The Rev. Miriam Méndez is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent with a deep and longstanding connection to the American Baptist Churches. With over 25 years of dynamic leadership across pastoral ministry, regional work, spiritual direction, mentoring, seminary teaching, and community engagement, Rev. Méndez has developed a rich and multifaceted perspective on church leadership. She has served in various pastoral roles, including interim pastor, co-pastor, lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter, which has equipped her with unique insights into the complexities of ministry. Rev. Méndez has also made significant contributions to theological education, serving as adjunct faculty at George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, for 15 years. There, she taught courses in spiritual leadership, reconciliation, and prayer, nurturing the next generation of leaders. Her commitment to leadership development extends beyond the classroom, as she has mentored young women and men, empowering them to build Christ-centered communities dedicated to serving locally, regionally, and globally. This passion led her to participate in the 3rd Lausanne Younger Leaders Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she mentored emerging leaders from over 30 countries. In her role as Executive Minister for ABCNJ, Rev. Méndez collaborates with local churches on a variety of critical issues, including conflict resolution, pastoral search committees, leadership development, and revitalization efforts for declining churches. Her approach has always been rooted in building strong, collegial relationships with church leaders, and strengthening ties within the region. Before her tenure in New Jersey, she served as the Associate Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of the Central Pacific Coast in Oregon, where she also planted Esperanza Church, the first bilingual (Spanish/English) congregation in the region. Rev. Méndez’s dedication to empowering women, emerging leaders, and advocating for justice has led her to serve on various boards, associations, and committees, including the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Women in Ministry, the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice, and Word Made Flesh—a nonprofit organization committed to serving Jesus among the most vulnerable of the world’s poor. Additionally, she was a founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Latino Action Agenda, an organization that empowers Latinos to take on civic leadership roles. She is also a member of the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders, which aims to build informed relationships and collaborate around sacred values united in action for the Common Good. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from National Louis University, Evanston, IL, a Master of Divinity and Spiritual Director certification from George Fox Evangelical Seminary, and a one-year residency of Clinical Pastoral Education at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She holds a certificate from the Unid@s for Oregon Leadership Program, a program unifying established and emerging Latino leaders for systems of change. She recently completed her Supervision Certification for Spiritual Directors with the Companioning Center in Oregon. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Leadership at Portland Seminary. Rev. Méndez has a lifetime of engagement and ministry with American Baptists, a deep spirituality, and a servant's heart. Her work and experience with cross-cultural communities have prepared her to serve and lead in a manner that honors the humanity of all of God’s creation. Rev. Méndez invites others into a growing awareness of God’s constant and transforming presence in their lives. She loves being curious with others about how God is calling us to be the Church for such a time as this. She has learned that the gifts, skills and abilities she has come out of keeping her life grounded in Christ. In her time with the Holy One, she embraces new ways of thinking and behaving that help her create healthier relationships, ministries, and leadership.

Eric was born and raised in Ohio, in a devout and loving Catholic family. From a young age, he felt a call to ministry, a tug that only grew stronger over time. His spiritual journey led him to attend a Lutheran college, where he became deeply involved in a non-denominational campus ministry. After graduating, Eric moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked with Youth With a Mission from 1987 to 1990. During this time, he dedicated himself to urban ministry, feeding the homeless and coordinating a Congressional Staff Fellowship. In the early 1990s, he transitioned to serve as Executive Director of Love and Action, a ministry that supported men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. While pursuing his seminary education at Eastern Baptist (Palmer) Seminary, Eric served two congregations: Washington Community Fellowship (Mennonite) and Shiloh Baptist Church (ABC). It was during this time that he found his spiritual home within the American Baptist family. After seminary, Eric pastored the First Baptist Church of Jamestown, Ohio, for two years before accepting a call in 1997 to pastor Oaklyn Baptist Church in New Jersey, where he faithfully served for 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Eric was actively involved in the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ), serving as both Moderator and Secretary of the Greater Delaware Valley Association. He played a key role in organizing the S.M.A.S.H. Youth Ministry and was instrumental in the 2002 merger of two ABCNJ associations. Outside of ministry, Eric and his wife, Jennifer, have been deeply involved in their local chapter of the Autism Society of America. Jennifer, a retired Professor of Philosophy at Camden County College, specialized in Biomedical Ethics. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons. Rev. Hoheisel has a keen interest in prayer, spiritual formation and in leading retreats. As an artist he finds great joy in establishing connections between spirituality and the fine arts. "I am thankful," he says, "for the privilege to serve all of the churches of our region as they seek to go deeper with God and live as generous witnesses to Christ in our world."

Rev. Ruth Giraldo-Mangual serves as an Associate Regional Pastor, where she dedicates herself to supporting churches and leaders through her leadership of the Sacred Safe Space ministry. This important initiative raises awareness, provides resources, and offers training to help church leaders address domestic violence within their congregations. With a strong passion for prayer and a commitment to transforming lives through God, Ruth also facilitates ABCNJ's monthly regional prayer gatherings, promoting spiritual connection and growth. Additionally, Ruth works on developing spiritual formation experiences that nurture the faith and discipleship of ABCNJ members, helping them deepen their relationships with God and with one another. Ruth is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity, along with certificates in Theology, Women, and Gender, and in Spiritual Direction. During her seminary journey, she was chosen for a highly competitive fellowship with Sacred Sector through the Center for Public Justice. While at Princeton, she served on the Advisory Committee on Institutional Diversity. Ruth also worked as a Field Education Intern at a multicultural church in Plainfield. Her ministry experience began in Brooklyn, NY, where she held multiple roles in a multicultural, multilingual, and multiethnic church.  Before entering Princeton Theological Seminary, Ruth worked as an Assistant Property Manager for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, an Adjunct Professor at Monroe College and Suffolk Community College, a Pastry Instructor, and an Executive Pastry Chef in NYC. She used her knowledge of Pastry Arts while working for Restore NYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking, as an Economic Empowerment Manager and Safe Home Coordinator, serving women survivors of labor and sex trafficking. Ruth is a chef with a passion for empowering women and girls, especially those on the margins of society. Ruth states, "Everyone has the right to know they are loved, embraced, seen, and not forgotten. As ABCNJ's Associate Regional Pastor and in collaboration with the ABCNJ team, 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 they are loved and not forgotten.” Ruth is the owner and Executive Chef of Azuca Patisserie. Her mission is to "Feed both the body and soul," offering a chance for holistic transformation while feeding 5,000 people and beyond. Ruth is a mother, wife, pastor, spiritual director, chef, and prophetic voice advocating for the establishment of beloved communities that embrace God’s unfailing love, respect, diversity, truth, and justice for all of creation.

Michael Jackson resides in North Plainfield, New Jersey, where he enjoys a fulfilling life with his wife, three children, and one grandchild. Deeply committed to his faith and community, Michael is a lifelong member of Scotch Plains Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Chaz Hutchison. He has served the church faithfully as Treasurer and Finance Chairperson. An active contributor to education and civic life, Michael has also served as Treasurer of the North Plainfield Education Foundation and as Co-President of the North Plainfield High School PTO. With over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, Michael has held FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses and built a distinguished career as a High Yield Fixed Income Trader. His expertise spans U.S. Treasuries, Agencies, Investment Grade and High Yield Corporate Bonds, as well as Supra Sovereign Bonds. He has also served as a Conservator for private equity and commercial real estate portfolios, and has managed daily collateral operations for multibillion-dollar portfolios involving credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, and cross-currency swaps. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rutgers College and an MBA in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

As the full-time Executive Assistant and Communications Specialist, Ashley plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the office. She manages a variety of administrative tasks, interacts directly with the ABCNJ family and friends, organizes resources, and provides essential support to the ABCNJ team. Through her attention to detail and professionalism, Ashley helps maintain an efficient and positive environment that fosters collaboration and productivity. In addition to her administrative support, Ashley is an experienced multimedia strategist with a background in social media management, content creation, and graphic design. She has worked as a Sales and Marketing Specialist at MedCognition and as a Media and Communications Specialist at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation. Ashley’s faith and love for Jesus guide every aspect of her personal and vocational life. As a dedicated member of the Spanish American Baptist Church in Union City, NJ, Ashley actively participates in church life. Her spiritual commitment to service, integrity, and compassion influences her work ethic and interactions with others, both in her personal life and professional endeavors. She is an ABCNJ Emerging Scholarship recipient and a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts. Ashley combines her vocational skills with her passion for service, bringing her creativity and faith-driven work ethic to ABCNJ where she can continue to grow and make a meaningful impact. With her commitment to both her vocation and faith, she is excited to work with ABCNJ as a faith-driven organization that aligns with her personal and vocational goals.

The Rev. Dieudonne Mérinvil serves part-time as the Associate Regional Pastor for Haitian Ministries. In his role, Rev. Merinvil acts as a regional resource for our ABCNJ Haitian congregations and their leaders. Since taking on this position, he has played a crucial role in addressing the needs of our Haitian congregations and pastors. Additionally, Rev. Mérinvil serves as the Assistant Pastor at the Haitian Baptist Church at the Crossroads in Newark, NJ. Rev. Mérinvil’s dedication to the ABCNJ Haitian congregations extends beyond spiritual guidance. He actively interacts with pastors and leaders to understand their challenges and provides them with valuable support and advice. His compassionate leadership has significantly strengthened the connections within our Haitian congregations and among their leaders. As the Associate Regional Pastor for Haitian Ministries, he continuously seeks to learn about the interests and concerns of our Haitian community, inspiring and encouraging Haitian pastors, leaders, and congregations to uphold the mission of ABCNJ and engage in Kingdom work. Beyond his responsibilities with ABCNJ and his local church, Rev. Mérinvil collaborates with various community leaders and organizations to advocate for social justice and equality. Rev. Merinvil has earned a Bachelor of Theology and Business Administration. He has earned diplomas in Accounting Certified Tax Preparation, Paralegal Studies, and Certified Business Travel Agent. Currently, Rev. Mérinvil is president of the Alliance of Haitian Baptists Churches. He has previously served as treasurer for the American Baptist Churches Haitian Caucus and finance chairperson for the Haitian International Evangelical Mission, Inc. With over 25 years of experience, he is also the president and CEO of Confidential Financial Group Company. His extensive service includes roles as Police Commissioner in East Orange, NJ, Advisor to the Police Chief of Haiti, consultant for the New York Haitian General Consulate for Foreign Affairs, and president of the Haitian Christian Youth Federation of New Jersey.

Rev. Dr. Luciano Marquez currently serves part-time as the Associate Regional Pastor for Latino Ministries with American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ), a role he has held since 2004. In this capacity, he provides spiritual leadership, guidance, and support to the Latino churches and congregations within the region. Dr. Marquez has also served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Brunswick since 1996, where he has cultivated a legacy of faith and community outreach. Originally from Cuba, Dr. Marquez began his pastoral ministry in 1974, serving in various Baptist churches across the country until 1996. His deep roots in ministry, combined with his personal journey and passion for empowering the Latino church, have made him a trusted leader within the ABCNJ Latino Ministries network. Luciano coordinates the efforts of almost 50 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking Baptist churches and missions in New Jersey and Florida. Through initiatives such as the annual May Concentración and Fall Workshop days, mission trips, and various pastors, women's, men's, and youth organizations, Latino Ministries fosters collaboration, spiritual growth, and outreach across the region

Rev. Dr. James Jackson serves as the Transitional Ministries Specialist, collaborating with Rev. Miriam Méndez, Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor, on various administrative tasks while enhancing ABCNJ's interim and transitional ministries. He organizes quarterly gatherings for interim minister cohorts, promoting connection, support and education. When appointed to serve as the Transitional Ministries Specialist, Dr. Jackson stated, "I am honored and humbled to be part of ABCNJ’s Interim and Transitional Ministries." He embraces his personal motto from Psalm 100:1-2, “serving the Lord with gladness.” 
He served as Senior Pastor of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA, where he dedicated fourteen years of service before retiring in 2022. Prior to that, he was an Associate Minister at St. Paul Baptist Church in Bethlehem, PA. He served as the Interim Pastor at Second Baptist Church in Asbury, NJ.

Beyond pastoral duties, Dr. Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches various psychology courses. He also serves as the vice president of the Black Faculty Caucus and is a member of the Faculty Union Representative Council. He co-directs the Achievement Initiative for Male Success program and acts as the faculty and spiritual advisor for several student organizations, including Campus Praise Ministries, the Black Student Union, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity.

Additionally, Dr. Jackson is on the faculty of the Moravian University and teaches in the Master of Clinical and Counseling program and is an adjunct professor at Wesco Evening College, located at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.

Dr. Jackson holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Cognitive Experimental Psychology with a concentration in Gerontology from the University of Kansas. In 1992, at the age of 24, he was one of only two African Americans in the nation to obtain this degree. He also earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA.

He is a co-author of two psychology textbooks: “Understanding Psychology,” (2021) and “Charting The Human Development: A Life-Span Perspective,” (2017). Recently, he also contributed to “The Pastor’s Diaries” (2022). This book is designed to help pastors understand that their most private and difficult thoughts and situations are not solely their own. It seeks to support pastors in managing these overwhelming experiences by providing insights from real-life stories showcasing significant failures and amazing triumphs.

Dr. Jackson was a member of the Baptist World Alliance's Commission on Peace and Reconciliation. He spoke at the 2010 Baptist World Alliance Christian Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a delegate for the BWA Peace and Justice Commission at the BWA World Annual Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rev. Dr. Frank Reeder is a seasoned pastor and mentor with over 40 years of ministry. Since 2006, he has served as a part-time Associate Regional Pastor, where he works to connect pastors with peer mentors, helping them cultivate excellence in leadership and spiritual growth. His passion for mentoring church leaders goes beyond guidance—he fosters lasting relationships that empower pastors in their ministries. For 13 years, Frank served as the pastor of Seaview Baptist Church, where he guided the congregation through periods of spiritual growth, outreach, and community impact. His leadership emphasized creating a church environment where people could experience God's love and develop as wholehearted disciples of Christ. Rev. Reeder holds a B.S. in Bible from Cairn University, an M.Div. in Theology, and a D.Min. in Ministry to Marriage and Family from The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Frank continues to equip others to grow in their faith and leadership.

Barbara Gierman’s connection to Camp Lebanon is deeply rooted in both faith and family. Her journey with the camp is a testament to a life shaped by service, community, and a steadfast commitment to spiritual growth. Barbara graduated from Messiah College, a place that undoubtedly helped shape her values and dedication to service. She began her involvement with summer camps in 2001, where she quickly discovered her passion for creating a nurturing environment for both campers and staff. Today, Barbara plays a vital and active role at Camp Lebanon as the Food Service Manager. As head cook, she leads the camp’s kitchen with a blend of expertise and heart, crafting meals that nourish both body and soul. Beyond the kitchen, she also schedules reservations for groups and guests, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, Barbara’s warmth and quiet leadership can be felt in every corner of camp life. For Barbara, Camp Lebanon is more than a place filled with cherished memories—it is a calling. Through her faithful service and heartfelt presence, she helps shape the camp into a place where lives are changed and faith is deepened.

Baptist Camp Lebanon has always been a part of Hilary Gierman’s story. His deep connection to the camp goes back generations—his grandfather was one of the original volunteers in the 1950s, and his mother attended as a camper during the ’50s and ’60s. Even before Hilary was old enough to attend, he experienced the joy of camp life through Family Camp with his parents. Starting in the early 1980s, Hilary grew up at Camp Lebanon—initially as a camper, then as a staff member, and eventually as a dedicated leader. In 1994, he joined the summer staff on the Kitchen Crew and quickly became the Kitchen Crew Leader from 1995 to 1997. In January 2000, Hilary assumed the role of full-time Site Manager, a position he has reliably held for more than twenty years. During the summer, he oversees the support staff team. Camp is also where Hilary met his wife, Barbara. Although they unknowingly attended at the same time as teenagers, it wasn’t until years later that their paths truly crossed, leading to a lifelong partnership. Today, they are the proud parents of six children: daughters Rachel, Sydney, Brenna, Rebecca, and Miriam, and son Jacob. Hilary is a graduate of Burlington County Community College with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology

For nine years, Monica has faithfully served as the custodian at First Baptist Church, Westfield, and now at the ABCNJ Center as the Facilities Attendant. A skilled and diligent worker, she ensures the building stays clean, safe, and well-maintained, creating a welcoming space where ministry and community can flourish. Monica's presence is deeply felt by everyone who enters. With a warm smile, a kind spirit, and a servant’s heart, she embodies the core values of care and hospitality that define ABCNJ’s mission. Through her steadfast dedication, she has left a lasting impact on both the building and the people who gather there. Monica is married to Juan Granda, and they are parents of two young adult daughters.