A Word from the Director…
Welcome to the Rudd Empowerment Center information page! We are thrilled to launch this new initiative of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, which is focused on advocacy, empowerment, and leadership development for women and girls. Through tangible, practical, and relevant resources, the Rudd Empowerment Center will offer women and their families a community of caring partners, who will strategically accompany them as they pursue healthy, productive, and holistic paths forward. Below we provide the historical basis for the “REC,” as well as our mission, vision, and programming focus. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to engage!
We look forward to all that the Lord will bring to pass through our work together!
Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Chris Smith,
Director, Rudd Empowerment Center
Historical Background:
Ms. Violet E. Rudd, elected into the office of Administrative Secretary in 1951 and to the office of Executive Director in 1976, was a forward-thinking and adaptive leader during the emergence of American Baptist Women’s Ministries. Ms. Rudd was deeply committed to equipping the Women of God for life on mission. During her time of leadership from 1951-1976, ABWM pursued that call through the institution of a magazine geared towards equipping women for a life on mission, establishing annual conferences, and cultivating a strong network of well-trained female leaders at every level.
Mission and Vision:
The Rudd Empowerment Center builds on ABWM’s legacy, offering expanded opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and education. Its programs, which include leadership retreats, ministry grants, pastoral care workshops, and mentorship initiatives, are designed to support women as they navigate unique challenges and advance in their leadership journeys. The Center’s offerings will empower women with the resources, networks, and confidence they need to thrive.
Global and Cross-Denominational Reach:
With a commitment to fostering cross-denominational and interfaith collaboration, the Rudd Empowerment Center will extend ABWM’s influence beyond its traditional community. This broader, global approach positions ABWM as a pivotal voice in global conversations on women’s leadership and empowerment, advocating for the full inclusion of women in every sphere of leadership.
Professional Development and Advocacy:
Through strategic partnerships with academic institutions, the Center will offer cutting-edge training and certification programs to equip women with the skills they need to excel. Its robust advocacy efforts will amplify women's voices within and beyond the faith community, ensuring they are heard, valued, and celebrated as leaders in their fields.
Upcoming Events:
Sojourner Truth Women's Ministry Conference
Pre-Conference: Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Conference: Friday, September 26th thru 27th, 2025
Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland
140 Richmond Road
Euclid, Ohio 44143
As people in general and women in particular face the uncertainties, pain, and struggles of these times, we might be tempted to lose hope. Rather than retreating in despair and defeat, we can embrace and follow the words of womanist giant, Sojourner Truth:
“I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”
Conference Theme: “Empowered by God’s Light, Leading with God’s Love”
Scripture: “5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
At this pivotal moment, as women leaders, we must “retool” ourselves. The Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference is designed to assist in this endeavor. Women at all levels of ministry (clergy and laywomen) are welcome! We will focus on leadership development: leadership styles, navigating world and church politics as leaders, economic empowerment, mentorship, and nurturing holistic health (spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial) as we lead. The conference will also include components for teen girls.
Register now!
Pre-Conference - $25 (payment covers group transportation to Akron, Ohio for the event. Dinner cost not included)
Conference - $75 (payment covers all meals, programming and conference bag. Hotel and travel not included)
Cancellation Policy: Refunds forfeit a $50 processing fee. Refunds will be issued at the discretion of American Baptist Women's Ministries. Written cancellation notice must be received by July 1, 2024. No refund notification requests will be honored after July 2, 2024. Written cancellation notice may be emailed to info@abwomensministries.org.
Click here for more information.
Past Events:
So often, women spend most of their time caring for others while neglecting themselves. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. A large part of loving ourselves is taking care of our health. To address this critical concern, the Rudd Empowerment Center at ABWM will present each Monday during February, “Empowerment Series: How’s Your Health?” An amazing line-up of presenters will engage participants in varying aspects of health and wellness, including mental, financial, educational, and family/holistic health. This series is for women in general and women of color in particular. Participation is free, but you must register. Come, invite a friend, and together, let’s strive for better health in 2025 and beyond!
Each Monday in February 2025
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., EST., via Zoom
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Mental Health (Monday, February 3rd, 2025) Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Dennis
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Financial Health (Monday, February 10th, 2025) Ms. Cynthia Crawford
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Educational Health (Monday, February 17th, 2025) Rev. Gimbiya Kettering
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Family/Wholistic Health (Monday, February 24th, 2025) Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams
Missed a session of the Rudd Empowerment Center's Empowerment Series? You can download previous sessions here:
Articles:
Read "Welcoming the Stranger: How Are We Doing?" Featured in the Christian Citizen.
How are we answering Christ’s call to radical hospitality in our lives and communities? This question lies at the heart of our 2024 mission focus, Welcoming the Stranger.
To help us reflect and act on this sacred calling, we encourage you to read a thought-provoking article featured in the Christian Citizen. Written by Rev. Christine A. Smith, Ph.D., Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center, the article, "Welcoming the Stranger: How Are We Doing?", offers valuable insights into what it truly means to open our hearts and arms to those in need of Christ-like love and care.
This piece invites us to explore deeper connections, share compassion, and live out hospitality in meaningful ways.
Contact:
Rev. Dr. Chris Smith
Director
Rudd Empowerment Center
Christine.smith@abwomensministries.org