wfn.org | ABCUSA: Munro Named Executive Director of Interim Ministries-ABC

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

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 12/2/04)--The Rev. Dr. James
Gordon Munro, who has served in pastoral ministry for more than 30 years, has
been named executive director of Interim Ministries-ABC.

Interim Ministries-ABC (www.interimministries-abc.org) works in partnership
with regional ministry staff to provide and support qualified pastoral
leaders in helping American Baptist churches maximize the opportunities and
reset healthy patterns during the transitional period after the departure of
a pastor.  It is an associated ministry organization of the American Baptist
Churches USA, related to the Office of the General Secretary. 

In his new position Munro will be responsible for implementing a new
strategic plan, strengthening ministry partnerships, cultivating new
partners, and expanding the work of recruiting, training and supporting
interim ministers nationwide.  He will begin his work in January 2005.

The appointment marks the culmination of a three-year intentional interim
period following the retirement of the Rev. Howard Washburn during which the
organization celebrated its 25th anniversary and conducted an ambitious
denomination-wide study of interim ministry needs and trends.

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence O. Swain, chairperson of the Interim Ministries-ABC
Board and executive minister of the ABC of Ohio, noted: "From among many
qualified persons who applied or were interviewed, Dr. Munro was the
unanimous selection of the board. We feel very fortunate to have someone with
Dr. Munro's expertise. We believe he will provide excellent leadership and
vision for this ministry as it serves American Baptist churches in
transition." 

"Dr. Munro brings to Interim Ministries-ABC a passion and understanding for
transitional ministry and he has broad pastoral experience, having served
large and small churches in metropolitan suburbs and small towns," said the
Rev. Rhonda Cushman, who has served as the interim executive director since
December 2001. "On behalf of the ministers at large, appointed interim
pastors, interim ministry specialists and commissioned woman interims who
will rely on his leadership and support, I am pleased to welcome him to his
new responsibilities." 

With more than 30 years experience as a pastor of Baptist churches in
Virginia, Indiana, New Jersey, South Carolina and Tennessee, Munro also is
certified by both the Interim Ministry Network and the Center for
Congregational Health as an intentional interim minister. He is a member of
the American Baptist Ministers Council, has served on regional and state
boards and agencies, and has actively participated in interfaith councils. 

A graduate of Wheaton College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Munro holds the D.Min. degree from The Theological School at Drew University.

He is married to Dr. Joyce Huth Munro, coordinator of Associate Degree
Program Accreditation for the National Association for the Education of Young
Children in Washington, D.C., and former college professor and administrator
in New Jersey and South Carolina.  The Munros will move to Valley Forge
shortly after the new year. 

"Our churches need help in making healthy choices during times of
transition," Munro stated.  "I look forward to assisting an increasing number
of interim ministers with specialized training for leadership during those
times."  

K/2004ABNS/04ABN136

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org