TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING (TAG2024)
Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose
April 26-27, 2024
After all we have been through the last 4 years, it is now time to begin a transformative journey. We hope to see you at our upcoming Annual Gathering (#TAG2024) themed “Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose,” inspired by the powerful words found in Isaiah 43:19.
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) declares: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This verse serves as a profound reminder that our God is a God of renewal, redemption, and innovation. In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, He invites us to trust in His ability to make a way where there seems to be no way.
As a Church, we recognize the significance of these words for our community. In times of change, when paths may seem unclear and purposes questioned, Isaiah 43:19 reassures us that God is orchestrating a divine plan, breathing new life into our journey. Our theme, “Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose,” speaks to the heart of our collective commitment to embrace God’s transformative work in our midst.
PARKING – Plenty of parking is available, including handicap parking. There will be people to direct you.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. G. Travis Norvell
Rev. G. Travis Norvell is the pastor of Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN and an adjunct faculty member at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He has served as an American Baptist pastor since 2000 in both small towns and urban churches from Athens, WV, and Lincoln, RI, to New Orleans and Minneapolis.
He is a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and earned his M.Div. from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, NY.
He is passionate about the social gospel in the local church as the link for both social justice and church renewal. Find him on twitter @pedalingpastor
Travis is the author of numerous articles as well as the book, Church on the Move: A Practical Guide for Ministry in the Community.
OUR HOSTS
Rev. Dr. Conley H. Hughes, Jr. is an ordained American Baptist Churches, USA minister. He has served as senior pastor of the Concord Baptist Church Boston in Milton, MA for over 34 years. He also serves as president of the Concord Baptist Church Housing and Economic Development Corporation (“CBHEDC”), a 501 (c) (3) organization, which seeks to assist the minority communities with home ownership and entrepreneurial resource support. Concord Church is distinguished as an inviting, Word-affirming, Spirit-empowering, and discipling congregation.
Rev. Hughes serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS). Dr. Hughes is a past president of TABCOM and the New England Baptist Council and has preached and been engaged in missional travels to England, India, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Barbados and Bermuda.
Dr. Hughes has served as an adjunct instructor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Wheelock College; and co-mentor for the Boston Micah clergy formation group through Fuller Seminary.
Pastor Hughes has an undergraduate degree from Florida Memorial College; two graduate degrees and post -graduate study from Boston University School of Theology; and earned a doctoral degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Reverend Hughes has pursued further studies at the Massachusetts School of Law.
Dr. Hughes serves on the Governor’s Advisory Commission for the Commonwealth of MA, and is the recipient of numerous awards.
Pastor Hughes has been married for over 44 years to Rev. Moreen Hughes, a retired educator and gifted ordained minister, with whom he shared in ministry. They are the grateful parents of 3 children, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
REGISTRATION FEES:
|
Two days (Friday & Saturday) |
$70 |
| Meals (2 days) | $45 (includes $20 per meal for Friday which consists of sandwiches, soup & salad and $25 per meal for Saturday lunch. |
| Meals (1 days) | $20 Friday dinner | $25 (Saturday lunch) |
| Youth ages 12-18 years (Saturday only) |
FREE |
HOTEL INFORMATION
HOMEWOOD SUITES by Hilton BOSTON/CANTON
COST: The hotel is now at the regular rate
Booking Link
- Change the date for Apr 26-Apr 27 (one night) and click “update.”
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
| 2:00pm | Registration/ Coffee |
| 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Partner Organization meetings |
| 5:00pm | Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Business Meeting |
| 7:00pm |
Worship – Rev. G. Travis Norvell Music – Concord Baptist Church |
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
| 8:30am | Registration/Coffee |
| 8:30am | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:30am | Other group meetings |
| 9:00am-12pm | Youth Engagement |
| 9:45-10:45am | WORKSHOP #1 |
|
1. |
Church and Technology: Rev. Leroy Mahoney |
|
2. |
Pastoral Self-Care: Rev. Meg Hess |
| 3. | Part-Time Pastor: Rev. Diane Badger |
| 4. | The DNA of Today’s Church: Rev. Dr. Ronald Bouthillette |
| 10:45am – 11:00am | Break |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | WORKSHOP #2 |
| 1. | Beyond Nickels and Noses: Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller |
| 2. | The DNA of Today’s Church: Rev. Dr. Ron Bouthillette |
| 3. |
Theological Education: Is there a place for me?: Rev. Mercy González-Barnes |
| 4. | Pastoral Compensation: Rev. Diane Badger |
| 12:15pm – 1:00pm | Luncheon Banquet |
| 1:15pm |
Closing Worship – Rev. G. Travis Norvell |
|
Honoring Milestones (Ordinations and Church Anniversaries) Communion |
|
|
Benediction – Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller |
WORKSHOPS AND FACILITATORS
BEYOND NICKELS AND NOSES
How do churches measure their “success” in the post-pandemic church.
Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller
Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller was called to serve as TABCOM’s executive minister in August 2015. From 2012-2015, Mary served as Associate Executive Minister of Mid-American Baptist Churches, a region serving churches in Iowa and Minnesota. She has held two long-term pastorates, at the First Baptist Church in Fredericktown, Ohio and Memorial Baptist Church in Indianapolis.
She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Mary has taught and consulted in the area of church conflict. She is certified by FaithTrust Institute to provide training in Clergy Ethics and Boundaries, which she teaches regularly. Mary is on the Board of Directors for the Nehemiah Leadership Network. She participates in the Formed for Flourishing mentoring project through Central Baptist Seminary.
In her free time, Mary enjoys travel, photography, swimming, and scuba diving. She “collects” US National Parks and visits at least one each year. Mary has two adult children and one grandchild.
THE DNA OF TODAY’S CHURCH
We will be discussing core values: what are the values that help a church flourish. We will look at the 6 generations and their needs. We will look at new styles of leadership and ministry. This seminar is a must for pastors and lay leaders.
Rev. Dr. Ronald Bouthillette
Rev. Bouthillette is on the TABCOM staff. He is focused on working with our associations in “search and call,” and providing resources around church renewal.
Ron is a native New Englander. He is a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, where he serves as an Adjunct Professor in Practical Theology. Ron teaches courses in pastoral ministry, leadership and church revitalization. Ron specializes in Church Leadership and Revitalization.
Ron has pastored churches large and small for over 40 years. He brings this experience to all of his ministries – especially within the areas of church revitalization, churches in transition, leadership and in his mentoring ministry. He is also involved in church consulting with American Baptist Churches throughout the US. Ron is the Associate Executive Minister in Leadership in the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire. He is married to Cathy Bouthillette. They have two grown children and six grandchildren.
PART-TIME PASTOR
How can part time ministry work for your church? In these days when the majority of our churches can only offer a part time pastorate, what is the best way to do ministry in your church? Based on the book “Part-Time is Plenty: thriving without full-time Clergy” by Jeffrey Macdonald this workshop will share ways you can still be a great presence in your community.
PASTORAL COMPENSATION
This workshop will help you understand pastoral compensation. Dealing with the unique tax implications for pastors in terms of compensations; and understanding pastoral benefits. This workshop is targeted to pastors, but church leaders are also welcome.
Rev. Diane Badger
Rev. Diane L. Badger is an ordained American Baptist Minister. She graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She served in Nonprofit Administrative and Financial positions for nearly twenty years prior to being called to the pastoral ministry. She received her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in May 2009 and was ordained that same year. While still at seminary, Rev. Badger was called to be the pastor of Community Baptist Church of Marion, MA and served there until 2014. During that time, she also served as a hospice chaplain on Cape Cod.
Rev. Badger has served on the Executive Board of the Old Colony Baptist Association since 1998, first as clerk and now as treasurer. She also serves on the board of the Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts (CBMM) and MABIT (Massachusetts American Baptist Investment Trust). Since August 2021, Rev. Badger has worked for TABCOM as the administrator for the Commission on Ordained Ministry ushering candidates for ordination through the maze of paperwork and requirements to become ordained ministers.
In her spare time, Rev. Badger does research on genealogy and Massachusetts Baptist History uncovering our past before it gets lost in the mists of time.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CHURCH: WHERE FAITH AND INNOVATION CONVERGE
In this workshop we will explore the dynamic intersection of technology with church activities. In the introduction, we’ll delve into the importance and numerous benefits that technology brings to modern worship services, setting the stage for a transformative learning experience. The workshop will cover essential components, starting with Audio Visual Systems. We’ll navigate through the basics of sound systems, from analog setups to advanced digital configurations like the X32 Barringer. The exploration extends to video projection and lighting, encompassing wireless HDMI transmitters, hard-wired options, and the critical role of proper lighting.
A significant focus of the workshop will be on Live Streaming and Recording Services, ranging from free platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, OBS Software, and Streamyard, to paid options like Boxcast, Wirecast, Restream, and StreamYard. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of Boxcast to understand its capabilities better. Database Management Systems, exemplified by Church Windows, will be introduced, highlighting their role in efficiently managing church information. The discussion on Online Giving will encompass various methods like ACH, Pushpay, and more.
The workshop doesn’t stop at technology functionalities; it addresses critical aspects such as Security and Privacy, comparing HTTPS vs. HTTP, emphasizing virus protection, and stressing the importance of regular Windows updates.
Finally, we’ll explore the significance of Training and Support, featuring the Community Tech Care Corporation as a resource for ongoing assistance and community support.
Join us on this journey as we navigate the technological landscape within the context of church activities, seeking to renew paths and redeem purpose in the spirit of Isaiah 43:19.
Rev. Leroy Mahoney
Rev. Leroy Mahoney is the Pastor (Servant) at the First Baptist Church (FBC) in Saugus, MA. His goal is to teach the people of God; preach to the people of God; and reach the people of God.
His mission is that of the Great Commission, to “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
As one of the whosoever, Rev. Mahoney firmly believes that none should suffer; “We should never tear down our brothers and sisters but bring them up to where God would have all of us to be.”
Furthermore, Rev. Mahoney believes that the goal of the church is not just inside the walls of FBC, but it is in the community and abroad. In fact, he has instituted several after school programs, which include teaching those in the community how to build and understand computers. He holds this FREE program each year for anyone who has an interest. Upon completing this program, the newly built computers are then donated to anyone in need within the community.
Additionally, Rev. Mahoney is the President of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Boston & Vicinity and serves as the Vice President of Information Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Credit Union in Cambridge, MA.
Rev. Mahoney is the husband of First Lady, Deaconess Natavia Mahoney. They have one daughter, Shataya Pope and three godchildren.
PASTORAL SELF CARE: FROM THRIVING TO SURVIVING
Instead of just “trying to get by” in ministry, how might we shift our focus to what will help us flourish and thrive?
This workshop will explore how Clergy and Ministerial leaders can foster well being in body, mind and Spirit in order to lead with joy.
Rev. Dr. Margaret (Meg) B. Hess
The Reverend Dr. Margaret (Meg) B. Hess received a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Andover Newton Theological School.
Ordained by the American Baptist Churches, USA, Meg served pastorates for twenty-five years in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Meg was an Adjunct Faculty in Preaching at Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) for over thirty years.
Dr. Hess is a New Hampshire Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist and a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Meg serves on the faculty of the Leadership in Ministry Workshop in Boston and the Mindfulness Coaching School.
YOUTH (12-18 YEARS)
ADJUST YOUR LENS AND ENJOY THE VIEW
You are designed by God and created for a purpose. Who you are is more than enough. There are many voices and images that cause us to question these truths. How do we live in this world and love who we are despite these voices and images? See yourself as God sees you. See your greatness and walk in it!
A VOICE THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,” encouragement given from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young believer in Christ Jesus. The new begins with you! Discover the value of speaking out and contributing your voice.
Rev. Danielle Gantt
Reverend Danielle Gantt is a native of Philadelphia, PA who comes from a legacy of strong women; namely her mom who instilled the importance of family, the value of a strong work ethic, and the necessity of a good education.
Danielle lives by three life lessons:
- Even when the odds are not in your favor, you must keep pressing forward;
- Where you begin in life does not define where you are going; and
- God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
Throughout her 25+ year career in the field of education, in both non-profit and public sectors, Danielle has worked to support families and children in the urban centers of Boston. Since 2001, Danielle has also served in various youth-serving and educational ministries at Concord Baptist Church in Milton, Massachusetts. She currently serves as the Minister to Youth.
Reverend Gantt is an ordained minister through American Baptist Churches USA and a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Urban Ministry Leadership. God has equipped Danielle to fulfill the multi-faceted call of teacher, preacher, friend, leader, encourager, and champion for youth. She gets true joy from working with the body of Christ, and the community at large. Danielle is grateful to navigate life with her husband of 25 years, Deacon William Gantt, and praises God daily for the blessings that are their four children: Devin (25), Elijah (22), Michael (20), and Joy (17).
Her life verse is Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?”
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION: Is there a place for me?
Women and men in Latin America are feeling a deep desire to learn and be prepared to serve in diverse ministries. Many are facing roadblocks, these can be financial, theological or figuring out Timing and Call.
How can we participate in facilitating this call and training? Mercy works with a team of American Baptist leaders training leaders from South and Central America, the Caribbean and even in our Hispanic communities in the United States.
Come and see what God is doing with a new generation of leaders!
EDIKASYON TEOLOJIK: Gen yon kote pou mwen?
Fanm ak gason nan Amerik Latin ap santi yon gwo dezir pou aprann ak prepare tèt yo pou sèvi nan divès minis. Anpil nan yo ap fè fas a pwoblèm, sa yo ka finansye, teyolojik oswa byen jwenn bon tan ak jwenn vokasyon an.
Kijan nou ka patisipe nan fasilite apèl sa a ak fòmasyon an? Mercy ap travay avèk yon ekip lidè Batist Ameriken ki ap fòme lidè nan Sid ak Lant Amèrik, nan Karayib la, e menm nan kominote Hispanic nou yo nan Etazini.
Vini wè sa Bondye ap fè avèk yon nouvo jenerasyon lidè!
EDUCAÇÃO TEOLOGICA: Existe um lugar para mim?
Mulheres e homens na América Latina estão sentindo um profundo desejo de aprender e se preparar para servir em ministérios diversos. Muitos estão enfrentando obstáculos, que podem ser financeiros, teológicos ou relacionados à descoberta do momento certo e da vocação.
Como podemos participar em facilitar esse chamado e treinamento? A Mercy trabalha com uma equipe de líderes Batistas Americanos treinando líderes do Sul e Central da América, do Caribe e até mesmo em nossas comunidades hispânicas nos Estados Unidos.
Venha e veja o que Deus está fazendo com uma nova geração de líderes!
Rev. Mercy González-Barnes
Mercy is a regional consultant in theological education and leadership development in Iberoamérica and the Caribbean.
Mercy teaches, mentors, and walks alongside men and women that are following God’s call in their lives. She works with colleagues and local leaders to provide resources such as retreats and workshops. Mercy is also part of a team of global servants that are collaborating with Palmer Seminary in a NEW online Master’s in Theological Studies in Spanish. Learning using this medium makes higher education accessible to many people from countries in Iberoamérica and the Caribbean.
“I love to see the emotion and gratitude in the eyes of the students; they are truly thankful for this opportunity to stretch for the Kingdom of God. God is indeed doing a new thing.”