Staff
Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson, DMin
Executive Director | Denver, CO
He/Him/His
Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson is an ordained American Baptist minister with more than 25 years of pastoral experience and a lifelong commitment to building churches that fully welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ people. He has been part of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) since 2019, serving on both the Board and Staff, and in 2024 he stepped into the role of full-time Executive Director.
Brian’s ministry is rooted in justice, inclusion, and thoughtful theological engagement. He brings a deep appreciation for the diversity of Baptist life and a strong commitment to supporting congregations as they live into their Welcoming and Affirming commitments. His leadership is shaped by collaboration, listening, and a belief that the church is strongest when all people are honored as beloved of God.
His educational background includes studies in urban ministry management at the Center for Urban Theological Studies in Philadelphia, a B.A. in Theology from Eastern University (cum laude), a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and a Doctor of Ministry from Palmer with a concentration in Family Systems Theory.
Brian’s passion for AWAB’s mission is deeply personal. In 2011, after many years of discernment, he came out as a gay man while serving in ministry. That experience—marked by courage, faith, and trust in God’s ongoing call—continues to shape his leadership and theology. Today, Brian is committed to walking alongside churches, clergy, and individuals as they seek to embody radical welcome, faithful authenticity, and the full affirmation of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the church.
Janet Cole
Administrative Coordinator | Louisville, KY
She/Her/Hers
Janet Cole joined the AWAB staff in February 2017 to assist in communication and management of member records. She lives in Louisville, where she is a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church and had served as their Administrative Assistant since 1992 until her retirement in November of 2021.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, her home church was Ruhama Baptist Church. Janet is a graduate of Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!!). She is married to Pat Cole and has one adult daughter, Hilary Jones, who has graced the family with a beautiful granddaughter, Amelia. Her hobbies are reading, sewing, and being Gran!
James Rice III
Communications Coordinator | Charlotte, NC
He/Him/His
James Rice III is a minister, life coach, and seasoned communications professional. He holds a B.A. in Communication from Queens University of Charlotte and has been active in his local queer community since 2013. Before joining AWAB, James spent six years working with LGBTQ+ youth at Time Out Youth Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A self-described “son of a preacher man,” James has been rooted in the church his entire life. He was baptized at the historic Rock Hill Baptist Church in Ridgeway, South Carolina, ordained in his family’s outreach ministry at age thirteen, and currently serves on the media ministry team at AWAB member church, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte.
James is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where his theological studies continue to deepen his commitment to inclusive ministry, faith-based justice, and radical welcome.
Known for his infectious charisma, captivating communication style, and unapologetic authenticity, James believes wholeness is not something to be negotiated. “I am the sum of all my parts,” he says. “I am Black. I am Gay. I am a minister. And I never have to choose between them.”
James lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Outside of work, he enjoys watching his favorite NBA and NFL teams, keeping up with his favorite queens on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and—most importantly—being the proud favorite “Guncle” to his nine nieces and nephews.