Christian Education Directors’ Sessions

The Role of the CE Director: What does CE look like in my church?

Participants will briefly overview of the definition of Christian Education, how it nurtures faith and is an essential element in the mission of the church. It will touch on the importance of organizing the Sunday school as well as the need for classes that feed young adults, single parents, family enrichment and the special needs for men and women.

Presenter: Rev. Andre’ Parson, Davis Memorial A.M.E.

Reverend Andre’ M Parson answered his call to ministry at the Star of Bethlehem A.M.E. Church and is an ordained local Deacon in the AME Church. At the Star of Bethlehem, he served as Minister to Men and in the Prison Ministry and led Evangelism and was a Trustee. God deployed him to Davis Memorial A.M.E where he copastors with his beloved wife, the Reverend Roxanne G. Parson of 34 years. At Davis, he continues to serve as Minister to Men, Director of Christian Ed, Prison Ministry at the Howard County Detention Center and is the pro-tem of the Trustee Board at Davis. He has M. ED and is a retired educator and administrator, having worked in the Department of Juvenile Services-Baltimore County, Baltimore City Public schools, and the Woodland Job Corps Center for a total of 40 years. He has four children and six grandchildren, who are his precious jewels and a heritage from the Lord. His favorite scripture is Prov. 3:5.

New Members: Developing a Basic Framework

This session discusses basic tenets of our faith as a critical component of new members classes and discuss the essential elements when crafting your church’s New Member’s Curriculum. Key Components: Understanding Salvation: My Lord and My God, What’s New, What Different, Understanding My Sword: Learning how to Use My Weapon and Understanding My Church: AME and local Church Structure; and Understanding What’s Next: My walk, my service, and my Gifts.

Presenter: Rev. Karen Brooks, Falls Road A.M.E.

Rev. Karen D. Brooks is an Itinerant Deacon and was ordained on April 21, 2006, by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. She has served under Rev. C. Michele Langston at Cowdensville AME; Rev. Arthur B. Glover at Falls Road AME; and is currently serving under

Rev. Raymond F. Edmonds, Jr. at Falls Road AME. She studied at Bethel Seminary of the East and St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute. She is currently the Church School Superintendent at Falls Road and the Baltimore Area Superintendent for the Capital District, Director of Vacation Bible School; Coordinator of the Black History Month Activities, and Church School Teacher at Falls Road, and is a member of the Capital District’s Church School Executive Committee where she is the Registrar. Rev. Brooks hails from Chestertown, MD, which is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and her favorite scripture is John 15:13 – Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.

Implementing Small Group Study

This class will address the purpose and process of developing a small group ministry and look at how to measure the progress of group and to evaluate warning signs and signs of successful groups.

Presenter: Rev. Janet R. Habersham, Reid Temple A.M.E.

Reverend Janet Habersham has been involved in the Church as well as Christian Education since her childhood years. As a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Savannah, GA, she actively served in Sunday school and was often the churches delegate at Savannah South District and 6th Episcopal District events. In recent years, Janet has severed as the Christian Education Director for Metropolitan A.M.E. Church and engaged in every level of Christian Education within the A.M.E. Church. Currently she serves as Cocoordinator of the 2nd Episcopal District Prayer Ministry, as a teacher and member of the Washington Annual Conference Christian Education Ministry and as the Spiritual Advisor for the Cancer Care Ministry at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church. She is a member of Reid’s Women’s Ministry and Higher Education Ministry. In addition to her role as a Christian Educator, Rev. Janet has served as a trainer for corporate America, taught High School Mathematics, was the Yearbook Advisor, and tutored. Janet has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Emory University and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary with a concentration in Old Testament. Janet believes deeply that Christians are a physical manifestation of the spirit of God and, above all, “we are called to represent God’s power through LOVE.”