Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING, THE INVESTITURE AND THE BISHOPS COUNCIL MET, DELIBERATED, CELEBRATED, WORSHIPED, AND HAS ADJOURNED:
The General Board / Bishops’ Council Meetings and the Investiture of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams as the President of the Council of Bishops, were held in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. The Board of Trustees, which provides supervision, “In Trust” of all Connectional properties of the Church (See Page 44) also met.
As a teachable moment, the General Conference is the supreme body of the AME Church. It is composed of bishops, equal number of lay and ministerial delegates, General Officers, College Presidents, deans, and presidents of theological seminaries (See The 2004 Discipline, Page 206).
The Council of Bishops is the executive branch of the Connectional Church. It has the general oversight of the Church during the interim of General Conferences (See Page 127). Bishops are amenable to the Bishops Council as a pastor is amenable to his or her annual conference. General Officers are accountable to the General Board and make their annual reports to the various commissions of the General Board.
The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II succeeds the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram as the President of the Council of Bishops, and will serve in that position for one year.
The Right Reverend McKinley Young succeeds the Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle as the President of the General Board. Bishop Young will serve in that position for two years.
The Most Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. is the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Reverend Dennis Dickerson is the senior General Officer and is the President of the General Officers’ Council.
The business of the Church was conducted, decisions were made and more in-depth reports of the various commissions will be shared in this venue as they are received.
A synopsis or highlight of the various commissions:
I. Commission on Lay Organizations, the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Chair.
President Jessie Burns noted that the Connectional Lay Organization donated a total of $153,000, $50,000 of which came from the Lay Gala, to assist in the efforts to save Morris Brown College. One of their recommendations included the need for a full and complete annual financial record including that the audit is available at the time the Lay Organization report to the commission.
II. Ministry on Ministry and Recruitment, the Right Reverend Wilfred Messiah, Chair.
The Commission on Ministry and Recruitment had requested $8000 to help them to create brochures to educate the AME Church, but funds were not available, however The Journal of Christina Education was published at no cost to the Commission on Ministry and Recruitment.
Recommendations included:
- That a meeting of a representative of the Board of Examiners from each Episcopal District meets to review the educational resources listed in the Discipline and that representatives from Districts 14-20 meet during the Global Development Conference. The rationale for the meeting is that some of the resources listed in The Discipline are outdated and others are out of publication.
- That ministry other than the pastoral ministry is affirmed.
- That training be provided for presiding elders.
- That more training in AME history and worship be available for our membership and that safeguards are in place to provide training for the increasing numbers of ministers from other denominations, who are transferring into the AME Church, bring with them, non-AME traditions.
III. Commission on Health, the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Chair.
The Commission on Health has received request from the 20th Episcopal District for funding, first-aid boxes, medications, blood pressure machines, televisions, VCRs and educational materials.
The 19th District requested a need for computers and all in one, printer, FAX, a copier machine, which has been donated by the Health Commission.
Recommendations included:
- That overseas Health Directors provide accurate contact information to facilitate better communications and to keep the Commission abreast of ongoing health activities and concerns.
- That Health Directors be appointed in the 3rd, 9th, 14th, and 15th Episcopal Districts.
IV. Commission on Global Development, the Right Reverend James Lavert Davis, Chair.
Bishop Sarah Davis (18th) and Bishop David R. Daniels (14th) reported economic development projects in their districts.
Mr. Shimi Seth Manyane (19th Episcopal District) reported that the 19th District is constructing a convention center and the building of low income housing units.
The 20th District is establishing a Gold Medallion Project that uses the district’s natural resources, the profit which will go for clergy training, education and construction projects. .
V. Commission on Christian Education, the Right Reverend Robert Webster, Chair.
Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director shared information about how churches could use the LabOra worship planning software program and strategies for retiring the LabOra debt.
Recommendations included:
- That each Episcopal District appoints a coordinator for the Richard Allen Young Adult Council.
- That Each Episcopal District appoints a Christian Debutante-Master Commission Coordinator.
- That all Connectional Commissions and the affiliate organizations include the Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) for music leadership in all meeting, conferences, conventions, and other programs and services where music is needed.
- That musician or director assigned to leadership in music at the Connectional level shall be a member of MCAM.
VI. Social Action Commission, the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair.
Recommendations include:
- That Medicare Part B continues to be a focus and senior citizens be assisted.
- That the Church’s position on abortion be re-visited.
- That the Church addresses the issues of the gender-divide.
- That the Civil Rights ministry of Deaconess Rosa Parks continues to be highlighted and lifted up.
- That the Church keeps an “eye” on the Voter Rights’ Act ands work to ensure that the law is upheld.
VII. Commission on Economic Development, the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Chair.
Financial reports and corporate sponsors update and status were shared with Commission members.
The Reverend Floyd Alexander encouraged the Commission to discourage credit card usage encourages debt-free living.
The right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, 17th Episcopal District challenged the Commission to be inclusive of the overseas districts when pursuing economic development projects.
VIII. Commissions on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and Schools, the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Chair.
The following reports were given and full reports will be published as soon as they are received:
- Dr. McDonald Williams reported on Black Higher Education,
- Wilberforce Community College
- Morris Brown College – The Church has a plan
- Wilberforce University – 150th Anniversary Celebration in July. WU is
operating in the black.
- Edward Waters College – SACS reaffirmation of accreditation without
sanctions through 2014. EWC is fully accredited!
- Allen University
- AME University – With enrollment of over 2500, AME University in
Monrovia, Liberia is the largest AME academic institution.
- Payne Theological Seminary. Accredited to offer online courses.
- Turner Theological Seminary
- R. R. Wright Seminary
Recommendations include:
That an Economic Education Summit to deal with educational resources be held in conjunction with the first CONVO prior to the 48th Quadrennial Session of the 2008 General Conference.
IX. Commission on Annuity Investments and Insurance, the Most Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Chair.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrecked havoc on the lives of countless AME churches, pastors and laity. Dr. Jerome Harris, Executive Director of Annuity investments and Insurance provided hardship requests in the amount of $180,000.
There is an increase in the Church Retirement Annuity Plan, with the most notable enrollments increase precipitated by female pastors.
Only one-third of the eligible AME pastors are enrolled in the AME Church’s retirement plan. One of the challenges is the need for pastors to submit documented evidence of their date of ordination, date of birth, and the date of first pastoral appointment.
X. Commission on Women in Ministry, the Right Reverend Sara F. Davis, Chair.
The AME/WIM hopes that each annual conference will make intentional efforts to maintain equitable female representation.
Commissions on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, Chair.
There is a need for more subscribers to all of the AME publications. The intent goes well beyond just pastors subscribing to periodicals. AME periodicals are for all of our members. Outstanding pastors should come to annual conferences with a list of subscribers to all publications.
Dr. Dennis Dickerson reported that there was an increase in the numbers of subscribers to The A.M.E. Church Review, but more persons, especially pastors and applicants for ministry should be subscribed.
A moment of silence was tendered to remember with fondness, the great work of Dr. Henderson Davis, retired Historiographer who died in the interim of the General Board Meeting.
Dr. Johnny Barbour reported that the AMEC Publishing House experienced a profit and turned over $50,000 to the AMEC Treasurer, Dr. Richard Lewis.
Dr. Barbour unveiled the Thompson Chain Reference Bible (NKJV) that the AMEC Publishing is selling in commemoration of the AMEC 125th Anniversary.
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Editor reported that The Christian Recorder experienced a “slight increase” of 2500 subscribers since 2004. The term “slight increase” is used because with the number of AME Constituents listed a 2 million; the increase should be much larger.
Among the recommendations:
That the number of subscribers be increased from 4045 to 6000.
That the AMEC General Board and Council of Bishops declare the Year of the Bible from August 2006 to August 2007, and that this year, every member of the AME Church will read the Bible in its entirety.
That people will not illegally use the AME logo. Individuals, churches, and organizations are using the AME logo (the Shield with the words, African Methodist Episcopal Church with the cross and anvil in the center) without permission.
That every person who is an applicant for ministry, local leaders be strongly encouraged to subscribe to The Christian Recorder.
That the AME Church be intentional in eradicating the digital divide by encouraging all AME Churches to purchase and have functioning Internet access. Doing so will facilitate news and information.
XI. Commission on Global Witness and Ministry, the Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Chair.
Mr. Robert Nicolas reported that SADA had a challenging year. Grants were awarded and over 20,000 elementary students were given assistance. HIV/AIDS awareness training continues to be a priority.
Mrs. Jamesina Evans continues to work with local church, churches, annual conferences, episcopal districts, UNICEF, FAO, UNPFA and UNESCO. WMS is working with the global issue of diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
Dr. George Flowers reported the multi-faceted work of Global Witness and Ministry, and especially, aid for those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. GWM provided massive aid for the overseas districts. Dr. Flowers traveled to all overseas districts.
Recommendations include:
- Plan and coordinate with agencies to sponsor various professions to serve in their areas of interest in the overseas districts.
- Implement Training mission workshops.
- Encourage all African Methodists to subscribe to the Voice of Missions and the Missionary Magazine.
- That the AME Church establish an ongoing disaster relief fund to better enable the AME Church to respond to disaster relief efforts.
- That our bishops give support to the World Diabetes Initiative and HIV/AIDS programs.
XII. Department of Church Growth and Development, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Chair.
Dr. James Wade reported on the ministries of the Department of Church Growth and Development. Attention was given to the “First Step Withdrawal Program”, “Ministering to Cancer Congregants and their Families”, “The Ministry of Justice”, and “The Red Cross and the AME Church.”
Recommendations include:
That the Church supports the Angel Tree Ministry
That each episcopal district encourages clergy and laity to subscribe to The Secret Chamber, which is not published quarterly.
Editor’s note: Commission Reports will be published as received. The first report I received was the report from AME University in Monrovia, Liberia. The report is appended below.
2. THE 2006 REPORT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITY MONROVIA, LIBERIA:
Prepared by Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University and the Right Reverend Dr. David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop of the 14th Episcopal District and the Chairman, AMEU Board of Trustees
The AME University is a project of the 14th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, comprising of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo. Centrally located in the Liberian capitol, Monrovia, the AME University is a private, co-educational, and four-year degree granting institution in three colleges: the Bryant Theological Seminary, the College of Business and Public Administration and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
We are presently developing partnerships with Liberia’s Ministries of Commerce & Industry, Agriculture and Youth & Sports, with development partners’ support, to rehabilitate AMEU Jordan Agriculture College. In this partnership, the AME University’s Jordan Agriculture College has been proposed to become the Core Pilot Demonstration Site for the Songhai/Agriculture Model Project in Liberia. The sponsors of this Songhai/Agriculture Model Project include UNDP, Liberia Transitional Initiative and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among others.
For sustainability and inclusion, the AME University is already in partnership with the AME Service & Development Agency (AME-SADA in Washington, DC), the Association of (6) Liberian Universities (ALU), Langston University (USA), Howard University (USA), the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) and the Liberian Opportunities Industrial Center (LOIC). These institutions will participate in the programs and projects resulting from the revitalization and operation of the Jordan Agriculture College as the Pilot Demonstration Site for the Songhai/Agriculture Model Project in Liberia.
The AME University was established in 1995 to provide higher education for the 14th District and is accredited by Liberia’s Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Over the years, however, the ever increasing student enrollment has overwhelmed the University’s infrastructure, facilities, faculty, staff and resources.
Liberia, the host country of the AME University, has suffered from at least 14 years of civil conflict. During the periods when the nation-wide fighting entered the city of Monrovia, the University was massively looted repeatedly. Amidst all of its trials and hardships, the AME University has remained the only higher educational institution in Liberia that has kept its doors open continuously and consistently since 1997.
During the course of Liberia’s civil war, the University’s infrastructure and facilities were severely damaged and looted. Moreover, there has been a massive brain drain in the country due to the civil crisis. This has created a grave need for improved and effective learning facilities in the country. In turn, it has intensified the need for international partnerships and additional resources for the University. Therefore, AMEU has embarked upon the re-building of its institutional capacity to accommodate the post-war influx of qualified young people.
At present, Liberia’s illiteracy rate is put at slightly over 80%, which places a tremendous burden on both the public and private sectors to provide learning facilities and opportunities to all. And yet, the AME University is compelled to turn down qualified students due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure, facilities and faculty. Hence, learning institutions in post-war Liberia, including the AME University, are opting for the expansion of their infrastructure, facilities, faculty and staff to accommodate more students so as to equitably educate the current legions of uneducated and unemployed youth, who comprise between 60 – 70% of Liberia’s population. Our educational aims include women’s empowerment, gainful employment opportunities, poverty alleviation and winning souls for Christ. The AME University’s 2006-2015 Master Plan is a comprehensive blueprint to address these complex post-war development challenges.
The AME University has had six (6) commencement convocations. There were 9 graduates in 1999, 125 in 2001, 175 in 2002, 185 in 2003, 199 in 2004 and 240 in 2005. When the 2006 commencement convocation takes place in November, with Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning as commencement speaker, more than 200 students will receive their degrees.
The AME University is now the second largest university in Liberia in terms of enrollment. During the first semester of the 2005-2006 academic year a total of 2,585 students were enrolled. During the second semester our enrollment stood at 2,563 students. At present, 77% of the University’s students are in the Business College, 20% in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and 3% in the Bryant Theological Seminary. Female students comprise only 40% of the student body, and we are committed to increase female student enrollment to at least 50%. Moreover, the AME University Master Plan includes the construction of a Women’s Resource Center. The Center aims to help build the institutional capacity of female faculty and students and gender-based organizations by providing access to ICT literacy training; HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and nutrition education; community service learning programs; internships; job placement and distance education. The Women’s Resource Center will complement the University’s proposed Women’s Studies Program. For a start, we are now creating and earmarking scholarships for female students to enhance women’s opportunities, empowerment and leadership capacity at AMEU.
3. THE 2006 THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Right Reverend Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate
Third District Website: www.thirddistrictame.org
WEST VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 6 (WMS)
September 7 – 10 Annual Conference
Host Church: Allen Chapel AME
169 Wertz Avenue
Charleston WV 25311
Church Phone: 304-345-1251
Reverend Alton Dillard, Pastor
Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Robert Settles
PITTSBURGH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 19 (WMS)
September 20 – 24 Annual Conference
Host Church: Brown Chapel AME
1400 Boyle Street, P O Box 6884
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Church Phone: 412-321-2240
Reverend Lawrence Thompson, Pastor
Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Samson M. Cooper
Co-Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown
SOUTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 3 (WMS)
October 4 – 8 Annual Conference
Host Church: Wayman AME
3317 Hoover Avenue
Dayton, OH 45407
Reverend Dr. Ronald L. Glenn, Pastor
Church Phone: 937-268-6729
Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Wendell L. Harewood
Co-Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Elbert E. Matthews
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 10 (WMS)
October 11 – 15 Annual Conference
Host Church: Bethel AME
2021 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
Reverend Dr. David Todd, Pastor
Church Phone: 614-294-1700
Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Dr. Charles Holmes
Co-Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Dr. L. A. Gatewood
ANNUAL CONFERENCES
Page 2 THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
BISHOP ROBERT V. WEBSTER
Third District Website: www.thirddistrictame.org
NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 24 (WMS)
October 25 – 29 Annual Conference
Host Church: Warren AME
915 Collingwood Boulevard
Toledo, OH 43602
Church Phone: 419-243-2237
Reverend Otis Gordon, Pastor
Host Presiding Elder: Reverend Dr. Floyd W. Alexander, Sr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: Reverend P. Robert Tate
PLANNING MEETING
November 9 – 11, 2006
Meeting Site: Columbus Renaissance Hotel
50 North 3rd Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-228-5050
4. ANSWERING THE CALL! “ADVENT IN LESOTHO”:
Submitted by Theresa Lawrence
In the world of missions are we doing all we have been called to do? “To each one has been given a gift by the same spirit.” Again the question, what are we doing with the gifts given, are we doing all we have been called to do?
An initiative, a vision has been given to Bishop John R. Bryant and Episcopal Supervisor, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant from the 5th District of the A.M.E. church along with Bishop Sarah Francis Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis from the 18th District of the A.M.E. church. This vision is to take a group of missionaries, doctors, nurses, educators, and those who wish to make a difference to Lesotho, South Africa because there is a great need. So from “Many Nations – One Sisterhood” will mobilize themselves December 4 – 14, 2007 to make a difference.
Lesotho is a country which ranks 3rd in having the highest population infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Lesotho is a country where America’s 40 year old would be considered senior citizens, the average lifespan being 35 years of age. Each day thousands of children are orphaned by the horrific pandemic HIV/AIDS. As staggering as the numbers are, there is a determination to bring hope, health and healing to as many children as possible in the 18th District. The need is great HIV/AIDS prevention and education, testing and care for those trying to live through just one more day. There is a need to give empowerment to the ministries, hospices and orphanages in Lesotho.
Understanding and focusing on the many needs of the 18th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. church, the 5th Episcopal District and the Women’s Global Resource and Development Initiative in a Faith Formation and Healing Mission will make this journey to set up clinics, as well as minister to orphanages and hospices along with contributing finances to the building of an orphanage in Mokhotlong.
A call has been placed in the world to provide education and awareness of every aspect of the disease HIV/AIDS. This is a call for medical personnel to journey with us on this mission to Lesotho, educators, those with a caring spirit wanting to make a difference, a call for prayer warriors to reach out to the Lord daily on behalf of the mission. The Lord is calling “Sister’s from every nation – the nation of medicine, the nation of education, the nation of compassion, the nation of caring, of giving, of love. The Lord is calling sister’s to come together in “One Sisterhood” to make a difference in this war against AIDS, come sisters travel to one of the “front lines” answer the “CALL”.
There is a poem which asks:
Did you step out of your box today?
By Theresa Lawrence
Did you step out of your box today?
That area of comfort,
the walls of your sanctuary,
be they brick or molded in your mind
you know that space you travel day in, day out.
Did you step out of your box today?
Yes, we pledge to feed the hungry and clothe the naked
but, did you step out of your box today,
to a territory a little bet unfamiliar
did that giving hand of yours find its way pass
the walls of your sanctuary
be they brick or molded in your mind?
Did you step out of your box today?
We should all step out of our boxes to reach a bit deeper, go further than we do in our daily travels. Answer the need, share your gift, we are looking for health professionals to volunteer as well as missionaries, educators and all who wish to make a difference.
If you wish to make a financial contribution to the Orphanage Building Fund, checks may be made payable to the “18th Episcopal District” and mail to,
“Advent in Lesotho”
1968 West Adams Blvd. Suite 401
Los Angeles, CA 90018.
For more information regarding the Lesotho Mission Journey, contact Theresa Lawrence, Delegation Coordinator via email: isweettee@aol.com or a message may be left at 310-639-4206.
“God has given many gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.”
1 Peter 4:10 New Living Translation
5. THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (CME) GENERAL CONFERENCE ELECTS TWO BISHOPS:
The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church General Conference is currently in session in Memphis, Tennessee, two bishops were elected the 2006 General Conference.
(1) The Reverend Dr. Thomas Brown, the President of Phillips School of Theology, a constituent seminary of The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC).
(2) The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Carter, pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church, Fort Worth, Texas.
The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Jones was reelected as the Editor of The Christian Index, the official newspaper for the CME Church.
The Reverend Dr. James Russell, Presiding Elder of the Greensboro / Winston- Salem District was one of the main preachers at the General Conference.
6. LEADERS BELIEVE SUNDAY SCHOOL CAN REVITALIZE CHURCH:
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-If you are not part of a Sunday school class you may be missing out on a great "combo deal."
"Sunday school is the place where you are known at church," said Chris Jackson, Christian educator at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.
"Worship may be glorious and inspirational, but you cannot create discussions or develop interpersonal relationships while sitting in the pews," he noted. "Sunday school is the 'combo meal deal' at church!"
Jackson is one of 13 speakers trained by the United Methodist Publishing House to go out and talk to congregations about the "promise of Sunday school."
A list of speakers and contact information is available on the Web site, Sunday School- It's for Life, at www.sundayschool.cokesbury.com. Other resources available to promote Sunday school include posters, certificates of appreciation, post cards, door hangers and business cards.
By Aug. 1, a video workshop written by Bishop Scott Jones of the Kansas Area will be available for churches interested in revitalizing their Christian education and Sunday school classes.
"Beyond the Roll Book: Sunday School and Evangelism" explores the history of Sunday school, gives churches an inventory to use to access their classes and offers how-to tips on developing an action plan. To accompany the video, the Rev. Diana Hynson, director of learning and teaching with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, has written a leader's guide.
The original intent of Sunday school was evangelistic, Jones explained. "Sunday school ought to be a place where unchurched people can come and find that community, that exposure to the Bible, that willingness to be in relationship with real Christians that will give them an opportunity to enter into the faith.
"We need once again to reclaim Sunday school as a great opportunity, a great tool, for helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ," he said.
"Many people say Sunday school is dead," said Gerald Chambers, project leader for Sunday School- It's for Life, "but it is really the best opportunity for churches to show Jesus Christ to people."
True believers
The 13 speakers trained by the United Methodist Publishing House are true Sunday school believers.
"It was my Sunday school teacher in second grade who left that year to be a missionary in India who had the first real impact in my life, so much so that I remember announcing in sixth grade that I was going to be a missionary when I grew up," said Corinne Van Buren, a United Methodist deacon and director of the Christian Education Fellowship.
"Sunday school, for me, has really been a place for life-long learning, support, and faith growth," she added.
Each of the speakers has a vision for Sunday school and is willing to share that story with congregations. They address some of the problems that may be barriers to having active classes.
"The ties that bind can sometimes become the ties that exclude new faces," said Pamela Deck, a member of Spindale United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton, N.C.
"Think back on your first time in a class. What did and did not make you feel welcomed? Use those insights to make your class easier to walk in to."
Liz Lippoldt, a United Methodist certified director of Christian education at College Hill United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kan., agreed.
"Make your room inviting; create a worship center, arrange the room so newcomers can easily slip in," she advised. "Be open to people about who you are, how the class operates and what they can expect to receive by participating."
Jackson urged Sunday school classes to share the joy. "Because a class is so valuable to others, why wouldn't you want to invite newcomers to experience the joy you have? But, knowing this is difficult, perhaps six leaders from an established class would agree to 'parent' a new class along for a year. They could be 'on loan' from their existing class, for leadership, and then go back to their old class."
Being part of a class is important, according to Deck. "Small groups are so important to your faith walk. Keep visiting a variety of classes to find the best fit." Those having trouble finding the right class might talk to the Sunday school superintendent and be willing to help start a new class if needed.
"I see Sunday School as an exciting 'filling station' at the end of a demanding week," Deck said. "Sunday school is a welcoming place of learning and support for children, youth and adults. It is a safe, engaging place where people can open up, learn, feed and be fed for their spiritual journey."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service
7. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE VI – A MATURE LIFE:
But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (II Peter 3: 18)
In the passage above, Peter conveys a command from God to all believers, “Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” What does it mean to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ? Am I growing in Christ? If I’m not growing as I could, what can I do?
God’s benediction – a blessing used to send God’s people forward, is stated in the form of a command to us. As is always the case with our loving God, the blessing is contained in his commands. As we follow His commands we experience His blessings.
“But grow” – This benedictory sending forth of God’s people has no limits. Therefore I should grow: Forever, until Christ returns! All the way, until I am spiritually mature! Always, all the time!
“In grace and knowledge of…Jesus Christ” - This is not simply about intellectual knowledge. God desires an intimate relationship with us through Jesus Christ. II Peter 1: 3 tells us “He called us by His own glory and goodness… [and] has given us everything we need for life and godliness…by His divine power…through our knowledge of Him.” God has provided all we need to walk with Him in an intimate, loving relationship. Therefore, as author Rick Warren says, “You are as close to God as you choose to be!”
Four Stages of Christian Spiritual Maturity
In outlines provided in the Christian Life New Testament, Evangelist, Porter Barrington describes four stages of Christian spiritual maturity that we’ll list from greatest to least.
1. I John 2: 13 – The parent stage is not simply a designation for clergy. Many of us clergy do not ever reach this stage. It is a stage of development that is available to all but few attain it. These are persons who are at peace with God and rejoice in their spiritual children. They know all things work together in life to their eternal good and enjoy abundant life now and will enjoy it in the life to come.
2. I John 2: 13 – The young adult stage is a stage of spiritual growth that is not reached by many. The young adult Christian is (v. 14) strong and virile in his/her walk with Christ and is able to overcome the enemy. The word of God lives in them so they have spiritual vision and faith and they view self in relation to God’s standards and commands.
3. I John 2: 12 – The child stage is descriptive of persons who began to grow but stopped maturing. He/she seeks things that appeal to self. Like children they are impressionable and will often follow the crowd. They crave attention, are easily puffed up and will accept praise from any source.
4. I Corinthians 3: 1-4 – The baby stage is characterized by a (v. 2) shallow understanding of the word of God and of spiritual matters. These Christians often have a (v. 3) self-centered perspective on Christian life and in relations with others. They are (v. 4) not identified with Christ but with religion frequently identifying with religious personalities but with not Christ.
If I’m not blessed in my growth, what can I do?
Barrington says that the vast majority of Christians are operating in the “baby” and “child” stages of our Christian Maturity. We’re in spiritual ruts and as Robert Schuler says, “It takes guts to leave ruts.” We must BREAK THROUGH into spiritual growth.
The gospels describe Jesus as always being on the move. He never stood still but was always going about His Father’s business.
Those who would mature into intimate relationships with Christ must follow Him as He follows the Father.
Our spiritual maturity is blocked when we choose to draw a line on how far we will go in following Christ. Perhaps we drew the line because of a relationship God instructed us to correct, or because we didn’t want to be viewed as a “Church Geek,” or because of some material item we placed above God, or maybe because of some personal pleasure we chose over God. It could have even been because of “busyness” that has replaced God’s business in our lives. Iyanla Vanzant says, “You know. In your heart you already know what’s blocking your spiritual development.”
King David called on God to help him break through into full spiritual maturity when he prayed (Psalm 139: 23-24), “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Because of this attitude toward God, David’s relationship with God was so intimate he was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” Today you and I can pray that same prayer as we ask God to “Reveal to me and remove from me anything that struggles against the life of Christ in me.”
Once God reveals the obstacle, no matter how much resistance the area may present, faithfully trust God as you obey His command for your life in that area. Grass that grows through asphalt seems almost impossible to be rid of. If one pulls it, it’s back in a couple of days. It is so strong and resilient because it had to overcome the resistance of the asphalt before it could break through into the world. Rejoice if you realize that the obstacle you face presents great resistance because the greater the resistance you overcome in getting to God, the stronger and more intimate your relationship with God will be. You’ll then be able to rejoice with other saints who have obeyed the command and received the blessing to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The Rev. James M. Moody
Quinn Chapel AMEC, Chicago
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Mariot L. Hall. He was the brother of Rev. Juanita Hall-Walters, pastor of Arnett AME Church (Philadelphia Conference) Philadelphia District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral Service –
Saturday, July 1, 2006
Service – 10:00 a.m.
Greater Community Bible Tabernacle
5220 Wynnefield Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Juanita Hall-Walters
2111 S. 70th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19142
215-729-5996
Please remember the Hall and Walters families in your prayers.
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
10. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
