American Baptist Churches in the USA

www.abc-usa.org

Basic History
Early church organization began in the United States in the 1600s and grew out of the Puritan-Reformist movement in England, although other congregations emerged from established British churches in the colonies. Roger Williams and John Clarke in Rhode Island founded the earliest Baptist churches in 1639 and 1645, respectively. These Baptists were persecuted for not allowing infants to be baptized. The number of Baptist churches began to grow significantly after the American Revolution. In 1907, the Northern Baptist Convention was formally organized. It became known as the American Baptist Convention in 1950 and assumed its present name in 1972.

Basic Beliefs
Baptists have generally embraced two ordinances: communion and believers' baptism. The Lord's Supper is considered a memorial meal. Baptism by immersion is seen as an emblem of the believer's faith. It is limited to adults or those old enough to profess their faith. Baptist services, for the most part, are considered to be non-liturgical.

To Baptists, the local level is the main focus of church life; each church is autonomous and is affiliated with other churches for fellowship, common endeavors and advice. The personal experience of accepting Jesus as a personal savior is a membership requirement.

Leadership
President - Margaret "Peggy" Johnson
Vice President - Arlee Griffin
Budget Review Officer - Melva Gray
General Secretary - A. Roy Medley
Executive Director (Acting), Educational Ministries - Daniel Raleigh
Executive Director, International Ministries - Héctor Cortez
Executive Director, National Ministries - Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III

Location
American Baptist Churches USA
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482-0851
Phone (610) 768-2000
         (800) ABC-3USA