COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
The American Baptist Churches of New Jersey is launching a new initiative: “Communities in Action.” This is a collaboration between ABCNJ’s current New Church Development and Public Mission Committees. This partnership aspires to facilitate Christian leaders in navigating the present post-Christian pluralistic society, where injustice and inequity continue to pervade while supporting one another in discovering ways to respond with love and courage. These events, activities, and resources seek to inspire, empower, and support congregations and faith groups in the work towards justice and human rights to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and be peacemakers in our world.
Our goals are to:
- provide spaces for courageous conversations about issues surrounding our communities and churches;
- form and facilitate “Communities in Action” groups, a cohort of practitioners who are seeking to develop new initiatives to address the needs of their communities; and
- identify and support ABCNJ pioneering leaders and entrepreneurs to plant new churches or expressions of church.
In 2022, ABCNJ launched the Communities in Action grant initiative. This initiative is designed to provide seed funding for innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by local communities. To date, ABCNJ has awarded $37,000
2022
First Baptist Church of Salem – The Lodge
The Lodge serves weekly meals and builds lasting relationships, offering hope, healing, and Christ’s love to those living in deep poverty.
First Baptist Church, Burlington – Chia Village
Chia Village is a one-year residential community that helps individuals restore dignity, develop healthy habits, and experience the love of God in a safe home.
First Baptist Church of Collingswood – Neighborhood Arts Ministry
Neighborhood Arts Ministry shares the love of Jesus through art, providing creative spaces and support for at-risk youth and vulnerable individuals in Camden.
Iglesia Bautista Cristiana de New Hights – Team Effort
Team Effort empowers immigrant youth through spiritual mentoring, bilingual leadership, and community involvement centered on the love of Jesus.
First Baptist Church, Red Bank – The Feast: A Dinner Church
The Feast is a weekly dinner church where people from all walks of life gather to share a meal, build friendships, and experience God’s grace.
Osbornville Baptist Church – Resource Center
Our Resource Center offers practical help and spiritual support, helping neighbors overcome poverty and experience the dignity and hope found in Christ.
First Baptist Church, Pitman – The Starfish Community
The Starfish Community wraps around foster and adoptive families with love, resources, and encouragement—embracing every child as God’s precious gift.
First Baptist, Trenton & NextGen Church – Capital City Dinner Church
Capital City Dinner Church brings hope to Trenton through weekly shared meals, creating a safe space to experience community, care, and the love of Jesus.
2023
Glenwood Baptist Church – School Enrichment
Our School Enrichment initiative partners with educators to support Vernon Middle School students through mental and behavioral health resources, including a calming room designed to offer students a safe space to regroup and find peace.
Pilgrim Baptist Church – Hope & Comfort Center
The Hope & Comfort Center offers holistic care—including food, shelter, showers, and wellness services—to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our unhoused neighbors and underserved community members.
Temple Baptiste de Salem – Reaching Haitian Refugees
This ministry provides Haitian refugees with vital support such as food, housing, education assistance, and mentorship to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Chesterfield Baptist Church – Restoring Hope
In partnership with Restoring Hearts Ministry, we offer Christ-centered support, relationships, and practical aid to the unhoused and unchurched communities of Trenton.
First Baptist Church, Red Bank – The Heartwarming Center
The Heartwarming Center provides women without permanent housing a safe, warm place to sleep, shower, and rest during extreme weather, all in the name of Jesus.
Union Baptist Church – Homeless Program
Through partnerships and monthly meals, our Homeless Program shares the love of Christ by offering nourishment, care, and community to those facing homelessness.
First Baptist Church, Salem – The Lodge Ministries (Weekday Spiritual Care)
Expanding our Saturday meal outreach, we now offer a warm, welcoming space during the week for spiritual care, discipleship, and connection for our unhoused friends.
2024
Communities in Action Grants focused on fostering the well-being of youth by supporting projects that engage individuals aged 8-21 through creative, educational, and service-driven initiatives.
Boys Behind the Scenes (BBTS) - First Baptist Church, Madison, NJ
Boys Behind the Scenes is dedicated to empowering adolescent males with essential life skills, mentorship, and positive role models to navigate peer pressure and grow into healthy, successful men.
Gather and Grow - First Baptist Church of South Plainfield
Gather & Grow provides support and programs for youth with disabilities and their families, fostering healthy friendships, inclusivity, and leadership through the love of Christ.
The Future Church - New Hope Baptist Church, East Orange
The Future Church aims to mentor and empower young individuals in East Orange by equipping them with leadership, coping, and communication skills to build stronger bonds within the church and community.
Central Learns - Central Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands
Central Learns offers free tutoring and educational support for K-12 students in the community, ensuring equal access to learning while building lasting relationships between the church and its neighbors.
2025 Communities in Action Grant
This year, the ABCNJ Communities in Action grant will focus on “Embracing Community” and showing love to immigrant families. “Embracing Community” will assist our congregations and leaders create a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrant families through a multifaceted approach. This grant aims to equip churches with essential resources that address the unique challenges immigrant families face.
Applicants are encouraged to propose programs that encourage congregations to establish new partnerships with local organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, educators, and legal advisors who support immigrant families. Additionally, we urge congregations to work together with local schools to ensure that the children of immigrant families receive the necessary academic and emotional support to flourish in their new environment.
We are excited to see the innovative and impactful ways you will engage with doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with the immigrant families in your community. Your unique perspective and ideas can help us profoundly impact immigrant families by providing an opportunity to thrive, not just survive.
Completed applications must be submitted by June 23, 2025.
