As General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Medley has focused his ministry in several key areas. His vision for the denomination is a fellowship of strong, missional churches, focused on being the Good News of Jesus Christ and “serving as the Hands and Feet of Christ.”
Through visiting and preaching, Medley has focused on strengthening relationships among the more than 5,200 churches across the United States and Puerto Rico.
He has supported work among Baptists in other countries, particularly areas once associated with American Baptist missions. In the last two years he has traveled to Africa, North-East India and Southeast Asia, visiting churches and various ministries, and representing the denomination at celebrations of anniversaries of work that was begun generations ago by American Baptist missionaries.
Peace issues have been an important focus for Medley, who has been instrumental in bringing together Baptists and Muslims for dialogue exploring common ground between the two faith traditions. A documentary of the first such dialogue meeting will be aired on the ABC television network in January.
The American Baptist Historical Society also updated representatives on their ministry—to preserve the records of Baptist work. They highlighted ABCUSA’s long history of service within the United States and overseas—from fighting against slavery in this country, to working on the elimination of human trafficking today.
President Trinette McCray and Executive Director Deborah Van Broekhoven reported on their year, especially the transition from offices in Rochester, NY, and Valley Forge, PA, to their new site at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA.
Sumner M. Grant, executive director of the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB), reported on economic challenges faced in the last year. By focusing on growth and long-term diversified investments, the MMBB has made it through with minimal damage, according to Grant.
The representatives also accepted the report on Changed Relationships of Local Churches. According to ABC polity, churches are related to the ABC through their association with a regional office. Changes made at the regional level are received and accepted by the national denomination. Since November 2008, 19 churches have been received and 19 have withdrawn, with two to remain with Transformation Ministries; 13 have disbanded; three have merged with other churches; one was dismissed.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.