Rebranding of ABCOPAD

In the past couple of weeks, the leadership of ABCOPAD (American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware) has hosted meetings of church delegates both online and in-person. These meetings have all addressed and explained their initiative to rebrand the region. One of the latest meetings was held in-person for the Ten Mile Association on Sunday afternoon, November 1 at the Sugar Grove Baptist Church. Mark Mahserjian-Smith, the executive minister for ABCOPAD, was present explaining the details of the rebranding process. First Baptist Church of Waynesburg is a part of the Ten Mile Association and the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware. In this short article I’ll answer a few common questions that may be asked about this process.

What is the rebranding of ABCOPAD?

Rebranding essentially means that ABCOPAD is planning to change the name of this region of churches. It does not mean that our region is leaving the denomination. It does not mean that the beliefs of ABCOPAD are changing in any way.

Why is ABCOPAD rebranding?

For many years now, the theological convictions of ABCOPAD as a region have been more Biblically grounded than those of the American Baptist Churches, USA as a denomination. This distinction is most apparent in the human sexuality/LGBTQ issue. While the ABC, USA is polarized on the matter, ABCOPAD is firmly positioned in Biblical morality. The rebranding will reflect the distinctiveness that our region already possesses.

What has happened to the American Baptist denomination I remember?

All mainline denominations in the last few decades have struggled greatly over the issue of human sexuality. Our denomination is no exception. Pastors and church leaders must now be Biblically discerning in which programs they support, rather than being led by blind denominational loyalty.

What will the new name be?

We don’t know yet. The regional leaders are following a process to obtain suggestions from church leaders that will culminate before the end of the year. The regional board will approve a new name in the regional board meeting in December.

What can I do?

Pray for church and regional leaders to have godly wisdom. Continue to pray for the ABC, USA denomination as a whole. Practice Biblical discernment in all things, especially in this matter.

I have questions you didn’t answer in this article.

If you have additional questions, feel free to talk with me. As someone who has been an American Baptist for 60 years, I have a long-term knowledge of regional and denominational struggles on the issue of sexual morality. This situation is nothing new, but is simply the latest step in working through regional and denominational tensions on the matter. For detailed questions on the present rebranding process, our youth director Mandi Restanio may be able to answer them since she is a member of the ABCOPAD rebranding committee.

With a shepherd’s heart,

Pastor David