History of ABCNJ

American Baptist Church of New Jersey History

History of ABCNJ

The American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ), founded in 1830 as the New Jersey Baptist Convention, has grown into a vibrant and diverse community.

Here’s a snapshot of our history, structure, and mission

ORIGINS & GROWTH

Our Origins and Growth

Legacy of Faith and Service

  • Founded in 1830 as the New Jersey Baptist Convention, it is now known as the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ).
  • ABCNJ includes 277 member churches and serves around 70,000 members.
  • Oldest congregation dating back to 1688.
  • As one of 33 regions of the American Baptist Churches USA and Puerto Rico, ABCNJ is dedicated to supporting its churches and communities.


Financial Overview

  • Annual budget of approximately $1,230,000
  • Conducts annual financial audits for accountability and transparency.


diversity & Community

Our Diversity and Community

  • Multi-Cultural and Multi-Ethnic Fellowship:
  • Characterized by friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation.
  • Diverse member churches include:
  • African-American
  • Asian  (Chinese, Korean, Indian, Filipino, Burmese)
  • Euro-American
  • Haitian (French-speaking).
  • Latino   (Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking).
  • Liberian churches.
  • Multi-Cultural

 

  • Partnerships:
  • Actively collaborates with American Baptist national denominational partners and associated organizations.
vision & Priorities

Our Vision and Priorities

Vision Statement:

  • Serve churches and pastors in a Christ-centered, mission-focused, and loving manner.

Four Key Priorities:

  1. Church Health: Support churches to become more healthy and faithful.
  2. Pastoral Support: Help pastors to be more healthy and faithful.
  3. Mission and Ministry: Promote ministries that are healthy and faithful.
  4. Regional Service: Operate as a regional ministry team in a healthy and faithful way.

Mission Outreach:

  • Reach New Jersey (and beyond) through:
  • Regional camping and evangelistic ministries.
  • Public mission and social action initiatives.
  • New church planting and cross-cultural mission efforts.
Baptist Camp Lebanon

Baptist Camp Lebanon: A Legacy of Faith

Over 75 Years of Ministry:

  • Offers opportunities for individuals and groups to worship, engage in Bible study, and have intentional times of reflection to nurture spiritual development.
  • It is a place where everyone can explore and appreciate God’s creation.


Inclusive Ministry:

  • Promotes living in a Christian community through shared experiences and fellowship.
  • Welcomes all people as valued members of the body of Christ.



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