Having begun her position as the Executive Director of the American Baptist Foundation on October 1, 2022, the Rev. Dr. Christine Roush has brought extensive knowledge to this important calling, having a wealth of relationships and connections within the American Baptist family.
She was the pastor of the Cedar Hills Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon and the Administrative Pastor for the First Baptist Church of Springfield, Oregon. Beyond serving local congregations, her work in the wider ministry of regions has included being the Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries for the American Baptist Churches of New York State and Executive Director of Camp Arrah Wanna for the American Baptist Churches of Oregon. Later, she became the Associate Executive Minister, Minister of Mission Support for that same region.
Dr. Roush also served as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Advancement at Rainbow Acres, a Christian community in Arizona that empowers persons with developmental disabilities. Her ministry expanded further when she became the National Coordinator for Discipleship & Faith Formation with the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
She is passionate about American Baptist ministry and mission. Because of her vast experience, she has seen first-hand the incredible work American Baptists do locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. She states: "From disaster relief, evangelism, discipleship, and social justice to agricultural education, medical services, and training of pastors-American Baptists lead the way in serving as Christ in the world!"
An avid reader and lifelong learner, Chris holds a bachelor's degree in Social Science Education and Political Science and a master's degree in History from the State University of New York in Oneonta. She went on to earn a Doctorate in Ministry in Church in the Emerging Culture from Portland Seminary, where her dissertation focused on issues of consumerism and stewardship and culminated in the writing of a small-group study Swimming Upstream-Reflections on Consumerism and Culture. She currently serves as Project Faculty for the Doctorate in Leadership program at Portland Seminary.
Married to David, Chris lives outside Portland, Oregon, near her three adult children and their families.
Paul rejoined the ABF staff in 2021, following an 11 year stint with MMBB. He originally started with the ABF in 1999. He holds a BA from Illinois Wesleyan University and has been a Certified Financial Planner™ for more than 30 years. Paul has served on the boards of Peoria Pastoral Counseling Services, Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service and on the President's Advisory Council of Judson College [now University]. Currently, Paul is a Kiwanian and serves as a trustee at the Baptist Student Foundation at the University of Illinois. He enjoys spending his leisure time outdoors, especially fishing, gardening and trying something new on the barbecue.