Lee Spitzer
American Baptist Churches USA is under interim leadership as General Secretary Lee Spitzer recovers from heart surgery.
Spitzer, head of the 1.3 million-member ABCUSA since 2017, underwent aortic valve replacement and triple bypass surgery on Sept. 8. He came from the hospital Sept. 14.
Spitzer, 61, said in a statement Sept. 17 that doctors believe the operation went well. He was set to begin physical therapy and said he is not allowed to drive for two months while his ribs heal.
Josué Gómez-Menéndez, president of the denomination’s Board of General Ministries Executive Committee, said Sept. 20 that leaders have named Jeff Woods, associate general secretary for regional ministries, as acting general secretary until Spitzer is able to return to work.
Prior to his election in May 2017, Spitzer served as executive minister for the American Baptist Churches in New Jersey.