The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
- Update on Grace “Seminary” and Grace Ministries International Fellowship
The first letter appended below was sent to the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby and to pastors of AME Church by Robert l. McKenzie, “Presiding Bishop” of Grace Ministries International Fellowship. “Bishop" McKenzie invited AMEs to join his fellowship and to attend his seminary. The second letter appended below is the response that Dr. Darby sent to “Bishop” McKenzie and to the AMEs on “Bishop” McKenzie’s list. The third note was provided by Dr. Darby and the fourth response is from a pastor whose name appeared on the good “Bishop's’” website.
(1) Dear Pastors of the AME Church,
On yesterday, March 23, 2005, I sent out an invitation for pastors of the AME, CME and AME ZION to consider becoming a member of Grace Ministries International Fellowship. The intent of the letter was to create a fellowship of pastors and churches to assist each other in leadership and growth skills. Grace Ministries is not a subtle attempt to create a denomination but to give people an opportunity to do special ministry in special areas to create holistic growth in the local church.
In the course of me sending out invitations to pastors just to view what we are about an AME pastor by the name of Rev. Dr. Joe Darby, took issue with what we are doing and with malice branded our attempts at seminary education as “Academic Shortcuts.” Well first of all I have come to understand that what man does not understand man fears. We have taken three long years to develop the program and classes of Grace Valley Theological Seminary and for someone who knows nothing about what we doing in this manner acted immaturely and ignorantly, just to simply put it.
Dr. Darby has never taken a class and knows nothing about the program but if he wanted to know all he could have done was to either emailed me or called me and I would have been glad to discuss with him what we do. Another serious accusation that he made was that we are not accredited and that was not true as well. We went to great pains and toils to get accreditation and for him to say that reeked with slander and malice and he did not act with great responsibility. Now our accreditation may not be what the AME Church accepts and that is their option, but to slander our learning institution like this hurts me dearly.
Our goal in creating Grace Seminary was to assist pastors and ministers in obtaining a seminary education that was accessible and affordable. After being a graduate of Criswell College for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I clearly understood the high price of education. Dr. Darby never took one single course at Grace Seminary so therefore he does not know if we promote “Academic Shortcuts” or not. As a 41-year-old black man with 7 earned degrees I have fully come to understand the term, “Crab Mentality.” If this attempt and seminary education was about making money then I would have gone broke months ago. We have give scholarship after scholarship and allowed students to seek their education without worrying about cost. Once again, “That which you don’t understand, you attack and fear.”
Therefore I challenge Dr. Darby to send this letter to the AME Recorder in order to clear up the apparent misquotes that he has leveled at Grace Seminary. Also for the record, no one is now able to go to the seminary website and view what we have to offer and see for themselves is not available at this point. Mainly because those who you are the victims of a witch hunt to not be exposed as Bishops in our ministry and who were consecrated by us and who are AME pastors have conspired to steal and hold hostage our seminary website as to not be exposed. Once again “FEAR.”
So I challenge those who stole our hard work to put it back and let the record speak for itself. Grace Seminary is not an easy run but takes three years to complete a degree. In the beginning we made several mistakes in getting started, which gave the impression of a “Paper Mill”, but those issues have now been corrected and the seminary has become a vital and viable tool in theological education. Several Methodist have come through our system and will continue to come as we offer them a challenging education with amazing quality.
I plan to send this letter to the Bishops of the AME Church in order to demand an apology for the slander that was leveled at our seminary concerning our lack of accreditation. I also challenge Dr. Darby to offer an apology for his slander toward Grace Seminary and to offer an apology to the Administration and students as well. If we did not have accreditation that is one thing but to say we don’t is blatant disregard and irresponsibility. I will be having a meeting with our board to determine the legal ramifications of Dr. Darby’s statement and if need be prove that we have accreditation.
Grace and Peace,B
ishop Robert L. McKenzie,
Presiding BishopGrace Ministries International Fellowship
pastormckenzie@gsbclubbock.org
Dr. Joe Darby’s response to “Bishop” Robert L. McKenzie
(2) Good Morning, Dr. McKenzie. This is to acknowledge and respond to your pointed note that I just received. Let clarify what I said and did and why I said and did it. I am also forwarding your letter and my response to the Editor of the AME Christian Recorder.
I did receive and review the original note that you sent me, hold no malice toward you, and wish you well in your endeavors. I did bring your letter to the attention of some in the African Methodist Episcopal Church because of my concerns (1) as an ordained itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and (2) as a member of the Board of Examiners of my Annual Conference.
As an ordained Itinerant Elder, I vowed at ordination to accept the supervision of those in positions of authority in our Zion, which includes - by implication and practice - acceptance of the doctrines and polity set forth by our Zion, and to defend those doctrines and practices.
I would in no, way, shape or form challenges to your doctrines, beliefs or teachings, and would in fact defend your right to hold them. I do so as one who has chaired two interdenominational ministerial alliances and one interfaith and interracial clergy association, who served as vice president of our state's ecumenical organization, and who served as a member of the Center for Religion in the South. I served in those positions, however, as an ordained itinerant elder in the AME Church - respecting the beliefs of others but holding fast to, embracing, and - when necessary - defending the polity and Articles of Religion of the AME Church.
My concern, which I shared with others and stand by, is that while you have created a "fellowship" and not a "denomination," your fellowship does consecrate Bishops and does have creedal statements and articles of faith, as is the case with many denominations. My concern was, and is, that ordained clergy who have taken the aforementioned AME Church ordination vows may jeopardize their standing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church by either the open or implied acceptance of a second set of articles of faith, and by accepting consecration to an Episcopal office that has not been affirmed in the positive law of the AME Church.
As a member of my Conference Board of Examiners, I have a particular sensitivity to that. I do discuss and promote ecumenism when instructing candidates for admission to AME ministry. I also make it plain, however, that their admission to an AME Annual Conference means that they will embrace and defend the doctrines and polity of the AME Church and cannot be "a little bit AME." We have had problems with others whose intent is not as worthy or God inspired as yours - those who tell those "young" in ministry that when it comes to denomination and acceptance of polity, you can be more than one thing at the same time, and that is contrary to the teachings and practices of the AME Church.
I would, indeed, commend you if you have managed to bring the cost of professional theological down to a total investment of $1,500. Please be informed, however, that the Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as set and approved by the General Conference of our church, says, "A candidate for ordination as itinerant elder must be a graduate of a Seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or similar accrediting agencies." In practice, accepted "similar accrediting agencies" have been the regional associations of colleges and schools that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Education and listed at:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/accreditation/natlagencies.html and http://www.degree.net/guides/non-gaap_listings.html
I hope that you'll consider taking the necessary steps to see that your seminary's accrediting agency is so listed and endorsed. I realize and affirm that no agency can ultimately endorse what God has blessed, but the standard does protect prospective students from those whose motives are not as God inspired as yours and who have not taken the steps that you have taken to assure that your seminary is not a "paper mill."
The bottom-line, my brother in Christ and in ministry, is that I have not and did not intend to slander you. I have, however, done what is in line with my ordination vows - shared my concerns with others, and exercised my right to free speech. I wish you well in your Christian service and hope that you'll be blessed to press on. I'd also encourage you to do so without taking easy offense at questions, but in the spirit of what Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin with regard to their fear of the Apostles in Acts 5:38,39 - "Therefore in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
If God is blessing what you're doing, then you need not fear what I say or what anyone says, for God will give the increase and grant you victory.
Finally, your note was sent to an e-mail address of mine that is being phased out. Should you feel the need to contact me again, do so at josephdarby@bellsouth.net I'm now off to start my pastoral day, but I will respond tonight if you write.
May God's grace, peace and mercy be yours, and have a wonderful Sunday celebrated of the risen Christ!
Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor
Morris Brown AME Church
Charleston, SC
Note to The Christian Recorder from the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby
(3) I did a "Reply All" when I answered him and got a couple of thank you notes from AME clergy who now have better understanding.
Message received from the Reverend DeLishia Boykin-Wilson
(4) Greetings in the name of our Lord! We mark your progress as the Editor of the Christian Recorder, and thank God for your labors in his vineyard.
I do have a comment in reference to the recent article in the online Christian Recorder. After reading the article and viewing the site for Grace Ministries, I have found that my name and a couple of others are contained therein. Therefore, I would like to make it known that I do not share any connections with Grace Ministries or its Fellowship. Our names have been listed without our consent, participation or notification.
I have already written Dr. Robert L. McKenzie, as have others that I have spoken with, in the last two days, and we conclude this ministry is not legitimate. In fact, when you call the number associated with "Grace Ministries", it is a residential number for a Robert and Tawanna McKenzie. It says to “Press 1 for them, press 2 for the ministries or 3 for their daughter.” This type of system lacks professionalism, which is a necessary part of ministry, as I have learned from our denomination.
Dr. Sydnor, I do ask that you publicize the fact that preachers' names have been used to validate this ministry when in fact we are not a part of such ministry, if the ministry even exists outside of the World Wide Web at all.
I am a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, stemming from a generational background of African Methodist Episcopal ministers. This church is my family, and all of the fellowship that I desire is contained within its structure, membership and constituents. Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. May the Lord continue to bless your efforts, family and ministry.
In his service,
DeLishia Boykin-Wilson
Editor’s note: Thanks to the Reverend DeLishia Boykin-Wilson for the clarification and for helping us to understand this distraction on the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Thanks also to the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby for sharing the letter, who somehow was sent the message from Grace Ministries International Fellowship inviting him and other AMEs to join the fellowship. Kudos to the AME Bishops and General Officers who followed-up and took action to "clip this proselytizing enterprise in the bud.” The ministry site for Grace Ministries International Fellowship, http://www.graceseminary.org/, has been dismantled.
2. MEDICARE AND YOU - IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOU TO REMEMBER. THIS MESSAGE PROVIDED BY THE REV. DR. MIRIAM J. BURNETT:
There are many changes to the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Deadlines are approaching quickly. As a faith community we are expected to assist in helping those who are affected by these changes make informed decisions about their healthcare. The Connectional Health Commission therefore provides you with the timeline supplied by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Please contact them or access the website for further information. Even if you are not a Medicare recipient yourself, I am sure that you know someone who is; just look in your congregation. CMS has also agreed to come and present this information to our congregations and organizations. You may contact me via email (mjbamehealth@yahoo.com) to make those arrangements for you. Please include the time, date, location, and anticipated number of attendees in your email.
The Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH, M. Div.
Medical Director, Connectional Health Commission
March 23, 2005
MEDICARE AND YOU: Important Dates for You to Remember!
The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 has many changes to the Medicare Program. Important dates for persons with Medicare to remember prior to implementation of the Prescription Drug Program in January of 2006 are:
January 1, 2005 – the Medicare Prevention and Screening Services offers a “Welcome to Medicare” physical examination to new persons with MedicareCholesterol, cardiovascular, and diabetes screening as preventive services are also offered.
March 31, 2005 – Persons desiring the full $600 technical assistance for 2005 with Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card must apply no later than March 31, 2005 for credit. Those applying between April 1 and June 30, 2005 will be eligible for $450 technical assistance. Those applying July 1 – September 1, 2005 are eligible for $300 credit, and those applying October 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 are eligible for only $150 technical assistance.
October 2005 – persons with Medicare will also be receiving their “Medicare & You” handbook in the mail. Persons with retiree health benefits should, watch for information from their former employer or union.
October 13, 2005 - persons with Medicare will be able to compare the benefits ofthe various Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
November 2005 – Starting November 15, 2005, persons with Medicare may Enroll in the Medicare Drug Plan that fits their needs.
For more information visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or call: 1-800 Medicare (1-800-633-4227).
______________________________________Teresa ZayasHealth Insurance SpecialistCMS Atlanta (404) 562-7220
3. RUBY CHANDLER HOKE: 100 YEARS OF LIVING A GOOD LIFE:
Ruby Chandler was born 100 years ago on February 22, 1905! She was the eighth of twelve children born to Rev. Henry Claude Chandler and Ida Chandler, in Winder, Georgia. She learned to love the Lord and received her Christian salvation at a very early age.
Ruby Chandler Hoke is a member of Antioch AME Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia and has been a member of that church all of her life – 100 years! The Reverend Stafford J. Wicker is the pastor and Antioch AME Church.
In 1916, Ruby’s Mother took ill and died suddenly when she was just 11 years old. A responsible and sensitive child, she competently and lovingly took over the care of her infant baby sister, Mary, and raised her until adulthood. She and her sister Mary, now known as Mary Randall have been best friends since childhood. They are extremely close and often dress alike, as if they were twins.
Ruby attended school in Winder and later in Decatur where the family relocated in the early 1920’s. She graduated from Sylvia Brown High School and received her High School Diploma. She united with the Antioch AME Church in Decatur, Georgia and began her faithful and long stewardship as a member of the A.M.E. Church.
Shortly, after graduation from High School, she met the Rev. George Clinton Hoke of Antioch AME Church and experienced very nearly, love at first sight. After a whirlwind, three week courtship, Rev. Hoke asked her father, Rev. Chandler, for her hand in marriage. Her father, because they had known each other for such a short time, was reluctant, at first, to give his permission. He finally agreed, telling the young Reverend “O.K., but make sure you treat her right!” And he did just that for over 30 years. They had a baby daughter who, largely because of the inexperience of the midwife assisting her, died at birth. The loss of her child was a great disappointment to Ruby, who never conceived again, but her faith in God never wavered. By placing God at the head of her life and believing and knowing that He was always there for her and knew what was best for her, she was able to withstand her sorrow.
Shortly after their marriage, Reverend Hoke went on to pastor many A.M.E. churches during their life together. Ruby served faithfully by his side, working in the church and serving the Lord, doing whatever she could to help her husband. They served together at churches throughout the state of Georgia in such places as Kennesaw, Woodstock, Louisville, Greensboro, Douglasville, and Cartersville. They made a definite impact on every place they served.
In 1964, Ruby lost her husband who died as a result of complications in an automobile accident. After his death, she returned to her home church, Antioch AME and took up her service in the church where she left off. She is a Stewardess and served as president of the Stewardess Board at Antioch for over 20 years. During her earlier years, she was also a dynamic and knowledgeable Sunday School teacher. There was hardly ever a Sunday when she was not in Sunday School doing what she loved best, teaching others about the Lord. She was a favorite teacher because of her dedication and readiness to serve. If there was ever a question that couldn’t be answered, everyone knew to go Mrs. Hoke, because she would know or if she didn’t know, she was sure to find out.
Ruby is a devoted member of the Antioch Women’s Missionary Society where she served for many years. She was recently honored by the naming of the Society as the “Ruby Hoke Women’s Missionary Society.” She is also a member of the Ministers' Widows and Spouses Alliance of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.
As her name implies, Ruby is truly a jewel in God’s kingdom here on earth. She has a gentle anointed spirit that radiates around her. To know her is to truly love her! Men and women alike are drawn to her because of her unique aura of goodness.
Ruby states that she loves all people but she has a special love for her pastor, Rev. Stafford Wicker of Antioch AME, and his family. And be assured, they love her too! A good cook and a cake specialist, Pastor Wicker has enjoyed many opportunities~ to appreciate her culinary skills.
A devout Christian lady, Ruby loves to share the good news about our Savior to whoever will listen. She wants everyone to know, especially young people, that the only way to make it into the Kingdom is to do it for yourself.
In the first 99 years of her life, she has never been bedridden nor been hospitalized. Unfortunately a few weeks ago, Mrs. Hoke suffered a fall in her home and it has affected her ability to get around as well as she would like. However, she praises God through it all, saying she has made peace with Jesus, and is thankful to Him that He has kept her in her right mind and has blessed her with a long life. She frequently states “not many people get to live this long.”
She attributes her long, healthy and happy life, to the fact that she never smoke or drank, has always tried to live right and to treat other people right, and a strong and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her favorite song: “Woke Up This Mornin’ With My Mind Stayed on Jesus” and her favorite Scripture: Psalm 121.
She has made many friends throughout the years. It is no wonder that she is cherished by her family, church, and community.
Ruby will spend her birthday relaxing at home, receiving family and friends throughout the day and plans to enjoy eating some ice cream and cake to celebrate. When asked what she will wish for on her 100th birthday, she says “I will wish for my Church, Antioch AME, to be blessed and to move on in the name of the Lord.”
4. EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES BY THE REVEREND DONALD G. GARNER:
As a young minister, I have attended various annual, district, and connectional meetings and met and gotten to know some of my contemporaries. We have been able to talk about everything from clergy gender issues to the art of preaching in African Methodism. Most conversations go extremely well until the subject of “seminary” comes up. Somehow the thought of pursuing a theological education conjures a host of excuses.
“I’m too old.” “My church is too small.” “I don’t have enough time.” “I don’t have enough money.” The seminary I want to attend is too far away.” “I don’t need a seminary degree to pastor an AME Church.” The most consistent of all excuses has been, “You don’t need a degree to practice ministry if you are called by God.” I have heard all of those excuses; and I have used some of them myself.
Now I am not condemning my colleagues in ministry because I, too, have been an “excuse-maker.” Last year I paused in the middle of an M. Div. program at The ITC in Atlanta, GA, sighting lack of monetary resources as my reason. I must admit that was a poor excuse.
Seminary is not a new thing for candidates of ministry for African Methodism. Daniel Alexander Payne was seminary trained long before he ever became a Bishop and he was one of the pioneers of education for our church. If Payne in his day could make the sacrifice and commitment to earn the proper credentials for ministry, there is certainly no reason why we cannot do the same. My contention is that if God truly calls us, then we will do all that we can to insure the fulfillment of that call. Not only is seminary essential, but also it is also practical for the practice of ministry.
At the Thirteenth District Mid-Year Convocation, the President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary spoke of full tuition scholarship for members of the clergy and candidates for ministry for The African Methodist Episcopal Church…
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
5. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Bobby Cox, pastor of St. John AME Church in Birmingham, Alabama lost his grandmother Sunday night and his Mother on Monday.Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Bobby Cox & FamilySt. John AME Church708 15th Street NorthBirmingham, AL 35023205-251-3764
Please remember the family in your prayers.
From:
The Rev. Michael. D. Washington, PastorBethel AME ChurchHuntington, New York.
6. Happy Easter from Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor and the entire Christian Recorder staff!
