American Baptist Women’s Ministries became a national organization 1951, with the formation of the National Council of American Baptist women. But women’s ministries in our denomination began long before 1951. For well over a century, women have been strong partners in the American Baptist family- raising money for missions at home and abroad, sending missionaries, and ministering in local churches and communities.
Through the years, women have shaped their ministries to meet emerging needs. The Woman’s Baptist Society, organized in 1871 (the forerunner of the Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society), focused on women in other lands. The Women’s American Baptist Home Mission Society, formed in 1909, centered on evangelism in the United States. The World Wide Guild was established in 1915 to train, inspire, and empower girls for Christian ministry and leadership; it became a program of Educational Ministries. In 1992, AB Women’s Ministries affirmed and accepted all responsibility for the girls’ ministry and organized it as AB GIRLS.
(NOTE: ABWM is made up of both lay women and women who are professional church leaders. If you want information aimed solely at women in professional ministry, then you need to search on “ABWIM” – American Baptist Women in Ministry – instead.)
Greetings from Jean Langdon, ABWM of IN/KY President
It has been my privilege since November 1, 2022, to serve as your ABWM president and serve alongside you. My time of service has allowed me to meet many of you at state and association meetings. My travels have taken me all over the state to visit you in your churches during fall conferences. What a blessing! I loved meeting you where God planted you to serve. Your willing hearts and generous spirits have overwhelmed and encouraged me! You, as American Baptist Women, serve God tirelessly being the hands and feet of Jesus. Your hearts and treasures reach beyond your church walls to benefit those who have so little, here and in faraway lands. Your prayers are lifted every day for missionaries who serve where you are not able to go. I know I am included in your prayers, and I appreciate it. My term will end as president in October 2025, but I look forward to working alongside you, doing what God calls us to do. What a privilege it is to count you as sisters. May God continue to bless you as you seek His will. Remember, you are blessed to be a blessing!
For a complete list of 2025 ABWM of IN/KY Officers, goHERE.
If you would be interested in serving as an ABWM Officer/Committee Member in the future or have someone to suggest, please download and print/fill out this 2025 Nominating Committee Form HERE and return it to Jeannie Garrett at one of the two addresses listed below:
By US Mail: 906 Eastfield Dr. Crawfordsville, IN 47933
To review the ABWM of IN/KY Bylaws, which were adopted on Women’s Day, hosted by Anderson FBC (Oct. 14, 2023), go HERE.
Upcoming ABWM dates to track on:
May 2-3, 2025 – ABWM of IN/KY Officers Retreat will be held at the Seasons Lodge in Nashville, IN. – All state AND association officers are welcome to attend.
June 27-28, 2025 – ABWM of IN/KY Summer Conference at Franklin College – Open to American Baptist Women of IN/KY. All ladies are welcome to attend! Overnight accommodations may be made at nearby motels.
October 11, 2025 – ABWM of IN/KY Women’s Day at Edna Martin Christian Center (reportedly at the 2259 Ralston Ave., Indianapolis, IN “Leadership and Legacy Campus” – stay tuned for more details such as start time, in which building, etc.). – Open to American Baptist Women of IN/KY. All ladies are welcome to attend! Overnight accommodations may be made throughout the Indianapolis Area.
The 2025 ABWM of IN/KY Scholarship Application is available HERE!(Annual Deadline: February 15th)
