Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Whether your congregation has been part of this community for generations or you are getting to know us for the first time, I am glad you are here.
It is an honor to serve as your moderator. I am a lifelong American Baptist, having grown up in Newark attending First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church and now serving on the board of First Baptist Church of Philadelphia. This tradition has shaped my faith and my understanding of what it means to serve. I have seen how churches help people find community, ask difficult questions, and put their faith into action.
Our churches bring different histories, cultures, experiences, and gifts. Those differences give us more to learn from one another and more to offer the communities we serve. A congregation navigating change may find wisdom in another church’s experience. A pastor carrying a heavy burden may find encouragement among colleagues. A ministry with a promising idea may find partners to help it grow.
As moderator, my commitment is to listen, strengthen those connections, and work alongside our Board and Executive Minister to steward the Association’s future with care. I want our churches to feel heard, our leaders to feel supported, and our shared work to reflect the love of Christ.
I invite you to participate, share what your congregation is learning, and tell us where support would make a difference. The future of this Association will be shaped by the gifts each of us brings.
Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to what we will build together.
With gratitude and hope,
Sumorwuo “Zaza” Zaza
Moderator
Philadelphia Baptist Association