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Be part of something that changes lives. Your support empowers women. Your faith inspires girls. Your gift sustains the work.

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EVENTS
RUDD EMPOWERMENT CENTER
AB GIRLS
Belonging Devotional
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Two women embracing with joy, symbolizing love, connection, and faith-filled encouragement supported by American Baptist Women’s Ministries.

MISSION:
Christ-Centered

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SISTERHOOD + LEADERSHIP = IMPACT

Two women embracing with joy, symbolizing love, connection, and faith-filled encouragement supported by American Baptist Women’s Ministries.

Spiritual Growth and Sisterhood➤

Two women at an American Baptist Women’s Ministries event sharing a warm moment, highlighting faith-based sisterhood and community connection.

Strengthening Leaders➤

Three women at an American Baptist Women’s Ministries event sharing a warm moment, highlighting faith-based sisterhood and community connection.

Social Impact➤

Building God’s Community” graphic with themes of belonging, peace, and welcome—representing American Baptist Women's Ministries’ mission rooted in 1 Corinthians 3:9

Ministry Focus: Building God's Community

As we step into the next two years, American Baptist Women’s Ministries will unite under a new ministry theme: “Building God’s Community.” This theme is both a call and a commitment: to construct lives, relationships, and ministries that reflect God’s design and serve God’s people. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 3:9, we are reminded that we are not laboring alone. We are co-workers with Christ, called to cultivate spiritual soil, lay strong foundations, and build together for God’s glory. 

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AB GIRLS participants serving during a community outreach project, showing leadership, faith in action, and youth empowerment through American Baptist Women's Ministries.

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Latest News and EVENTS

Highlights from the Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference

The Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference, held in Euclid, Ohio, was a transformative gathering of women leaders, presented by the Rudd Empowerment Center.

The event, themed “Empowered by God’s Light, Leading with God’s Love”, inspired attendees to embrace their faith and leadership roles with renewed strength.

 

The photos from this powerful conference highlight moments of worship, fellowship, and empowerment.

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American Baptist Women’s Ministries Announces 2025-2027 Ministry Focus: Building God’s Community

American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) is excited to unveil its 2025-2027 ministry focus: “Building God’s Community.”

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 3:9, this theme calls women to unite as co-workers with Christ, cultivating spiritual growth, fostering intergenerational connections, and creating spaces of belonging and healing. In a time of division and disconnection, ABWM challenges women’s groups to build with boldness, wisdom, and love—reflecting God’s design and serving His people. Together, let us rise to this sacred call to build lives, relationships, and ministries that glorify God.

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Belonging Devotional Now Available! Inspiring and Uniting Women Everywhere

Belonging Devotional

A 31 Day Journey into Discovering Who You Are, What You Long For, and Where You Truly Belong.

Now available for purchase, this devotional offers unique spiritual insights that encourage readers to deepen their connection with their faith and with one another. Perfect for personal study, group discussions, or sharing with a mentor, Belonging is a tool to deepen your walk with God and cultivate connections with others.

Secure their copy by visiting https://givebutter.com/ABWMDevotional. Simply select the “donate & tickets” options to complete your order.

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A spotlight on our Shine the Light Award recipients and their impactful ministry work

Honoring Women Who are Outstanding Light-Bearers for Christ

Shine the Light Award Adele Hueston At ABWM

Adele Hueston Named 2025 Shine the Light
Award Recipient

American Baptist Women’s Ministries is proud to announce Adele Hueston as the 2025 recipient of the Shine the Light Award. This prestigious honor recognizes women who have made extraordinary contributions to sharing the Gospel, embodying the call to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). <br>Adele was nominated by Jessie Bandaru, and her decades-long dedication to ministry, education, and missions deeply moved the selection committee. Through her tireless efforts and compassionate spirit, Adele has touched countless lives with Christ’s love. Her faithful leadership and the joy she brings to every interaction are a testament to her God-given gifts.

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Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference​
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SEPT 26TH, 2025
2025 Shalom Retreat
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OCT 10th, 2025
National Prayer Call
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4th Tuesdays
Bible Study & Devotional Webinars
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Nov 13th & 20th

What our Members Are Saying

Faith Journeys

"I accepted the call to be a part of this organization/ministry because I saw the importance, the urgency and the passion in the areas of service, discipleship and empowering women and girls to live into the fullness of who they are created by God to be. These areas (discipleship especially) are near and dear to my heart and this ministry created an amazing opportunity for me to make connections and do the blessed work by carrying out ABWM's Mission and Vision."
Rev. Lynn Bethea, a faith-driven leader of American Baptist Women's Ministries, smiling confidently inside a church, representing empowered Christian women in ministry.
Rev. Lynn Bethea
President of ABWM Philadelphia
FAITH CONNECTIONS
900 +
EMPOWERED LEADERS
100 +
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
20 +
LIVES TRANSFORMED
4000 +

Become a Member

Step into purpose — empowering women and girls to rise, lead, and thrive!

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Karla Rivera Avilés, Director of Programs at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, smiling joyfully and showcasing faith-led leadership for women and girls.

Karla Rivera Avilés
Director of Programs

Karla Rivera Avilés serves as Director of Programs for American Baptist Women’s Ministries. A devoted Puerto Rican attorney with 18 years of experience, she has centered her career on advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual aggression. Her work reflects a strong commitment to justice, faith, and community service. Karla brings valuable experience from ecumenical work in Puerto Rico and Peru, particularly in championing the rights of women and children. At ABWM, she is dedicated to creating programs that empower women and girls to thrive through faith and courage.

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Portrait of Erin Davis, Director of Marketing at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, smiling confidently and representing empowered Christian women in leadership.

Erin Davis Marketing & Communications Director

Erin Davis began her journey at ABWM as a social media ambassador and now serves as the Marketing and Communications Director. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her work at ABWM focuses on developing effective communication strategies, enhancing the organization’s visibility, and engaging with the community through innovative marketing efforts.

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Rev. Dr. Christine Smith of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, wearing pearls and smiling, symbolizing Christian leadership, wisdom, and women’s empowerment through faith.

Rev. Dr. Christine Smith
Associate Executive Director

Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith begins as Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center in October 2024, bringing extensive experience in leadership development, ministry, and advocacy. Rev. Dr. Smith is passionate about empowering women in ministry and providing them with the tools and resources to excel in their calling. Her leadership at the Rudd Empowerment Center focuses on advancing education, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives that support women both within and beyond the faith community. Committed to ABWM’s mission, she works to elevate the voices of women and girls globally, fostering an environment where their leadership can thrive.

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Rev. Armstrong, Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, representing visionary leadership and faith-based empowerment for women and girls.

Rev. LaThelma Armstrong
Executive Director

Reverend LT Armstrong began as Executive Director of ABWM in July 2024, bringing a breath of experience to the role. Rev. LT Armstrong is dedicated to the spiritual, educational, and social growth of women and children, particularly girls. Her leadership focuses on innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and fostering a community where women and children can thrive. She is committed to advancing ABWM’s mission, ensuring that every woman and child is empowered through faith to advance beyond any obstacles or barriers they face.

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Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster, Outreach Coordinator at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, modeling strength, service, and Christian leadership.

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster
Outreach Coordinator

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster began her journey at ABWM in 2022 as a content creator. In her new role as Outreach Coordinator, she brings her expertise and passion for connecting with and empowering communities. Reverend Cassandra focuses on building outreach strategies, representing ABWM at various conferences, and engaging women and girls in the organization’s mission. Her work ensures that every woman and child can connect, grow, thrive, and find a sense of belonging within the ABWM community. We invite you to connect with Reverend Cassandra to learn more about ABWM’s initiatives and explore ways to get involved. She is eager to engage with and support our community.

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Lianne Quaynor — Program Coordinator

Lianne Quaynor
Program Coordinator

Lianne Quaynor began as our Program Coordinator in October 2024 focused on developing and coordinating programming to promote human rights, women’s empowerment and faith based advocacy at American Baptist Women’s Ministries. She brings experience working on global issues regarding women and girls rights and human rights for various non-profits and international organizations as well as with youth ministry in making spaces of faith more inclusive and intergenerational. She is passionate about education, volunteering, and social justice but most importantly being able to empower, elevate and equip women and girls to be leaders in making their dreams and aspirations a reality and the world a better place.