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. EDITOR’S COMMENTS:
- The Christmas holiday season is one of great joy and happiness, but it also is a time of stress. Suicides peak during this season. Pastors and counselors should be sensitive to the stresses of the holiday season.
- This issue has several lengthy responses to editorial and other issues. Two of them take different views and do not agree with the editorial positions. The Editor believes that it is important for readers to hear all sides of issues, so we are publishing these items as written with little editorial changes.
- Advent is the beginning of the Christian Church year and begins on Sunday, December 2, 2007. For those following the Lectionary, The African Methodist Church follows the Revised Common Lectionary and will be following “Lectionary A” beginning on December 2, 2007. The Year “A” Readings appended below is taken from the online Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Click on the links below to find the Lectionary “A” scriptures for the appropriate season.
Year “A” Readings may be viewed online:
[http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/AAdvent/index.htm]
2. THE LITURGICAL YEAR. THIS YEAR IS YEAR “A”:
a. ADVENT is celebrated the four Sundays before Christmas Day. Color: Purple (or Blue).
b. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. There are twelve days of the Christmas Season, which begins on Christmas Eve and goes to Epiphany (January 6). Color: White
c. EPIPHANY Begins on January 6
The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6). Color: White. The second through the eighth Sundays after the Epiphany (Sundays always referred to as the Sundays AFTER the Epiphany - Color: Green. The last Sunday of the Epiphany (The Transfiguration of Our Lord) Color: White
d. THE LENTEN SEASON BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday and the 5 Sundays OF Lent (Referred to as the Sundays OF Lent) - Color: Purple; Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion) and all of Holy Week (Monday - Maundy Thursday) - Red. Good Friday - Black (or wear no stole or coverings in the chancel area)
e. THE EASTER SEASON BEGINS ON EASTER SUNDAY
Beginning with Easter Eve and all of the Sundays of Easter - White (Gold may be used on Easter Day and Easter evening
f. PENTECOST SEASON BEGINS FIFTY DAYS AFTER EASTER DAY
The Day of Pentecost - Color: Red; The Sundays after the Pentecost (excluding the first Sunday AFTER the Pentecost - see # 7 below) Color: Red (or Green). Note: Methodist Churches historically have used red throughout the Pentecost season. Some are now using green throughout the Pentecost Season, which we used to refer to as Whitsuntide.
3. SOMETHING TO PONDER:
Rick Warren said that, if you want to build an equipping church, you have to tear down the idol of excellence. Why? Because most people are not excellent; most people are not extraordinary. Most people are ordinary. If your highest value is excellence, then you aren't going to entrust ministry to ordinary people.
Steve Sjogren argues that good enough is good enough. We don't have to wait until we can be excellent before we can do good stuff. Only a few—by definition—can be extraordinary. God calls us to do the best we can with what he has given us. (2007 ZONDERVAN)
4. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
Re: “Who is to Blame?”
There seems to be an oversimplification in answering the question, “Who is to blame?”
Therefore, first I submit that the standard, for the determination of the status of a Church, must be the Word of God, and not The Discipline.
One can be expert in the Law, but lacking in the spiritual matters of God, as we review the events of Nicodemus.
And the focus must not be a horizontal one, how man views man, but a vertical one, how God views man. Blame must be a matter of discernment according to the revelation by the Spirit of God, and not by the mind of man. (Remember Samuel in the selection of a king to succeed Saul; his assessment was greatly flawed.)
Then, once a “weakness” in the body is revealed, it is for the purpose of correction, that the whole body understands it must submit to the will of the Lord.
Rather than “blame,” I would use the word, “accountable”; “Who is accountable?” Then, to help us answer this question, let us look at the gifts Jesus gave when He ascended on high. “He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some pastors, and teachers, and evangelists, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the Body of Christ.”
These gifts are “given”; “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God.” (Heb. 5:4)
The gifting is the power imparted specifically for the work of the Church. And, some have called the imparting, to these five groups, the “administrative gifts”. Therefore, if these groups of people are not operating according to their gifts, as God has purposed, then the work of ministry for the building of the Body is lacking, and I submit that these groups are held more accountable than the individuals they are commissioned to equip.
Also, remember the Church was birthed by the power of the Spirit, and the early church advanced by the power of the Spirit. The Disciples were doing what Jesus had done, and had said they would do, when power had come upon them. They were instruments of salvation, healing, and deliverance.
Therefore, when one evaluates a local church, one must evaluate its relevancy to the first Church. Perhaps our contemporary churches have forgotten the mission of the first church. We must ask ourselves if this departure has resulted from favoring the Discipline over Doctrine, (there is no saving power in the Discipline), favoring Polity over power, favoring human fact over faith, and favoring discussions over prayer.
This quote may help to explain why our churches are not functioning, according to the will of the Lord, “We have gone from the Upper Room agonizing, to the lower room organizing”.
A church must operate under the authority of God, as Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. The pastor of a church, not the stewards, is to receive the revelation of God for the ministry of his or her church. Then, the pastor must be submissive to the will of God, and not to the will of the people. Peter and John said it best, “Is it better to obey man rather than God; you judge for yourselves”.
The pastor of a church must be the one God has selected and will anoint for that specific church, therefore when a bishop says he or she is using “Godly judgment” in assigning pastors, it must be true, and not words that are spoken out of habit. The pastors and the ministers must be “called of God” to be used as spokesmen and spokeswomen of God, as instruments of his will and power. The pastors must use discernment in appointing leaders in the church; if these people are appointed according to the will of God, then God will equip them for every good work.
I strongly submit, according to the history of leaders appointed throughout the Word of God that it is the spiritual leaders who are accountable when there is a failing in the church. And, God will judge according to what is foundational. Denominations, then, are defined by what is accretionary, therefore the AME Church has no special standing in the sight of God; He is looking not at denominations, but at a people who will be obedient to him.
And, let us remember that, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account”. (Heb. 4:13)
Therefore, let us use the strongest weapon we have for the spiritual advancement of a church; and that is prayer. When a church is in a covenant relationship with the Lord, is obedient in all that He has commanded, and prays in the will of the Lord, and waits upon the answer to the prayers, God cannot help but do what He has promised, and that is to impart power to the church and to bless his people in ways that the church should not be lacking anything.
Rev. Mary V. Turner
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
Forest Park, Ohio 45240
- To the Editor
RE: Degree Mills
I read your article on diploma mills. I agree that some people who receive them should not have them.
However I believe they are good for people who have a plethora of education, skills, and experience that would not fit under one degree plan. And they have the need to feel and see that they have accomplished something through their many years of work, training, knowledge, and experience, and there is no degree plan that would cover even a part of what they have accomplished. In some cases all the knowledge, skill, and experience they have is important for church administration, growth, management and operation.
I know that any school or program you attend or register to attend has its own requirements that you must complete in order to get a degree or certification. Just because a school does not get an accreditation from the association that some prefer, does not mean it is not accredited.
How many AME Colleges and Universities do we have that can not keep an accreditation from one period to the next? I graduated from an AME College and half the time I do not know when my school is accredited or when it is not. The school is currently up for accreditation review and the Board of Trustees has some doubts about some things at the school. Some degree programs have even been cancelled to help the school pass the review.
I know that most people who have Honorary Doctoral Degrees in Human Letters; who have them because they purchased them. They paid for something, donated large amounts of money, and maybe rendered some service to a school, they were a Bishop or the wife of a Bishop and they received an HDDHL degree, from a school that does not even have a Masters or a Doctors Degree Program. That equals bought not earned. Yet, they were the main people who were demeaning other people with degrees and now they strut them like they earned a doctorate.
Some people who have Diploma Mill Degrees as they are called have training, experience, skill, and education that they would never receive in a classroom, if they sit there and took classes until they were 72 years of age.
Most ministers come out of seminary with no business management knowledge, and no people meet and greet skills. They do not know how to prepare a business plan, how to prepare and execute a church program, or how to prepare a church operation budget. They do not have a clue about keeping books and records for the purpose of an IRS Audit, for themselves or for their churches. They do not know how to properly pay their income taxes or who at the church they should pay income taxes for, or what is taxable income and what is not. They do not know how much they can deduct for a housing allowance, or how to handle the reporting of Love Offerings, or how they can deduct the money they receive for what purposes.
They contract to build churches and education buildings and because they are clueless to the business and construction world, the buildings are falling down and caving in less than 10 years after construction because the contractors took them to the cleaners. The contractor knew how to get around city code inspections, and the preachers and trustees are left standing there scratching their heads and pondering what to do next, because they may have been there everyday of the construction and still did not know what to look for that was being done wrong. Some churches did not have a project manager that knew something about construction to be there and make sure every thing was done correctly and according to code. Also to make sure that what the church paid for was actually used at the church.
Yes, I am one of the people with a Degree from Suffield College and University, but I have work experience, management training, skills, and experience, construction negotiation skills and experience, meet and greet skills, a BS Degree in Accounting, business and bank account investigative skills, Federal Tax Audit training, certification, and skills, Federal Security certification, training, and skills, Federal Internal Audit training, certification, and skills, and Federal Problem Resolution certification, skills, experience, knowledge, and training.
I am an only child my father and former husband taught me how to repair a car, do electrical installations and repairs, do plumbing installation and repairs, do building construction and roof inspection and repairs, measure and verify carpet installation, check for faulty building foundations, and verify that the repairs are done correctly, and etc. In 1998 I was assigned to a church with a broken foundation and the choir stand was pulling apart from the pulpit and the rest of the church. With seven ladies over the age of 65 and help from members of my home church and some other churches we raised the some funds and secured a grant to repair the foundation and remodel the interior of the church. I had a retired man from another local AME Church to serve as our Project Manager. He did not know beans about what the contractor was doing, but because he was there everyday and he walked around and asked intelligent questions, and looked in the holes they drilled for the piers and watched everything they did, they thought he really knew what was going on. Therefore, whenever I arrived on the scene he had them on track. They explained to me in detail everything that they did and were going to do and they did an excellent job and the church looks great inside and out.
In 2005 I was assigned to another church with the same type of foundation problems plus some other problems, but these members have not rallied around the project the way they need to in order to get the job done. So even though we have a grant on hold with a foundation, they show no interest in raising the amount they need to get the grant. And the Holy Spirit has told me until they get on fire to get the job done; He is going to keep things on hold. I am not giving up. It is my goal to fix and remodel the church before I am moved to another church, which I will probably need to fix or build. However I do realize that my time with them maybe for me to get them ready and for someone else to actually get the building fixed. Whatever, the case I will do as God directs.
I have spend 40 years working for companies such as Southwestern Bell, Standard Oil of Indiana, Amoco Oil, Amoco Chemicals, Amoco Exploration, University Of Texas Medical Branch, Quality Motors GM, and American Motors in business clerical, management, operations, sales, Geophysical File room Technician and Supervisor,(where I needed to have the skill to read an oil and gas geophysical survey to file it correctly), Engineering Clerk and Lithograph Machine Operator (where I needed to be able to read chemical and oil plant unit blueprints) to file them and to copy them correctly for the plant engineers. My first 3 years of employment starting at age 16 I was a maid for the LaMarque ISD after school and a receptionist for a NASA contractor during the summers. The last 20 years before I retired from secular employment were spent with the Federal Government. As an IRS Federal Auditor of individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations income tax returns, as an Internal Auditor of the IRS to verify that the IRS departments were following their own procedures, operation manuals, and carried out Security Checks relating to confidential individual and tax office documents and other items that were to be kept secure at all times. As an IRS Technical Information Specialist I managed a $150,000 budget to make sure that all Tax Law Changes and Updates were readily available in the 5 Houston IRS Libraries, as an IRS Security Checks Investigator, and as an IRS Tax Audit Quality Improvement Team Member.
With every position I received training, certification, and training. I received "On the Job Training" before being sent out alone to do the job, and I received Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every year for every company and position for which I was employed. I have worked as a Home Health Aide (Health Provider), sold Cars, Trucks, Carpet, Furniture, House wares, and Upscale Clothing for Wards, J. C. Penney, and Foley's (Now known as Macy's). Managed a $200,000 Supply Budget to purchase office supplies for the computer programmers at the IBM NASA Office as well as supervised the Mailroom and worked and supervised the Switchboard Room for the same IBM Office.
My mother was a pastor so I started attending Church Administration Classes and Sermon Preparation Classes and other Ministerial Classes at Paul Quinn College and AME Ministers Alliance Workshops when I was a baby and continued until I was a teenager. I was learning about the A.M.E. Church, Preaching, and Pastor along with learning my ABCs, how to count, and how to read. Those were my learning and personality forming years and I absorbed knowledge like a sponge. I started as a church musician at the age of 12 and played for the churches my mother pastored and numerous other churches in the 10th District. I still play for some praise and worship services at Conference and Presiding Elder District Meetings, as well as organize and direct choirs including the choirs at the churches that I now pastor. If God had not given me the talent and training to play piano and organ at the churches where I am sent to pastor there would be no music. I served as the Secretary and Office Administrator for Bishop Henry W. Murph in the Paul Quinn College Campus Office, in Waco, TX. While attending PQC and working for the bishop I also had an evening job at Sears in the Mall, and worked as the assistant women's dorm director. I was 33 years of age when returned to Paul Quinn to complete my BS degree after having attended North Texas State University, College of the Mainland, and other business and computer classes, plus on the job training and certifications.
At age 17, I was Conference President of the YPD and Delegate to the Pittsburg, PA WMS/YPD Quadrennial around 1967. In 1972 I was an elected delegate to the General Conference in Dallas, TX.
I have served as an officer in the AME Church on Episcopal, Conference, Presiding Elder District and Local Lay Organization levels since my early 20s. I served as the President of my church Local Lay Organization. I held several offices in the WMS and YPD on the Episcopal, Conference, Area, and Local Church levels. I served as YPD Director for the Conference, Area, and Local levels. I served as the Local Church Clerk for several years. Taught Bible Study and AME Church Law from The AME Church Discipline, to the youth, lay, and new members’ classes. AS a result of my involvement and the move of God to this date 13 of the youth that I taught as YPD members are ministers and pastors. They all started their ministries in the AME Church but later some left the AME Church to continue their ministries in other Denomination and Non-Denomination Churches.
My ministry activities were done in the Texas Conference, Central Texas Conference, North Texas Conference, and in the Denver, CO conference.
How many people do you know come out of seminary with a M.Div. or D.Min, with the knowledge, training, skills, both secular and ministry that I mentioned in this communication. Most of the ministers come out of seminary and destroy several churches before they learn how to talk and relate to people and give clear common sense instructions that the people can understand and would even want to follow. Most of Seminary Grads are so high above the congregations and are such cabbage heads until you can not tell them any thing. They get moved from place to place having served only 1 -2 years at a church, and finally have to be demoted to Po-dunk, TX before they wake up and realize something they are doing is not working, and some never get the hint. The bad part is they are clueless as to why they are not successful since they are doing things as they were taught in seminary.
I was ordained an Itinerate Elder on October 25, 1998 when the requirement here in Texas was a 4 year college degree, which I received from Paul Quinn College in 1985 when it was in Waco, TX. However, I already had 35 years of experience of dealing with, managing, and pastoring AME Church Folks. And you can not get that with an M. Div. or a D. Min.
I attended Houston Graduate School of Theology and have 25 hours towards a 45 hour Master Art in Theology. But because my Life, Work, Management, Training and Experience along with my Bible Training, was so varied I chose to get a degrees from Suffield, because I felt I had accomplished a lot and had nothing visible to show for it. There is no degree plan that would encompass all the knowledge, training, certifications, and skills I have. So for my own benefit and satisfaction I got the Masters of Arts and PhD from Suffield.
I do not need the degrees to get a job, because at this point in my life I am over qualified for most entry level jobs and companies are not looking to start out paying high salaries, or hiring people at my age with my knowledge and experience. I do not need the degrees to get ordained because I was already ordained an Itinerant Elder when I got the degrees in 2003 and 2005.
There are very few AME Churches in the 10th District that can support a pastor financially who has taken out thousands of dollars in school loans to get the M. Div. to get an Itinerant Elders Ordination. In most cases the women are the ones in TX going to school to get the degrees and most of our churches are a through back to the pass and they do not want a female pastor. So they treat them worst and pay them less. I am at the largest church I have pastored out of 7 appointments (some were circuits) and it has 39 members including children on the roll and I see 22 people including children on a really good Sunday.
None of the members in my church has graduated from college and I only have one young adult attending part time now. Most women ministers and some of the men ministers are given churches with 2 -10 members, most of their members which attended did not attend nor graduate from college, and graduated from high school is another issue, since some had to drop out of high school to help support their families. Most male preachers do not have the money or the time to attend college to get a M.Div. because they have families to support and they see what kinds of churches are available to them even with the degree, and they decide it is not worth it. For me to attend a bunch of classes that I would not be using with the types of churches most women in Texas are assigned to pastor was a waste time and money. The members do not support pastors going to college because they do not care; some people do not even have the support of their families or male spouses in their ministry much less to go get an M.Div.
For me the money and time I was spending for classes that I will probably never use in my ministry, was money and time that my churches needed to survive, pay huge budgets, and be repaired.
How many preachers and pastors do you know that would have the knowledge, training, skill, ability, and experience that I have as the result of receiving a degree from a seminary.
I have attended seminary. I still go to school and take classes I know will help me pastor my churches, minister to, and help my members. I was at a Church Tax Law CPE last week. Because my years with the IRS says that some of the things these Bishops have people teaching in their meetings are things that would not have been approved at my desk when I worked as a tax auditor or agent, and if it got by me it would not get past a managerial review. These preachers would be in big trouble in an audit. For ministers pastoring small churches most of the things we need are not in an M. Div or D Min degree plan that was devised and being taught by someone who has never in some cases pastored a church, much less a small black membership church.
God allowed everything to be created, because there is a need for them in the order of His earthly kingdom and for his people. Everyone has an opinion, likes and dislikes. Every organization establishes rules to fit what they want in their church or organization. But that does not make everyone else wrong, because they do not follow those opinions, or have other desires. Forcing people to get a degree that most of them will never use and put them in debt the rest of their natural lives trying to pay for it, is harsh, cruel, and unfair. If the AME Church in Texas had a large number of churches that needed M.Div. pastors, I would be out there trying to complete mine. But the churches and the members are just not here. So every year we have people who complete the Board of Examiners but maybe only 1 -2 women in the class qualify for the Itinerant Elder Ordination due to the M. Div. requirement. People, male and female who were to be ordained with me in 1998 who only needed a 4 Year College Degree are still not ordained Elders because they do not even have the 4year degree, and the are being Grandfathered in for that. Now we have a bunch of people completing the BOE without an M. Div. and no desire to get one.
I have two Suffield Degrees, I did not need them to get a job nor did I need them to get ordained, I have retired from secular employment, I am disabled, and I have been an Itinerant Elder since 1998. But guess what, the degrees sure look good on my wall, and it boost my ego. The years I worked long and hard in the secular world says I earned them. What school can you attend for free? I do not know of any. Even when you complete ITC and other seminary degree plans and classes, if you have not paid all the fees that you owe you do not get a degree, you do not march! You have no paper to hang on the wall saying you completed their requirements, until you pay every penny that you owe.
Honorary Doctor Of Human Letters Degree says you gave the school money, purchased equipment, gave them a financial grant, rendered some other service or the person is a Bishop or the wife of a Bishop in a District that has a college that they supported and the school rewarded them with a HDHL Degree, they still have that paper to hang on their walls and they still have the right to wear and use the title of Doctor.
I love education, I believe in education, however, I do not believe in spending money to get a degree that I do not want, will not use, and will only satisfy the persons who made the rules. Everyone who gets a degree needs to get it in something that will help them, their families, and the A.M.E. Church to GROW and MOVE FOWARD and stop loosing members that are not going to be forced to get a degree they feel like they will never have the opportunity to use in Texas. Fact 98% of them will not leave Texas to go any place to pastor a church.
I Love the AME Church But This Is How I Feel.
Pastor Maggie J. Crawford, Ph.D
Life and Work Experience and Divinity
Stearne Chapel A.M.E. Church
P. O. Box 1415
Bryan, TX 77806-1415
- To the Editor:
RE: Christian Recorder dated Dec. 4, 2006.
Thanks for sending the Advent services information. You are always on top of things.
Also, I wanted you to know that on yesterday while waiting for my wife and children to get off of work and out of school I took the opportunity to read again the Christian Recorder dated Dec. 4, 2006.
I want you to know that this time I really took time to read, because I had plenty of down time, the entire paper, and we should do so, your editorial article regarding your time spent in Anchorage, Alaska and an experience you had while "sitting around lamenting about some problems..." with several pastor's from the area.
In this article you mentioned how they were complaining regarding their local church officers lack of faithfulness to their responsibilities, lack of attendance and participation by members, the lack of participation by members, and a failure to appreciate the ministry being provided by the pastors. Also mentioned was poor attendance at Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings, poor stewardship, etc.
It was interesting to me that all of this was being discussed in your group some 30 plus years ago, and sadly when I talk to some of my contemporary's today, the church in 2007 its pastor's and preacher's in many instances are still experiencing and verbalizing about the very same difficulties in ministry right now. These pastoral conditions and complaints begs of the Church of God and of Richard and Sarah Allen to ask what does the local congregation really want and need and is that congregation authentically willing and ready to make the changes necessary to move the church to the next level?
In recent editorial articles you listed some of the "sins" of the congregation, pastor, etc. and I have found myself looking forward to each one as they speak to some of if not all of the ills that affect us from pulpit to pew. The church is standing on the edge of greatness. It is ready to explode. First of all, we have required of our potential preacher's and pastor's that they be trained and prepared to lead the church. This comes not only through academic training but also through the experience that is gained by working under and with a pastor who is doing "good" work and also by getting out there and being willing to go where the Lord through the Bishop sends you to serve. Secondly, when the new pastor comes, fresh out of school or out of someone's pulpit, the "new" church body must be willing to accept this new man or woman of God and in the word's of retired Bishop Z. L. Grady "Give God a chance!" Many a preacher or pastor has been stymied and frustrated in ministry partly because they went to a church that did not receive them well and did not give them a chance to fully exercise their gifts in ministry. Many a church's growth has been hindered by members who fail to look to the future and see that growth and greatness lies within their grasp.
Speaking from personal experience, not every one of my appointments has been what one would consider the "best" but I can honestly say that none of them have been the "worst" either. When one goes to the church with the mind that you are going to give God and the church a good days work, God will make some great things happen! We may not get the "plum" appointment initially, but as one of my former member's always reminds me "You have to blossom where you are planted."
I could go on, but in the interest of not taking up too much of your time, I submit to you in closing that in your aforementioned article you stated that Bishop C. D. Williams of the COGIC stood up in that meeting of frustrated pastor's and said "I thank God for the good people who are sweet because they give me encouragement and they are a joy to serve. But, I also thank God for the contentious and complaining members; those who are fighters and who are uncooperative because they keep me on my knees in prayer and they keep me from being complacent in ministry; they keep me on my toes. So, I thank God for both groups. And I know that God's program will never fail if we are faithful and obedient to His will in ministry." You stated in your article that the key words for clergy were, "If we are faithful and obedient to God's Will in ministry." God is calling for all of us regardless of station in life or church to be faithful to His will!
Thank you, Dr. Sydnor for your genius in writing and encouragement to the church.
Bruce L. Francis, M. Div.
Macedonia AME Church
Rex, GA
- To the Editor:
RE: IRS and some legislators are scrutinizing church finances:
I have shared with many persons how necessary it is that income taxes be withheld from the salary of musicians (or ANY employee, for that matter) in our local churches. Even though this payment reality is very different from what most musicians are used to (usually a lump sum in cash), it actually is better for the musician, in the long run, since they will have to pay income taxes on the amount received anyway. The reason why this is the case, is listed below. This list is known as "The 20 Question Test."
According to the IRS, workers are generally considered employees if they:
1. Must comply with the employer's instructions about the work.
2. Receive training from or at the direction of the employer.
3. Provide services that are integrated into the business.
4. Provide services that must be rendered personally.
5. Are aided by assistants who are hired, supervised, and paid by the employer.
6. Have a continuing working relationship with the employer.
7. Must follow set hours of work.
8. Work full-time for the employer.
9. Do their work on the employer's premises.
10. Must do their work in a sequence set by the employer.
11. Must submit regular reports to the employer.
12. Receive payments of regular amounts at set intervals.
13. Receive payments for business travel expenses.
14. Rely on the employer to furnish tools and materials.
15. Lack a major investment in the facilities or equipment used to perform the services.
16. Cannot make a profit or suffer a loss from their services.
17. Work for one employer at a time.
18. Do not offer their services to the general public.
19. Can be fired by the employer.
20. May quit work at any time without incurring liability.
If the answer to the majority of these statements is in the affirmative, this would make the majority of our church musicians EMPLOYEES of the church and NOT SUBCONTRACTORS. Employment taxes, therefore, SHOULD BE WITHHELD and must be paid to the respective State and Federal authorities. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. This is not intended to be or replace tax advice received from a certified tax preparer or professional.
If pastors and/or churches need help setting up a payroll system or have questions, please feel free to contact me.
Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
Pastor/Teacher
St. Luke A. M. E. Church
New York, NY 10031
5. THE RURAL CHURCH - TRUSTING ENOUGH TO CAST:
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee…” Psalm 55:22a KJV
By George R. La Sure, D.Min
As we go about our daily lives, we encounter trials and difficulties on every hand. Many times, in the midst of our peaceful being, forces of discomfort and tribulation attack our peaceful spirits and cause us immeasurable pain and suffering. Many times we are carrying as heavy a load as we can, and ought, and here comes somebody that we don’t even know who heaps their heavy load right on top…and they expect us to deal with it! Life is a struggle all by itself…it doesn’t need any help. But many times those who are about us, those who we have come to have the best relationships with, those who we feel that we can count on…cause the greatest pain. Pain is a burden that nobody wants or, needs.
The Psalmist suggests that we “cast our burdens on the Lord”. That’s easy to say, but hard to do. We are conditioned to try and do things for ourselves and, not let anybody know that we are troubled about anything. We do a good job of showing a good front. We don’t want others to know that we are human and have human needs. As a result, we suffer unnecessarily because we won’t turn our burden over to the Lord. Many of us haven’t gotten to that point in our faith walk, yet.
It takes a great deal of faith-fortitude to cast our burden on the Lord willingly and knowingly. Prayer is a conscious and focused activity and, it is through the act of praying that we cast our burden on the Lord. We tell the Lord that the burden is too heavy for us to bear and that the load is altogether unacceptable and, we ask the Lord to receive our burden so that we can rise up and walk into a new day. But, in order to cast our burden on the Lord, we have to be willing to release it…to get rid of the load and all memories connected to it…completely. That’s hard to do.
In order to cast one’s burden on the Lord one must first have developed an understanding of God and have established a one-on-one relationship with God. If one fully knows that God is much bigger than any problem or burden that he or she is bearing, then there is an increased capacity to understand that God truly is capable of bearing heavy loads. Then one must know that God is trustworthy and that God wants to act in our behalf. With this realization comes the resolve to turn it over to God because God is capable of handling the burden, no matter what it might be.
Turning one’s burden over to God is conditioned upon one’s trust in God. If we really trust God, then we give of our very best to God all the time, not just when we have a burden. If we establish a pattern and a track record of turning our best over to God, consistently and unhesitatingly and unselfishly, then, in that day when we are burdened down, we have an absolute right to cast our burden on the Lord. In fact, the Lord expects us to.
The Psalmist goes on to say that “the Lord will sustain you…” In other words, the Lord will keep us from falling, the Lord will hold us up and, plant our feet on solid ground. When we cast our burden on the Lord, we must know that the Lord has already made a new way for us. When we cast our burden on the Lord, we must expect to receive a blessing. Casting our burden on the Lord is a statement of our trust in the Lord.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee…”
6. NEWS FROM THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. will be preaching, Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:00 PM, at the 13th District Planning Meeting Communion Service in Nashville, TN at the Hotel Preston, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District.
Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle will be the speaker at the CONN SWAWO luncheon in Little Rock, Arkansas, Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 12 Noon the Wyndham Hotel. All ministers’ spouses’ widows, and widowers are asked to wear red to luncheon. Luncheon tickets are $35.00.
Just a note to inform you that the First A.M.E. Spanish Church in Harlem held its first worship service yesterday at 10 a.m. in the Administrative Building of St. Luke A.M.E. Church, located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY.
There were approximately 40 people in attendance, including the support ministries of St. Luke (Stewards, Trustees, Ushers, and Stewardesses). Rev. Brenda Ford, Seminary Intern from Union Seminary was the Worship Leader, and Rev. Leo Lopez, Local Elder from the 16th Episcopal District, brought the Word. One of our Stewards, Sister Daniela Drew, served as interpreter (Spanish to English), and Sis. Adrienne Wilson gave the Welcome in Spanish.
We praise god the eight (8) persons, who are already saved, committed themselves to membership in the first AME Spanish Church! The total tithes and offerings for the day was $340.00.
Please keep this new mission church in prayer thanks to those who have prayed on our behalf.
Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
St. Luke AME Church
1872 Amsterdam Avenue at 153rd Street
New York, NY 10031
7. O GIVE THANKS; FOR I JUST WANT TO “THANK YOU SIR”:
By Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
“O Give thanks unto the LORD, for HE is good; for HIS mercy endureth forever.” Psalm107: 1
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, this statement should be the basis of your lives year around.
At Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas on Sunday, November 18, this was the morning message extended to all by Rev. Mary Miller.
Rev. Miller was excited about being at Allen Chapel following a weeklong meeting held by the 10th Episcopal District presiding prelate, the Rt. Rev. Gregory Ingram in Dallas.
Bishop Ingram’s planning meeting was the final stage of appointments to all Pastors until next year 2008.
As the morning service opened with songs of praise and worship and the members of Allen Chapel was happy to have their pastor reappointed. Sister Marva Jo Barker stated, “It was a long road, for you see we could have been welcoming a new pastor, but I’m pleased to announce that we have our pastor, the Rev. Mary Miller back with us. You just don’t know all that she has been through, but I tell each of you, we are pleased that she is back with us. We love Rev. Miller.”
As the choir sang, you could feel the presence of the Lord throughout the sanctuary.
Rev. Miller stated to the congregation the GOD is faithful forever. Miller wanted to let each of her members know that no matter how long or what their problem, Jesus is faithful and will be with you at your time of need. “No matter what is going on in your life, if you are without a job, friends have turned their backs on you, you will live again,” said Miller.
If you look at the woman in the bible with the issue of blood, she was a woman with a problem for twelve long years. However, she never let that get to her, for she knew that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be made whole. Miller wanted her congregation to know that this is the way it is today. No matter what your problem may be, Jesus is a problem solver. “We must turn our eyes to Jesus, from which our help cometh. We must be like that woman with the Issue of Blood, have that healing power experience. This in turn was a, “I Thank You Sir” experience,” said Miller.
Miller asked the question, “When was the last time you have had a, “I Thank You Sir” experience?” We may feel that all is lost, you have no where to turn, forgiveness is not at hand, but have an “I Thank You Sir” experience and know your trust and faith comes from the LORD.
“When you look back over your life and your good days outweigh your bad days, all you can do is just say, “I Thank You Sir,” said Miller.
This is the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas season, so we must count our blessings one by one and each of us should say, “I Thank You Sir.” This poses another question, “What should the redeemed do?”
Miller stated, “The redeemed need to sacrifice to the Lord.” We must be about God’s business; doing the things that God wants us to do. We should enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and know that this is the day that the Lord hath made and we should rejoice in it and have an attitude of, “I Thank You Sir.”
“Can’t nobody do you like Jesus, that’s why you need to have an “I Thank You Sir” experience,” said Miller.
Following Bishop Ingram’s planning meeting, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff was left in the care of Presiding Elder James Ford until they receive a new pastor. The Rev. Cynthia Cole, who had been the pastor, was moved to Metropolitan AME Church in Dallas. Cole was assigned to Johnson Chapel in 2005.
Rev. Will Kenlaw
Allen Chapel AMEC-Silver Spring
8. LILLY ENDOWMENT CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM:
Deadline: May 14, 2008
The Lilly Endowment (http://www.lillyendowment.org/ ) has announced that its National Clergy Renewal Program will continue for another year. The grant program is designed to strengthen Christian congregations by providing an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection.
The pastor and congregation work together to design the renewal program. Possible programs may include an uninterrupted period for reading and writing, directed research at a theological school, a study trip to religious sites or travel for other purposes in the United States or elsewhere in the world, quiet time for rest and prayer, and special visits with family and friends.
Renewal programs are typically uninterrupted periods of three to four months.
To be eligible, ministers must be ordained and have earned a master of divinity degree from a theological seminary or divinity school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The program is open to all Christian congregations in forty-nine states and the District of Columbia. (The endowment administers a separate, similar program for Indiana congregations. See: [http://www.indianaclergy.org/].)
The endowment annually provides as many as 120 grants of up to $45,000 each directly to Christian congregations for the support of a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the total award may be spent for congregational support during the absence of the pastor.
The program brochure/application form is available on the Lilly Endowment Web site.
RFP Link:
[http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10009832/lillyendowment]
For additional RFPs in Religion, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_religion.jhtml
Editor’s Note: If you do not apply, there is no way that you can be selected. I am sure that we have a number of pastors who could qualify for this program. Take a risk and apply.
9. A TESTIMONY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REVEREND DOCTOR JULIUS H. MCALLISTER, SR.:
Reverend Saint Julian Snider, Sr., D. Min.
Pastor of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church
Cameron, South Carolina
I have known Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., for more than 25 years. I had the privilege of serving with him in the Piedmont and the Northeast South Carolina Annual Conferences in the state of South Carolina. When I was in the Northeast Conference, I served with him on the Annual Conference Board of Examiners, the Board of Instructors, and the Annual Conference Institute while Reverend McAllister served as the Dean and has served as such for nearly 20 years.
Rev. McAllister is a leader who moves people to achieve their maximum potential. This was evident to me by the fervent growth of the ministerial staff development, the growth of the candidates for ministerial orders, and in the number of people who attended the workshops that he presented. Rev. McAllister is a visionary leader. He sees things that others do not see. He makes things happen rather than waiting what happens first. Rev. McAllister is a leader who is “sold out” for God. He has a compassionate heart with a prophetic spirit for people. Only a “sold out” for God leader can truly lead with compassion and truth, make godly decisions, be an organizer, a communicator, and a problem-solver. All of this is seen in his ministry and is felt by those whom he has helped over his many years of service to this great Zion of ours.
During Rev. McAllister’s ministry, there were many challenges for him as a leader; however, I have seen him face adversity with strength and determination that can come only from serving an awesome, mighty God. Phil Pringle, the author of the book, You, the Leader, said, “God, the ultimate Leader, entrusts leadership positions to those who have been tested by fire.” It is my belief that Rev. McAllister has been tested by the fire. God has shaped and molded him, and he is pressing toward the purposes that God has for him.
I believe that Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., is motivated by the spiritual passion of Jesus the Christ. This spiritual passion has equipped him and will enable him to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its bishops.
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend Dr. Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr. and Deana Young McAllister proudly announce the birth of their son, Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister. Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister was born on November 8, 2007. Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister is brother of Julius Harrison McAllister, III and Colin McKinley Young McAllister.
Dr. McAllister is the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, of the Fourth Episcopal District. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years.
Dr. McAllister is the son of The Reverend Dr. Julius McAllister, Sr., a candidate for Bishop, and Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister of Florence, South Carolina. He is a son-in-law of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Presiding Bishop and Supervisor of the Eleventh Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to juliusmcallister@aol.com
11. EPISCOPAL FAMILY SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
Funeral services for Frances L. Murphy II will be held:
Thursday, November 29, 2007
St. James Episcopal Church
1020 W. Lafayette Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Family hour: 9 - 9:30 AM followed by fraternal service and the regular service of celebration.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will give the eulogy for the fraternal service.
Expressions may be sent to:
The Murphy Family
Rev. Dr. Frances L. Murphy Draper, Dr. James Murphy Wood and Mrs. Susan Murphy Barnes
2406 Overland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
1012 Beech Tree Lane
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
(615) 242-6814
Or any member of the Carl Murphy Family.
www.afro.com for more information.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Laura B. Stokes who died on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Mrs. Stokes was the wife of Rev. Richard Stokes, deceased pastor from the Philadelphia Annual Conference. She was a Life member of the Women's Missionary Society.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Ms. Octavia Green
207 Haverford Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we share news of the passing of Mrs. Nadine E. Lowery, spouse of Reverend Marvin Lowery of the Eleventh Episcopal District and the West Coast Conference.
The funeral has been held.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This is to announce the passing of the Reverend Charles E. Wells, Jr. "Chuckie" of the Atlanta North Conference of the 6th Episcopal District. Rev. Wells passed unexpectedly on Friday, November 16, 2007.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Celeste Wells (spouse)
3113 Green Valley Drive
East Point, Georgia 30344
404-405-7768 (Phone)
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
16. 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
