wfn.org | ABCUSA: Medley Cites Examples of Growth Amidst Challenges to

["CHANDLER, David" <David.Chandler@abc-usa.org>]

Unity

American Baptist News Service (Denver, Colo. 6/29/05)--Citing examples
of growth in baptisms and new church starts, American Baptist Churches
USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, addressing the
denomination's General Board here Monday night, also noted that in spite
of much positive news there also is "a steep escalation of rhetoric
against the denomination."

Acknowledging the divisions caused by issues, especially related to
homosexuality, he urged American Baptists to take continue to
prayerfully focus on the Gospel call to mission in the name of Christ.
He quoted from the 1922 Northern Baptist convention address of President
Helen Barrett Montgomery, who at a contentious moment in denominational
history urged all members of the family to "learn to stand shoulder to
shoulder in the cooperative prosecution of the great tasks of the
Kingdom."

Medley also noted that much time since the November General Board
meeting has been spent in consultation with groups that have sought to
bring petitions or actions to the General Board "regarding what our
bylaws and standing rules require."

He reported on the extensive work being done by the Mission, Vision,
Planning Task Force of the General Board, especially refinement of the
Key Ministry Areas that the General Board will address later in this
meeting. He also celebrated the launching of the redesigned ABCUSA Web
site and the interactive PrayerNet site that already has engaged 700
participants.

Medley lifted up statistics and stories of mission that evidence growth
and vitality within American Baptist Churches USA.  He noted that since
1998 there have been nearly 400,000 baptisms, including 71,989 in 2004-a
14% increase over 2003.  To date American Baptists have planted 257 new
congregations as part of the NEW LIFE 2010 emphasis, and more than 800
established congregations are involved in ministries of renewal.

"Mission," he said, "is still Job 1."

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

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