"Rooted in faith, we support and inspire excellence in our member ministries who, called by God's love, revere elders, nurture children, empower persons with special needs and value families"
ABHCM communities are marked by love, bearing one another’s burdens, and a vision of the ‘beloved community’ spoken of by the American Baptist pastor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries (ABHCM) is an association of faith-based ministries founded in 1930 to strengthen relationships and promote a standard of excellence in ministries of caring. ABHCM is the largest component of ministry provided in the U.S. by
American Baptist Home Mission Societies of the
American Baptist Churches, USA. Our 130 members operate in every region of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and serve more than 20,000 people through retirement communities, long-term care centers, children’s homes, and special services. Our
Board of Directors, comprised of clergy, social service professionals, business and community leaders, governs ABHCM’s development and activities. (Read a
letter from ABHCM Board President Bill Painter, here.)
The origins of ABHCM lie in the long American Baptist tradition of advocacy for social justice, beginning in the 19th century. American Baptists were leaders in the slavery abolition, woman’s suffrage, and civil rights movement and refugee resettlement. For two hundred years, they have advocated for just and compassionate government, built affordable housing, and passionately sought to make God’s love manifest in each of these endeavors (see
ABHCM History for more).
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries continues this tradition with ongoing support for social justice causes, plus the provision of direct care. As we grow, we continue with a mission to develop and enhance the ministries of our members; promote standards of excellence in our service; and communicate our activities to all of the American Baptist churches where thousands of caring individuals pray for us and support this work.