During these unprecedented times of massive gun violence, political unrest, trauma, and significant setbacks of racial inequality, there is a need for openness to people who are perceived as “the other.” Together with a panel of distinguished guests, Dr. Bembry will lead a dialogue to help leaders foster enriched mental health skills and well-being in work, our churches, and personal life during these challenging times.

Rev. Dr. Glenmore Bembry is a native of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Glenmore Bembry, Jr. is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received his Master of Divinity degree at Colgate Rochester Divinity School of Rochester, NJ and the Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. He is working on his Certified Training as a mental health coach with the ACAP mental health school of Livingston, NJ. In addition, he is the founder of Life Quakes Coaching Consulting Ministries, focusing on integrating faith and mental health in community organizing, personal mental health coaching/training, urban ministries strategic planning and wholistic health ministry, and ministry to traumatized and victims of gun violence. Dr. Bembry served for 32 years as an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Philosophy for Bloomfield College. He is a former American Baptist Senior Pastor of three churches with 40 years and retired on March 1, 2022. Currently, he serves as the Interim Pastor of the First Baptist Church Peddie Memorial, Newark, NJ. His ministry is a culmination of 50 years of ministry in New Jersey, Phoenix, Arizona, and New York, with a deep passion for social justice and the inclusion of all people. He is married to Michelle R. Frazier for 39 years. 

Domestic violence is one of our community and church's most significant problems. This silent killer was once perceived as a women’s issue, but that is no longer true. Ever since the pandemic, there has been an 8% increase in domestic violence in America. Domestic violence impacts everyone; men, children, teenagers, and older adults, regardless of their social and economic status. We will provide you with resources and tools that you can utilize to help your congregation and communities. In this Domestic Violence Awareness webinar, we provide answers to the following questions: What is the root of domestic violence? How is it impacting our society and churches? How scripture is used to justify abuse. Myths or Facts. Potential signs of domestic abuse. We will also discuss how the battery is only one form of Domestic violence.

Minister Ruth Giraldo-Mangual serves as the Minister of Transformation and Spiritual Formation with ABCNJ. In this role, Ruth works with the ABCNJ churches and leaders to provide leadership for the Sacred Safe Space ministry and Women in Ministry and develop spiritual formation experiences for ABCNJ. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, earning her Master of  Divinity, a certificate in Theology, Women, and Gender, and her certification in Spiritual Direction. During Ruth's seminarian journey, she was selected for the highly sought fellowship with Sacred Sector – through the Center for Public Justice. While at Princeton, she served on the Advisory Committee on Institutional Diversity. Before entering seminary, Ruth was an Assistant Property Manager for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Adjunct Professor at Monroe College and Suffolk Community College, Pastry Instructor, and Executive Pastry Chef in NYC. Ruth utilized her knowledge of Pastry Arts when she worked for Restore NYC, a Human Trafficking non-profit organization, as an Economic Empowerment Manager and Safe Home Coordinator; she served women survivors of labor and sex trafficking. Ruth is a chef with a heart for empowering women and girls, especially those living on society’s margins.  Ruth states, “Everyone has the right to know they are loved, embraced, seen, and not forgotten. Our goal is to effectively equip and educate our churches to come alongside individuals who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and let them know that they are loved and not forgotten.” Ruth is a mother, wife, and advocate for building beloved communities which embrace respect, diversity, truth, and justice for all of God’s creation.

This webinar is an introduction to a mindset and approach for innovative ministry inside and outside of the church. Drawing from tools like agile management and human-centered design we seek to find a way to do ministry that is theologically grounded and transformative for the world. We will seek to do ministry in an ever-changing world by responding with hope, responsiveness, and action.

Rev. Samuel Kim (he/him/his), Executive Associate Minister, serves in the Evergreen Association to help churches and ministries to innovate, transform and renew. He loves to dream and strategize with others to help individuals and communities fulfill their calling in Christ. He is a Korean-Canadian who has lived in many different cities before calling Seattle home. He graduated from Regent College in Vancouver, BC with a Master in Christian Studies (Arts and Christianity) and from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC with a Master of Divinity. Throughout the past two decades, he has been blessed to have served in Korean, Japanese, British, and Chinese churches. His personal experiences have cultivated in him a sincere love for inter-generational and multi-cultural ministry. He has a passion for connecting theology and discipleship with contemporary culture. He also loves to explore the connections between spirituality and art in its various forms. In his life outside of ministry, he records and produces music in various genres and works as a freelance soundtrack composer in a variety of media.