—Ephesians 4:12-13
Honoring Excellence in Ministry
The Ministers Council invites you to remember an American Baptist minister(s) who has been significant to you in the past or present. We invite you to write a brief tribute as you make a gift in honor of him or her. Your tribute will be placed among those recognized and honored on this website.
Click to Honor Excellence in Ministry See the Honor Roll
All gifts collected will be used to encourage ministry competence, collegiality, and centeredness through the Excellence in Ministry Fund.
What Makes a Minister Competent?
What makes clergy effective in their role? What competencies are critical to clergy effectiveness? Answering the questions around professional competence is a priority for the Ministers Council.
Competency List from the Midwest Ministry Development Service
What is the Ministers Council?
We are an independent, non-profit organization of ordained, commission, licensed and lay Christian leaders. Seminarians are also eligible for membership and encouraged to join. (More/Less)
We are the only ABC organization dedicated solely to the well-being of ministers. We serve in increasingly diverse settings including the local church, specialized ministries of chaplaincy, counseling, coaching and spiritual direction, as well as administration, education and community organizing.
Individuals are eligible for membership in this body if they are eligible for inclusion in the Leadership Status list maintained by the American Baptist Churches Information System (ABCIS) and if they pay national dues to this body.
What Do We Do?
We nurture, encourage, and strengthen more than 2000 clergy, counselors, seminarians, and lay leaders. We provide fellowshipping opportunities; spiritual enrichment; and educational programming to fuel the effectiveness of the men and women called of God to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What Do We Provide?
- Support for regionally based Ministers Council chapters
- Annual gatherings, workshops, retreats for respite, and spiritual and professional development
- Models and best practice guidelines for creating clergy peer groups
- Informative articles and writings for ministers
- Discounts to value-added services through partnerships
- A sense of community for clergy so that no one has to go it alone
How Can You Support the Ministers Council?
Give to our Together in Ministry Fund, which expands the program of clergy peer group learning.
