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2017 Orientation to American Baptist Life - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orientation to American Baptist Life (OTABL)?
The OTABL is an opportunity for seminarians and ministers new to the American Baptist family to learn about ABC life and meet other American Baptists in the context of the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit.
If I want my spouse to accompany me, what do I need to know?
First, when you register, you will pay an additional $360 to cover the cost of your spouse’s lodging for four nights. (This amount, minus a $25 cancellation fee, will be refundable only if you cancel your spouse’s attendance before May 30, 2017. If you cancel after that date, the $360 will not be refundable.) Second, OTABL cannot cover the cost of your spouse’s meals so please plan for that expense. Finally, your registration for OTABL will not register your spouse for the Biennial Mission Summit (BMS). If your spouse wishes to attend BMS sessions, she or he must register separately through the BMS registration process.
To register your spouse online, choose the ‘guest’ option and your cost will automatically be calculated. The confirmation for your spouse will be sent to you as the primary registrant.
Once I have registered to attend 2017 OTABL, do I need to also register for the Biennial Mission Summit?
No, as an OTABL attendee, you are already registered for the Biennial Mission Summit. However, if you have family members accompany you, they need to register separately to attend any of the Biennial Mission Summit sessions. Your registration for OTABL will not cover anyone else.
I have registered for OTABL and my church would like me to also be a delegate to the Biennial Mission Summit. How do I register for that?
After your complete your OTABL registration, please register as a delegate for the Biennial Mission Summit using this link: http://americanbaptists2017.weebly.com/individual-registration.html. You will have to pay the $75 fee. Please do not select any meals/sessions or reserve a hotel room in your Biennial Mission Summit registration.
I have already registered for 2017 OTABL, and I need to set up my travel to and from Portland. When should I plan to arrive and depart?
The first OTABL event is a welcome reception at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 29. Please plan to arrive in time to attend that. (It will be held in the same hotel in which OTABL attendees will stay.) Your departure from Portland may be scheduled on Monday, July 3 since the final session of the Mission Summit and OTABL will be the Celebration Service on Sunday night, July 2.
Who qualifies to be invited to the 2017 OTABL?
The OTABL seeks to gather and welcome those who have entered ABC ministry from other denominations and seminarians who preparing to enter ABC ministry. Each participant must be a member of an American Baptist church. Those who have attended an ABC orientation conference in the past are not eligible to attend the 2017 OTABL. If you are wondering whether you qualify to be invited to OTABL 2017, please email Holly Bean at [email protected] to inquire.
What will OTABL accomplish?
The purpose of the OTABL is to build relationships, establish a sense of ABC identity, offer resources for ministry and share ABC history and mission with those who are new to American Baptist professional ministry.
How will OTABL participants know what is expected of them?
A special OTABL booklet will provide the information and guidance participants will need. In addition, each participant will be assigned to a small mentorship group; these groups will meet periodically during the Mission Summit for conversation and reflection. Each group will be led by a mentor who is experienced in ABC ministry.
Is OTABL an event separate from the Biennial Mission Summit?
No. OTABL can best be understood as a ‘track’ within the Biennial Mission Summit gathering. OTABL participants will attend designated sessions of the Mission Summit and have opportunities to reflect on their experience with other participants. All participants will attend a welcome reception in the evening of Thursday, June 29 and an organizing session in the morning of Friday, June 30. After that, they will attend various Mission Summit events and reflect on them with their mentor group.
What costs will be covered by the American Baptists?
For each individual invited to the 2017 OTABL, the American Baptists will cover lodging (double occupancy, that is, sharing a room with another OTABL participant) for the four nights of June 29 through July 2 and meals for those 4 days. Participants will arrange for and pay for their own travel and, if family members accompany them, for those lodging costs and meals.
How can I find out more about 2017 OTABL?
Updated information will be posted to the ABC website and, for those who have registered, email messages will be sent for periodic updates.
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