, and innovate mission education with emerging generations. A wide range of in-person courses, online courses, hybrid courses, webinars, conferences, and certifications are available.
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American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) Scholarships
ABHMS’ Scholarship Program offers tuition scholarships to American Baptist students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. Funding is provided by investment income from endowments donated by generous individuals, churches, and organizations committed to educational opportunities.
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American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) Financial Aid Grants
Individuals serving in American Baptist Churches are encouraged to apply for our grants to enhance their skills for ministry through related conferences, courses, and events. This continuing education grants are available to all ABC clergy who apply.
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Interim Ministry Network
Interim ministry plays a crucial role in guiding congregations through pastoral transitions, ensuring stability and continued spiritual growth. When a pastor leaves due to a new calling, retirement, or disability, it can create a leadership void that affects preaching, Bible study, pastoral care, and community outreach. Interim Pastors, trained for these transitions, help churches navigate critical tasks to secure a healthier future.
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Leadership Learning Communities
Leadership Learning Communities (LLC) are small groups of pastors who gather together to cultivate healthy vital relationships, both personally and professionally. This is a crucial part of fulfilling the region's vision to build healthy partnerships with Churches, Pastoral Leaders and the wider ABC Family.
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Ascent Partnership
ABCOPAD is excited to partner with Ascent in their mission to engage and transform communities across North America. Born from a shared vision to address the evolving needs of the gospel, this partnership focuses on reaching the de-churched, un-churched, and never-churched, as well as engaging the diverse peoples moving into our cities.
Certified Lay Minister Registry
Our certified lay ministers carry out an important and crucial ministry within our congregations. In order to keep our records straight within ABCOPAD and with the denomination, we request that all Certified Lay Ministers complete the form below. When it is completed, click SUBMIT and you will be notified of a successful submission. Additionally, our office will notify you that we have received your information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Denise Veselicky in our Regional Office.
Ms. Denise Veselicky at our Regional Office for assistance: (888) 687-0883