Center for Continuous Learning

Rev. Jennifer M. Stewart, RN, PhD, MDiv, MFT, is Director for Healing and Transforming Communities with American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She is also President and Founder of Restore Development and Consulting which provides consulting, coaching, counseling and curriculum design services to accelerate change ensure the vitality of churches and faith-based organizations. Restore leverages research and expertise in individual and organizational development, change, and sustainability with ministry, leadership, discipleship and spiritual formation experience to ensure that churches and faith-based organizations achieve their vision.

Rev. Dr. Brian C. Ellis-Gibbs serves as national coordinator for Healing and Transforming Communities at American Baptist Home Mission Societies. In this role, he engages with community partners to advance healing, justice and liberation. With more than two decades of pastoral leadership and over 10 years of experience in faith-rooted social justice organizing, he brings a deep commitment to transformational ministry grounded in compassion, inquiry and relationship. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Morehouse College. Outside of work, Ellis-Gibbs enjoys dancing and teaching seminary-level continuing education courses.

Minister Matthew Rivera was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He is the first in his family to earn a college degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Trinity College. Matthew is the Executive Director of The Dream Support Network, a full service organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and support youth and young adults in their pursuit of living out the life of their dreams. To do such work, The Dream Support Network provides extensive programming and workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and full-day retreats. Matthew Rivera serves as national coordinator for Healing & Transforming Communities. In this role, he partners with churches, leaders, and organizations to strengthen justice-centered ministries and build systems that amplify impact. He also facilitates ABHMS’ Justice Dialogues, coordinates emergency response efforts, and helps cultivate emerging faith leaders through initiatives like the Summer Passionary Institute. He holds a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Trinity College.