Celebrating the Ministry of Dr. Warren Stewart

Rev. Paul Gibson, Regional Minister for Arizona, attended the gala on June 28th in Phoenix to celebrate the ministry and retirement of Dr. Warren Stewart, Pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix, with Dr. Tahlib McMicheax, Regional Minister for Black Ministries. This is what Paul wrote this special occasion:

"What a day! After 48 years at First Institutional Baptist Church, Warren H. Stewart Sr. gave his last sermon. A wonderful service that included baptisms, a live call from the president of Liberia, special words from the president of the national Baptist convention, special words from the pastor of Allen Temple in Oakland, California, and music. And did I say they had music? Oh yes! Warren once again recognized Gina Jacob-Strain, the General Secretary of ABC USA, and then finally he recognized Melissa and me as representing the American Baptist Churches of the region."

ABCOFLASH is grateful for Dr. Stewart's ministry at First Institutional and thankful for his faithfulness to our American Baptist family within ABCOFLASH and the broader Baptist community in the United States and worldwide! Dr. Stewart and Karen - may you experience rest and blessings in the coming years!

Click here to read an article and listen to an interview about Dr. Stewart's ministry.

Upcoming Justice Dialogue to Explore the Church’s Prophetic Role in Addressing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

As violence continues to claim the lives of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, an increasing number of faith leaders are urging the church to examine not only its beliefs but also what it will do to help quell the carnage.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) invites the public to a timely and thought-provoking edition of its Justice Dialogues series titled “Being Church in the Face of Genocide,” set for Wednesday, July 30, at 9 AM Pacific. This virtual event will provide historical and theological context for the ongoing crisis, while encouraging participants to reflect on how the church must respond during a moment of moral reckoning.

Click here to read more and to register

ABCOFLASH has secured a low rate of $99 per person for the Global Leadership Summit, allowing you and leaders from your church to participate online or at the Regional Resource Center in Glendale. If you were to register now on the GLS website without our promo code, your rate would be $222.

Click here for the GLS website to learn more about the GLS and how it can impact your life and ministry!

THE GLS is for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who wants to grow as a leader! It's great for youth and young adults, too! Put a team of leaders from your church together and experience it together to be inspired and equipped for effective leadership!

Rainbow Acres, in central Arizona’s Verde Valley just south of Sedona, has a unique opportunity for an experienced facilities manager to use those skills in ministry. Leading our maintenance team and working with outside vendors, you can steward our 50-acre campus of homes, gardens, barns and solar-electric arrays, all to help adults with developmental disabilities live out the lives of purpose God intends. Why wait until retirement to enjoy Arizona’s delights? Learn more and apply online at

https://RainbowAcres.org/Work