Turning Toward Life: Beginning Again

Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor  The ABCNJ Church Leadership Spring Training gathered 110 leaders from across the region, representing 7 ABCNJ Associations (Capital, Essex, Greater Delaware Valley, North New Jersey, North Shore, Raritan, Watchung) and over 30 churches. The day focused on learning, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. Leaders came together with a shared goal: to deepen their calling and strengthen the ministries they serve. The day started with worship as Rev. Jesse Nietzer of First Baptist, South Plainfield, and Rev. Nicholas Johnson of First Baptist Peddie Memorial, Newark, led participants in a time of praise that focused hearts and opened space for God’s presence. Through song and the opening prayer by Rev. Eric Hoheisel, the room was united in spirit, setting the tone for everything that followed. The Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez opened the gathering with a powerful and grounding message called “Walking Worthy: Guarding the Unity Together,” based on Ephesians 4:1–3. Her message reminded leaders that before focusing on strategy, structure, or service, there needs to be spiritual alignment. With clarity and conviction, she urged leaders to walk worthy of their calling through humility, gentleness, patience, and love—making every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit. This message laid the spiritual foundation for the entire day, shaping not only what leaders would learn but also how they would engage one another. Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of learning sessions led by a gifted team of presenters, including Rev. Dr. James Jackson, Rev. Dr. Michael Wilkerson Leach, Dr. Laura Miraz, Minister Ron Dukes, and Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez, who offered practical topics, actionable tools, and thoughtful guidance for today’s church challenges. Each session aimed to prepare leaders for faithful and effective service, enhance leadership skills, support healthy church administration, and foster strong ministry partnerships. The training combined theological principles with real-world applications, empowering leaders to return to their churches with renewed clarity and confidence. Additionally, Judson Press was present throughout the day, providing a selection of books and resources related to the workshop topics, further equipping leaders with tools to continue learning and strengthen their ministries beyond the training. Special thanks to Ashley Suazo, Rev. Vivian Thomas McClain, and Rev. April Van Ness for their outstanding hospitality and leadership. Their careful attention to detail in managing registration and guiding participants throughout the day helped create a warm, organized, and welcoming experience for all. The training finished not with a final session indoors but with a prayer walk through the surrounding community. Leaders stepped outside together, moving through the neighborhood with a quiet spirit of attentiveness and intercession. As they walked, prayers were lifted up for homes, families, schools, churches, and the larger community. There was a sacred stillness in the movement—leaders walking side by side, listening for the Spirit’s whispers, allowing God to open their eyes to the needs and opportunities around them. In that shared silence and prayer, hearts were aligned, not only with each other, but with God’s purpose for the community. It was a powerful reminder that leadership extends beyond the church walls—it reaches into the streets, into people's lives, and into the places where God is already active. The ABCNJ Church Leadership Spring Training was more than just a day of workshops—it was a day of formation, connection, and renewal. Leaders left inspired, prepared, and united—ready to walk worthy of the calling they’ve received.