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Building God’s Community Ministry Focus

MINISTRY FOCUS

"Building God’s Community" ministry focus for 2025 - 2027

Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are co-workers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

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.

We are living in a time of profound division and disconnection. Isolation, injustice, fear, and fatigue have shaken many of our personal and communal foundations. Yet even now, God is inviting us to build, not in our own strength, but through faithful collaboration, sacred trust, and courageous action.

Building God’s Community means more than gathering in church buildings or hosting events. It means creating spaces of belonging and healing, lifting up the marginalized, mentoring the next generation, and nurturing each other in love and truth. It is a radical act of hope to build when the world says things are falling apart.

This theme challenges us to rethink how we serve, how we relate, and how we show up as the body of Christ in the world.

A Challenge to Women’s Groups:

Will you take up the mantle of builders? Not just of programs—but of people, purpose, and peace?

We challenge every women’s group across the country to:

  • Cultivate spiritual growth—planting seeds of faith through prayer, study, and discipleship.
  • Build intergenerational bridges—mentoring young women and girls and creating safe, affirming spaces for their voices.
  • Strengthen community bonds—partnering with local churches, neighborhoods, and justice initiatives to meet real needs.
  • Repair what’s broken—offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and new vision where harm has occurred.

Let us build with wisdom. Let us build with boldness. Let us build together, as God’s co-workers in a community that reflects heaven on earth.

Start with Belonging:

To help anchor this journey, we invite you to purchase our new Belonging Devotional, a powerful tool designed to guide individuals and groups in exploring what it means to truly belong to God, to one another, and to the work of building God’s kingdom. This devotional is a companion for reflection, prayer, and action and a meaningful first step in our shared calling.

Let’s build boldly, build together, and build with love.
 Order your copy of Belonging today and join us in Building God’s Community.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Mission Focus: Belonging

This year’s mission focus is “Belonging”. God said that “we are all equally made in the divine perfect image” (Genesis 1:26-28) and we are ALL deeply loved by God. In this mission, we affirm that no one is ever truly alone—everyone belongs in God’s eyes, and we are called to reflect that truth in how we love and serve one another. As we all belong to God, we belong together. 

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
“For we are co-workers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.” ​"
1 Corinthians 3:9
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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.