wfn.org | ABCUSA: Abbott Elected Executive for Vermont/New Hampshire

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 11/25/02)--Dr. Z. Allen
Abbott, former director of Men's Ministries for National Ministries,
American Baptist Churches USA, was elected Nov. 23 at a specially called
meeting of the region to be executive minister of the American Baptist
Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire.	

Abbott, who will begin his new responsibilities Jan. 6, 2003, will provide
leadership and support for 152 churches, two camps and conference centers,
region staff and other related ministries. The Revs. Donald Crosby and
George Daniels have provided interim leadership for the region since the
retirement of the Rev. Louis George last year.

Following the vote to elect him, Abbott asked all region churches "to
dedicate January as a month of prayer for each other and the region's shared
ministries--we anticipate in faith God's blessings as we pray for each
other."

Abbott concluded more than seven and one-half years of leadership for
American Baptist Men's Ministries on Oct. 11.  During his tenure American
Baptist Men's Ministries experienced growth in many areas, including the
expansion of ABMen's Disaster Relief Ministry, which now includes nine
trailers coast-to-coast and provides workstations for hundreds of volunteers
and relief and recovery assistance for victims of disasters.  Also under his
leadership the ABBoys & YoungMen program was launched, making American
Baptist Churches USA the first major denomination with a mentoring ministry
to boys and teens.  

Abbott served as president of the North American Conference of Church Men's
Staff, the professional society for men's ministry, and also was for four
years a member of the steering committee of the National Coalition of Men's
Ministries. 

Abbott holds the B.A. degree from Northern Kentucky University and the
M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He
served churches in Kentucky and Indiana prior to leading American Baptist
Men's Ministries.

Commenting on Abbott's election, American Baptist Churches USA General
Secretary A. Roy Medley said, "Allen Abbott's gift of creative leadership
was apparent during his years directing the ministries of men within
American Baptist life.	I'm sure that same gift now will be well utilized
within a regional context, as he provides support and resourcing for local
church ministry in Vermont and New Hampshire.  We welcome his contributions
to American Baptist mission at an important point in our denomination's
history."

The American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire is one of 34
regions within American Baptist Churches USA.
	
02ABN177

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (610)768-2077; fax:
(610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org; richard.schramm@abc-usa.org