44 minute read
When Your Opponent Also Loves God: Discerning the Correct Path
THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC RETURN TO THE NATION’S FIRST, PRIVATE HBCU: AFTER A HIATUS, THE WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY MUSIC PROGRAM OPENS YOUR EARS
A talented addition to the Wilberforce University (WU) faculty is Mr. James McLeod, who brings a 27-year career in instrumental education to WU. His history of building music and band programs is matched only by his successful recruitment of students, growing one college program exponentially within a short period.
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Mr. McLeod will serve as the chair of the WU Music Department, which means he will hire music teachers and redesign and develop the music curriculum for the bachelor of arts degrees in music performance for instrumental, vocal music, and the bachelor of science in music business (with a technology component).
“We are starting with the building of a marching band, marked by the hiring of our director of instrumental music, Dr. Virgil Goodwine,” said Mr. McCleod. “Consequently, we will soon be accepting auditions for band scholarships to join the WU marching band. Next, we will be accepting auditions and offering scholarships to join the university choir. It is truly an exciting time here at Wilberforce,” Mr. McCleod added.
Mr. McLeod received his undergraduate degree in music education from Mississippi Valley State University, a master’s degree in music education from Jackson State University, and a master’s of science in entertainment business from Full Sail University. In between teaching applied music, music appreciation and theory, writing music, directing videos, and creating graphic designs, Mr. McLeod is presently working on his Ph.D. in music education.
Interesting facts about him do not end there. He boasts of being able to play every instrument except the harmonica and the harp, but he is also proud that his grandfather’s aunt is the historic stateswoman, presidential advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt, and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Also, Mr. McLeod is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The WU music renaissance also brings Dr. Virgil Goodwine back to his roots. The Colonel White School of the Performing Arts (Dayton Public Schools) graduate returns to the Greater Miami Valley to serve as the new assistant professor of Music and director of Musical Instruments and Ensembles. Dr. Goodwine comes to WU with an extensive background as the director of Instrumental Music for the Oak Park School District in Detroit, Michigan. “I am here,” says Dr. Goodwine, “to cultivate an innovative culture of excellence in music.” He will soon bring the legacy of the Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) marching band soundscape to Wilberforce University. Dr. Goodwine received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Central State University, his master’s of science degree in music from the University of Dayton, and his doctorate with a concentration in leadership in higher education research from Capella University.
Dr. McLeod notes that the goals of the new music program are to (1) provide students with co-curricular experiences through vocal and instrumental ensembles (choir and band); (2) work closely with the Ray Charles Foundation to continue the study of music in higher education to make our students job-ready and prepared for further study in graduate school; (3) hire and retain qualified and talented faculty in the field of music to provide students with quality music and performing arts education; and (4) rebuild the university choir and provide performance opportunities for additional ensembles such as a marching band, jazz band, and various combos for exposure in the community to assist with student engagement and institutional advancement
Wilberforce University eagerly welcomes both Mr. McLeod and Dr. Goodwine. It looks forward to great music. ❏ ❏ ❏
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WHEN YOUR OPPONENT ALSO LOVES GOD: DISCERNING THE CORRECT PATH
By Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Columnist
It is no secret that the people of God often disagree. For example, the story of the two prophets who disagreed in 1 Kings 13, the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over the role of Mark in Acts 15:36-41, the denial of Peter concerning the presence of Christ in his life in Luke 22:54-62, and the disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche, two people who worked with Paul in the Christian ministry, in Philippians 4 provides credence to the assertion that people who love the Lord often disagree. Even though Jesus instructed his disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44), as members of the body of Christ, I don’t believe that Christians should view one another as enemies. However, inasmuch as disagreeing Christians may inadvertently or blatantly undermine the progress of ministry, perhaps, disagreeing Christians should properly view one another as “opponents” from time to time. The question that often confronts disagreeing Christians is as follows: What should you do when you strongly disagree with your Christian opponent who also loves God?
The following three suggestions have assisted me in moving forward with my Christian calling or mandate in the midst of Christians with whom I disagree. First, don’t dismiss the voice of God even if you determine that God is speaking through your Christian “opponent.” An omnipotent (all-powerful) God may choose to use anyone or anything (e.g., God spoke through a donkey in Numbers 22:28) to communicate God’s intent for humanity. We must be receptive to God’s voice whenever, wherever, and however it may be found. Second, don’t be deterred by your opponent because your unique task in salvation history can only be accomplished by you. God has specific plans for you (see Jeremiah 29:11); therefore, seek to perform the ministerial task that God has entrusted you to do. Third, don’t ever forget that the Christian story is a story of love and redemption; therefore, your “Christian opponent” is not necessarily a permanent opponent. Leave room for reconciliation as you search for command ground with your brother or sister in Christ. The biblical record stated that King Josiah eventually died because he didn’t listen to the voice of the Lord, which originated from an unlikely place (e.g., the mouth of King Necho of Egypt, which is recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:20). Let us continue to pray that we might recognize and embrace God’s voice and instruction wherever, whenever, and however it may be found. ❏ ❏ ❏
...From A Christian p8 out to those who require our help. It’s not about keeping the world from touching you. It’s about you reaching out to the world God loves and lending it a hand, feeling it yourself. It’s not about keeping others from getting close to you. It’s about having the courage to get close to those others God loves. After all, was Jesus himself not a refugee fleeing from danger?
Thus, when I think about the situation in Afghanistan, I can’t help but think of another parable of Jesus, the Good Samaritan. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus talks about what it means to love your neighbor. This is the revolutionary teaching of Jesus, to love your neighbor. Might we employ this in our discourse about Afghanistan? Perhaps our politics? In our foreign policy?
Or, maybe not. That would be too much like what Jesus would do.
Quardricos Bernard Driskell is a federal lobbyist, pastor of the Historic Beulah Baptist Church, and an adjunct professor of legislative politics at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Follow him on Twitter @q_driskell4.
ALBERT RABOTEAU, AN EXPERT ON AFRICAN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY, DEAD AT 78
Albert J. Raboteau, an American religion historian who helped students and journalists enhance their understanding of African American religion, has died.
The scholar died on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Princeton, New Jersey, years after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, Princeton University announced. He was 78.
A Princeton faculty member since the 1980s, Raboteau reached emeritus status in 2013. He chaired the university’s religion department from 1987 to 1992 and was dean of its graduate school from 1992-93.
“Professor Raboteau taught me so much: how to move about the archive, how to trust and be comfortable with my questions, and how to write clearly and with sophistication,” Eddie Glaude, Jr., chair of Princeton’s African American studies department, said in a Princeton statement. “His brilliance knew no boundaries. His work helped create an entire field, and he could move just as easily in the fields of literature and film.”
When a book editor came to campus seeking to learn about Raboteau’s next book, a Princeton appreciation noted, the author instead arranged a meeting with the editor and Glaude, leading to the publication of the then-graduate student’s first book.
In addition to his years of mentoring students, Raboteau also gave journalists his perspective on the history of the Black Church and contemporary religious attempts to address racism.
At a 2015 Faith Angle Forum discussion, he addressed reporters on “Forgiveness and the African American Church Experience.” Raboteau said, “Small, faceto-face cross-racial gatherings, such as Bible studies and sharing meals, could be more important than statements of apology about racism by predominantly white denominations.”
“What we are as a nation is a collection of disparate stories, an ever-exfoliating set of separate stories, and what we need to bind us together is to be able to hear the stories of others in a face-to-face encounter,” he said. “And that can be sponsored by churches; churches would be a natural place to sponsor that kind of faceto-face contact.”
Raboteau was known for his writings about African American faith, authoring texts such as Fire in the Bones: Reflections on African American Religious History, Canaan Land: A Religious History of African Americans. He was especially known for his book Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South,
An “In Memoriam” Princeton tribute described his 2002 book A Sorrowful Joy as a volume that reflected “the stakes of the study of African American religious history as a black man from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi whose father was murdered by a white man before he was born and as a Christian believer whose religious formation took place first in the Roman Catholic Church and in later years, Eastern Orthodoxy.”
Across social media this week, scholars of religion described Raboteau’s influence on them.
“For me, Al wasn’t the usual kind of mentor,” tweeted Anthea Butler, professor of religion at the University of Pennsylvania. “He was an ideal to me about both scholarship and spirituality.”
She added, in the last tweet of a thread that seemed to give a nod to his conversion to Orthodox Christianity: “Finally (and not sure if he would a. like this or b. chastise me) but I would pay a lot of money if someone painted Al Raboteau as an icon. For me, he is the patron saint of the study of African American religion. May he rest in eternal peace and bliss.”
Cornel West, a Princeton emeritus professor who now teaches at Union Theological Seminary, tweeted after the death of his colleague of more than four decades that Raboteau “was the Godfather of Afro-American Religious Studies & the North Star of deep Christian political sensibilities! I shall never forget him!”
Raboteau also was the author of “African American Religion,” a 1999 volume in the Religion in American Life series published by Oxford University Press. He wrote in its first chapter of the historical role of slave preachers and other black pioneers whose sermons reached free black people as well as the enslaved. “The growth of Baptist and Methodist churches between 1770 and 1820 changed the religious complexion of the South by bringing large numbers of slaves into ...continued on p11
GLOBAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS, SCIENTISTS JOIN TO RELEASE “FAITH AND SCIENCE: AN APPEAL FOR COP26”
Almost 40 faith leaders signed the joint appeal, which was presented by Pope Francis.
Signatories included World Council of Churches acting general secretary the Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca, along with representatives from across the Christian denominations, Sunni and Shi’a Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Jainism.
The appeal calls for the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible, and to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
“As leaders and scholars from various religious traditions, we unite in a spirit of humility, responsibility, mutual respect, and open dialogue,” reads the appeal. “This dialogue is not limited to merely the exchange of ideas, but is focused on the desire to walk in companionship, recognizing our call to live in harmony with one another and with nature.”
The appeal also presses wealthier nations and those with the greatest responsibility to take the lead, stepping up their climate action at home and financially supporting vulnerable countries to adapt to and address climate change.
“Nature is a gift, but also a life-giving force without which we cannot exist,” reads the appeal. “Together, we must address the threats facing our common home.”
The faith leaders and scientists also urge governments to raise their ambition and their international cooperation to transition to clean energy and to sustainable land use practices, environmentally friendly food systems, and responsible financing.
“The warnings from the scientific community are becoming increasingly stark and clear, as is the need for concrete steps to be taken,” reads the appeal. “Scientists say that time is running out.”
Faith leaders themselves also committed to greater climate action. “Now is the time for urgent, radical, and responsible action,” reads the text. “Transforming the present situation requires the international community to act with greater ambition and fairness, in all aspects of its policies and strategies.”
Reprinted from the World Council of Churches.
...From Mt. Zion p7 that surrounds our church,” said Kent County master gardener and garden committee member Mrs. Cheryl Fisher. Garden committee member Mr. Alvin Fisher said this garden belongs to everyone in the community. “Yes, we want everyone to enjoy the harvest, but first, we must put in the work,” he said. Mr. Carl Batson, a church trustee, said, “We are thankful to have this garden on our property, and we will support the effort in any way we can.”
Several guests attended the dedication. City Council President Roy Sudler, Jr. said, “It’s been a while to make this happen, and anything the city of Dover can do to help, we will be there.” Delaware State Senator Trey Paradee joined in the praise for a community garden. “What a glorious day to get together to celebrate this garden. I predict that this garden will double in size by next year, and you are off to a great start.” Mike Waskylkowski, with the Delaware State Small Farms Office, said, “My job is working with community gardens, and I just don’t see how this can miss.”
The Rev. Crawford then scooped up a handful of soil and blessed the garden. She added, “We are asking you to join us as we make our garden grow. We are all brothers and sisters placed on this earth to help one another and love one another. What better way to serve your neighbor than to help plant a garden.” Finally, with garden trowels in hand, garden committee member Mr. Gregory Smith and several people, including children, planted the very first pepper plants.
In just one month, the garden team planted, watered, and weeded the garden. Since the garden dedication, Mt. Zion AME Church has distributed squash, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers to the neighborhood and food pantry. In addition, every Sunday, church and community members can help themselves to fresh vegetables. The garden team even donated fresh vegetables with homemade zucchini bread to neighborhood churches as an incentive to get them involved and perhaps start their own gardens. A sustainable garden can help sustain a neighborhood with fresh food and community involvement.
Cheryl Fisher leads the Mt. Zion AME Church Garden Ministry and is a Kent County master gardener.
Resources: AME Church Health Commission: http://amechealth.org/ Black Church Food Insecurity Network: https://blackchurchfoodsecurity.net/ American Horticultural Society Master Gardeners: https://ahsgardening.org/ gardening-resources/master-gardeners/ ❏ ❏ ❏
...From Albert p10 membership in the church and by introducing even more to the basics of Christian belief and practice,” he wrote. “The Black Church had been born.”
In 2016, when the U.S. Postal Service honored African Methodist Episcopal Church founder Richard Allen with a postage stamp, Raboteau told Religion News Service: “The unwillingness of the Methodists to accept the independent leadership of black preachers like Allen and the institution of segregated seating led Allen and (clergyman Absalom) Jones to found independent black churches.”
Late in life, Raboteau continued to interpret religious and racial history lessons in his 2016 book American Prophets: Seven Religious Radicals and Their Struggle for Social and Political Justice. He said the book, which included chapters on Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer, was based on his “Religious Radicals” seminar that he taught undergraduate students at Princeton for several years. Raboteau wrote the book’s introduction as the U.S. marked the 50th anniversary of Alabama’s Selma to Montgomery voting march. “Memory and mourning combine in prophetic insistence on inner change and outer action to reform systemic structures of racism,” he said.
Raboteau added an anecdote about his own visit to Selma several years before with Princeton alumni and students who visited a museum close to the town’s famous Edmund Pettus Bridge, where state troopers had once beaten back activists. On the trip, a black museum guide who was beaten on the bridge as a young girl encountered a retired white Presbyterian minister who had joined the demonstrations after King requested support from the nation’s clergy.
“It was a moment of shared pathos that transcended time,” he recalled. “For me, it was the high point of the trip. I no longer needed to cross the bridge.” ❏ ❏ ❏
CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS SEPTEMBER 2021
On Friday, August 6, 2021, Pastor Ammie L. Davis successfully defended her Ph.D. research at Regent University in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Ecclesial
Leadership. The title was, “Understanding the Self-Effi cacy and Call of Jarena Lee: A Narrative Case Study.” Her research question was, “How does self-effi cacy research inform the recognition and response to the call of African American female ecclesial leaders as evident in the life and ministry of Jarena Lee?”
The research focus unearthed Jarena Lee’s self-efficacy in her religious experience despite being rejected. Lee’s strong conviction in her ability to achieve demonstrates how self-efficacy influenced how she recognized and responded to her call to preach in a society that was hostile to her gender and race.
Pastor Ammie L. Davis is the senior pastor at Zion Chapel AME Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the state director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Mississippi, Inc. She earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University, M.A. degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University, M.B.A. degree from Webster University, and M.Div. degree with a concentration in Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care and Counseling from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theology Center.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to pastorzcame@gmail.com.
The Rev. and Mrs. Charles (Jeanette P.) Singleton of Awendaw, South Carolina, gratefully and joyfully say, “Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Lord, as you continuously allow us to walk together in oneness for 64 years” (September 7, 1957-2021). This marriage has taken us many places and acquainted us with many beautiful people. It gave us beautiful children, daughter, Charnette E. Singleton; son, Charles P. Singleton (Gwendolyn); son, Charlton P. Singleton (MaryJo); and grandchildren. We are blessed to still be active participants in many organizations. So, the Rev. Singleton, as a proud retired pastor of the AME Church, and Mrs. Singleton, as a proud life member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church, say, “To God be the glory!” Congratulatory messages may be emailed to jeanettepsing@att.net.
Master Jacob Cuthbert III was certifi ed by the Programs of Religious Activities (P.R.A.Y.) as a Four Star Award Recipient. P.R.A.Y. Programs is a Bible-based religious emblems program for Protestant and Independent Christian churches designed to bring youth and families to Christ.
The P.R.A.Y. program (God & Me (Grades 2-3), God & Family (Grades 4-6), God & Church (Grades 6-8), and God & Life (Grades 9-12)) has impacted the lives of thousands of youths nationwide. The Jesus & Me (K-1) curriculum has recently been added to the series.
The P.R.A.Y. Four Star Award is a very prestigious one. Candidates must start in the first, second, or third grade and as the name implies, they must earn all four P.R.A.Y. awards. Less than one percent of the P.R.A.Y. recipients in any year receive this prestigious award. Master Cuthbert has been certified by P.R.A.Y. for this special commendation. The Four Star pin features four gold stars on a red, yellow, blue, and green background. The four colors represent the four levels in the series, but the stars are reminiscent of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Jacob is a member of Saint Mark AME Church, Orlando, where the Rev. Terence R. Gray I serves as the pastor.
Saint Mark celebrates Jacob’s accomplishments because they are for the glory of God. It is our prayer that he will continue to live his life in such a way that others will see Christ in him and give God the glory. If your church is interested in completing one or all of the P.R.A.Y. Program series, please contact P.R.A.Y. at https:// www.praypub.org/pray.
Jacob is the son of the Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, the Connectional secretary for the Association of African Methodist Episcopal Scouts (AAMES), secretary for the 11th Episcopal District Board of Christian Education, dean of the Board of Examiners for the Central Annual Conference, and minister of Worship at Saint Mark.
On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV)
To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC
...From The Grace p1 other than piano and organ, was forbidden to be used in the sanctuary. I remember pastors stating that using drums and guitars during worship was bringing “the world” into the solemnity of God’s worship. Over time, pastors saw the efficacy of incorporating percussive instrumentation, when done musically and reverently correctly, enhanced the spirituality of the worship experience.
Change can be a way to teach younger worshippers the beauty of the music of the past! Over the years, I’ve transitioned older hymns rhythmically. This, even in small doses, shows younger worshippers that older music is relevant and older worshippers the sustained beauty and meaning of the song. This can only be done if we, music directors and musicians, embrace the change. If music departments and musicians remain stagnant, the worship experience becomes stale.
God wants the worship experience to be experiential, reverent, yet meaningful. One of the greatest attributes music directors and musicians can bring to worship is to make it inclusive for all worshippers. This inclusivity must incorporate various types of music in which all congregants feel God’s presence. This can only be done by embracing change. This change cannot be done for the sake of change but for the glorification of God.
Change can mean knowing when to step aside! As with spiritual growth, musical growth will occur. However, there will come a time when we, as music directors and musicians, must realize the time to let go. This letting go often means stepping aside and allowing others to build on what has been established and, possibly, make changes. When that time comes, step aside with grace and allow the changes to take place, yet, always be a place for encouragement and constructive evaluation of what is taking place. ❏ ❏ ❏
NECROLOGY LISTINGS SEPTEMBER 2021
The Rev. Andreas Anthony
Oliphant, age 53, an itinerant deacon for three months in the AME Church, served the following churches as a supply pastor in the Boland Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District: GD Van Stavel AME Church, Van Wyksvlei, and Elim AME Church. He was married to Mrs. Deirdre Oliphant for 26 years
The Rev. Jeremiah Witbooi,
age 49, an itinerant elder for two years in the AME Church, serving with distinction: WC Legolie AME Church, Calvinia and Hope AME Church, Kraaifontein in the Boland Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District and served as a member of the Conference Board of Trustees
Mr. Jeff Herndon, the brother of the Rev. Dr. J. Wayne Rogers, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hope, Arkansas, West Arkansas Annual Conference, 12th Episcopal District
Sister Eleanor Neal Parker,
of Macon, Georgia, the sister of Lady Sharon E. Williams and sister-in-law of the Rev. Ronald E. Williams, Sr., the pastor of New Bethel AME Church in Orlando, Florida, 11th Episcopal District
Mr. John P. Ashworth IV,
a member of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee, the son of the late Rev. John P. and Mrs. Josephine Ashworth, retired pastor and first lady in the 13th Episcopal District
Mr. Idus “Cicero” Hartsfield,
the brother of Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White and brother-in-love of Bishop John Franklin White, Episcopal team of the 4th Episcopal District
The Rev. Mary Georgina
Akende Muyunda, the pastor of Beautiful Gate in the Livingstone Presiding Elder District, Southeast Zambia Annual Conference, 17th Episcopal District. She was the mother of four, Alvin, Paul, Naomi, and Tilipo, and grandmother to 18
The Rev. Derwood
Doyle Wilson,, age 86, of Huntsville, Alabama. He was the grandfather of the Rev. Maurice Wright II, the servant pastor of St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama, Northwest Alabama Conference of the 9th Episcopal District, and the director of Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the AME Church
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Ann
Efiom, the senior pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Evanston (2010-2016), after which she served as the pastor of Greater St. James AME Church in Gary, Indiana. She was also the chief equity officer for the city of Evanston, 4th Episcopal District
Elder Olivia C. Johnson,
the sister of the Rev. Claude Harrison and sister-in-law of the Rev. Aquinette Harrison, the pastor of New Bethel AME Church, Lacoochee, Florida, 11th Episcopal District
Mr. Thomas Cornelius
Robertson,, the brother of Mother Carrie R. Grady, ret. Episcopal supervisor; the uncle of the Rev. Carey A. Grady, the pastor of Reed Chapel AME Church in Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference; Felita Grady Hicks, Columbia Annual Conference WMS president and uncle-in-love of the Rev. George Hicks, the pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference of the 7th Episcopal District
Retired Episcopal Supervisor
Lucinda Crawford Belin,, the wife of Ret. Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., the 104th elected and consecrated bishop in the AME Church; the mother of the Rev. Dr. Henry Allen Belin III (Rita), the pastor of First AME Church in Bethel, New York, New York; the Rev. Dr. Toni Belin Ingram (Raymond), the presiding elder of the Augusta North Augusta District; and the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, the president/publisher of AME Church Sunday School Union
Mrs. Leila McDaniel Hughes,
the mother of Mrs. Pradensia Drayton, the area consultant and mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Sandy W. Drayton, the presiding elder of the Georgetown District in the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference of the 7th Episcopal District
Mother Seretha Bookert
Reeves, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Maxine Sumpter, the pastor of Youngs Chapel AME Church in Irmo, South Carolina, Columbia District, Columbia South Carolina Annual Conference and the Rev. Rhudene Toomer, the pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church in Kinard, South Carolina, Newberry District in the Columbia South Carolina Annual Conference. She was the mother of the church at St. Paul AME Church in Irmo of the 7th Episcopal District
Mr. Gennie Florence, Sr., age 87, the father of Lady M. Gail (Florence) Hunter and fatherin-law of Presiding Elder Bruce W. Hunter, South Birmingham Huntsville Bessemer District in the Northwest Alabama Conference of the 9th Episcopal District
Minister Patricia Jones Kelly,
the mother of Minister Lisa Lauray and Minister Laray Lauray; the daughter of the late Rev. F.W. Jones, Sr., the former secretary of the East Florida Conference; the sister of the Rev. Charles M. Jones, Sr. (Carrie), the retired pastor, East Florida Conference, the Rev. Alfred D. Jones (E. Mae, the president of South Conference, Clergy Family), the retired pastor in the South Annual Conference, Bishop Dr. Alvin L. Jones, Sr. (Mae), and Bishop Frank W. Jones, Jr. (Peggy), Apostle Faith Miracle Church, Jacksonville, Florida; and other nephews, nieces, and cousins pastoring in the 11th Episcopal District
Presiding Elder Albert
Moore, Jr., who retired from the former Northeast Texas Annual Conference of the 10th Episcopal District
Mr. Eskew McKinsley
Roberts, Sr., the brother of the Rev. J.C. Roberts, the presiding elder of the Albany North District, 6th Episcopal District
Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. John Thomas III.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)
WE ARE STILL THE VILLAGE
By Rosemary Range, FCE
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has many facets that equip, mentor, and enhance the life of a believer. The Fellowship of Christian Education (FCE) is that entity that provides such an experience. Membership in this organization is open to all church educators who have been appointed to serve in the teaching ministry at all connectional levels.
When I was a small child in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, we had a Christian Education Director (CED) who was loving yet stern, and because of her love of the Lord, her teaching was much more prioritized. The children would feign to pass her without being corrected; however, I desired her tenacity. She would teach about the altar and what it should mean to a believer. She taught respect for the sanctuary. She imparted that the space between the first pew to the chancel rail was just as holy as being up in the pulpit. We were taught that we couldn’t walk across the holy place, that we had to give reverence when we entered the sanctuary, and that, of course, we can’t stand on the kneeling place!
Our director would take your hand and fold it over to spank your knuckles with the ruler. Oh yes, she was also a librarian at the public elementary school, just up the street from the church. It was a poor neighborhood but rich in love and the value of people. Yes, she was the conservative dresser, arms folded, gloves, hat, and manners to match. Not only was she the CED and Sunday School teacher, but she was also the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) president, lay advocate, and a former connectional director. For her, everything began with the Lord’s service!
My director also took the time to take as many who would participate to see the Desoto Caverns and New Jerusalem in Northern Alabama. Neighborhood children would be glad to go someplace outside of the norm. For years we learned the Catechism, the duties of the stewards, trustees, and other church officers. We attended the congresses and learned how to conduct ourselves down to wearing shower shoes. She taught about the laity and the various levels of the church—local, conference, district, Episcopal, and the connection. Yes, she became the apple of my learning and teaching eye. She helped with little love offerings of $2 now and again to encourage me and others to stay on the journey as she loved each child and met each need. In hindsight, I think she was as good as a surrogate mother. See, my mother was working in the “white folks” house, across the mountain; but, since my mother had to work, she trusted the director to teach her children about the God she believed. My dad was working as well. I often sit and wonder if she knew the impact she had on my life?
After high school, I wanted a break from school, mostly because my parents had six children. It was hard for me to enter college until my director taught me about scholarships and grants, making college a reality. In my early twenties, I remember going to Bible study with the seasoned saints, where I was fed the word. No smooth over but the cut to the chase word of God. I thank her profusely now, for I know a God that some will never get to know because of a closed heart, mind, and hand. I recall one week that she trained me how to pray. I was informed that next week that I would lead the prayer. Feeling intimidated by the elders’ way of praying, I wrote and rehearsed word for word, the prayer. When the time came to lead, I couldn’t remember a word. Of course, she had me sit directly in front of her. She just smiled and said, “You tried to remember it, didn’t you?” I said, “Yes, ma’am.” She said, “Young lady, just talk to him just like you would your mom or dad.” And, thus began my prayer life. Thank God, mom; you sent us to learn the truth from an excellent, godly representative!
Once, the elders were expounding on Matthew 13 about the sower, and I mentioned that the word was not for all persons but God’s people. A senior begged to differ, which brought pure delight and approval to Dr. Hattie Bryant Whitt Greene’s face. The pastor was called out of his study to join in the conversation. That instance showed me always to have scripture ready as the epitome of your instruction, for its God’s word, not mine. As we discussed the lesson, we all learned that age does not make a difference, for we all learn as we seek his face.
Fellowship of Christian Educators is a department that helps with a person’s education. In our overseas connection, where most poverty-stricken areas are, and throughout the U.S., we have such a leader who wants to support others. We meet to assist the newly appointed commissioner, Presiding Prelate, Frank Madison Reid III, Executive Christian Education director, ...continued on p15
CENTURY CHURCH
By Jordan DeVeaux
What do young Christians want?
For much of my Christian journey, particularly as a participant in ministry, variations of the same question have been asked of me rather frequently. It may be presented through the lens of church growth and retention or simply a neutral curiosity. However, regardless of the motivations behind asking, the inquiries all boil down to the same idea— what do young people want from the church? From desires for town halls and community forums to the conception of individual podcasts, the answer is painfully obvious. And while I try my best to be careful about speaking on behalf of other people without their consent, I would argue that young people, across generations, desire one thing in particular: dialogue, not only to be heard but understood. Young people in the AME Church today have been barraged with a range of topics that many of us, if we are truly honest with ourselves, too wonder about quite a bit. From LGBTQIA marriage rights to the Israel-Palestine conflict, young Christians and older Christians alike are grappling with how Jesus would engage in these conversations if he were present physically on earth with us today.
So, where do we begin?
The first step in embracing healthy dialogue about difficult topics in our churches is to make a very important distinction—dialogue versus debate. This distinction is critical because if the vehicle of dialogue is mishandled, the church could easily end up doing more harm than good. Dialogue is the process of entering a space with differing points of view and aiming to leave the conversation able to explain the other person’s point of view. The goal of dialogue is understanding. On the contrary, the focus of debate is invalidating the other perspective and uplifting my own. The goal of debate is winning. The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies has a tremendous breakdown of this distinction here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BHnmysaDuNY.
Is there no room for debate in the church?
So, is there no room for debate in religious life? What about apologetics or the defense of the faith? There absolutely is. Debate is not inherently bad. There are select scenarios that call for healthy debate. For instance, we should engage in debate as an exercise in conversations to better understand our own points of view. It instead should be used intentionally and with the selfsacrificial love and the intellectual thoughtfulness that Christ models for us.
Does dialogue require me to be a spiritual relativist?
Good question—not necessarily. As Christians, there are many absolutist positions we have chosen about things such as murder and assault. However, some things are a little less black and white. Dialogue requires all of us to lean into those nuances and shades of gray with our young people as we both aim to make sense of things with the word of God as our guide.
What does that look like?
In order to fully incorporate dialogue into our churches, a few things need to happen first. We must eliminate power dynamics that make fruitful conversation challenging, own our areas of uncertainty, and humanize the clergy that pour into us. In a conversation with a high school student earlier this year, I was truly shaken by his conviction. He said, “I think I would respect the church much more if preachers were comfortable saying that they don’t know.” These three things are requirements for best dialogue practices to essentially accomplish the same thing—level the ground on which we host this discussion. We must welcome opportunities to admit when absolute answers
...continued on p15
EDWARD WATERS ENROLLMENT SKYROCKETS AS UNIVERSITY SHATTERS 1,000 STUDENT THRESHOLD FOR FIRST TIME IN NEARLY TWO DECADES
Jacksonville, Florida – Overall enrollment at the newly named Edward Waters University (EWU) has increased by a stunning 14%, as marked at the close of its fall registration period on Friday, August 27, 2021. The phenomenal single-year, double-digit percentage enrollment increase culminated in a final fall 2021 enrollment count of 1104 students at Florida’s first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and first private institution of higher education—the highest overall enrollment the institution has seen in close to twenty years. Relatedly, the university simultaneously welcomed its largest class of new students on record, as a total of 531 new students enrolled at the state of Florida’s and Jacksonville’s newest university, which represents a 27% increase in total newly enrolled students at EWU over fall 2020 and a 50% increase over fall 2019.
“This tremendous development for our university is further evidence of our continuing advancement and forward movement as a ‘destination institution’ of choice amongst parents and prospective students who are increasingly selecting Edward Waters for their higher educational future,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., president and CEO of Edward Waters University.
“We’re equally ecstatic that this year’s enrollment outcome is also indicative of substantial progress being made towards enhancing the retention of our Tiger students as this latest overall enrollment effort indicates that we were successful in retaining nearly 80% of our students from spring 2021 to fall 2021,” President Faison stated.
Accordingly, and despite the challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the university is experiencing a comprehensive institutional renaissance marked by remarkably rapid growth as this year makes the second consecutive year of increased total enrollment at EWU. This renaissance led to an awe-inspiring 18% increase in overall student enrollment over the past two academic years (i.e., overall student enrollment increased by 4% in fall 2020 and 14% in fall 2021). Accordingly, the university received nearly 7,000 applications for the current 2021-2022 academic year, representing a 17% increase in total applications received by the university over fall 2020.
“This incredibly positive enrollment outcome was the result of a lot of really hard work by all of the members of our cross-institutional SERT (Strategic Enrollment and Retention Team) and particularly Mr. Kendrick Dunklin, an our executive director of Enrollment Management, whose team o worked collaboratively to achieve this signature high overall and w new student enrollment mark,” said EWU vice president for n Enrollment Management and Strategic Matriculant Services, Dr. E Jennifer Price. Je In addition, the overall competitive profile for this year’s newest collection of Tiger scholar students is equally notable as n the average grade point average amongst those entering EWU, th the class of 2025, is an impressive 3.05, up from the reported th 2.86-grade point average (GPA) of last year’s new student class. 2 Moreover, this fall, the university is also excited to welcome its third consecutive cohort of high achieving students who it are members of the “Gamma Cohort” of the EWU Honors ar College. This third iteration of twenty dynamically talented C and academically gifted Tiger scholars whose high school an GPA averaged 3.94 included a class valedictorian and G a student who earned a nearly 6.0 GPA. Among the a 531 new students matriculating at EWU this fall, are 53 over 30 of the institution’s first ever graduate students ov enrolled in EWU’s new fully online Masters of Business en Administration (M.B.A.) program. As a collective, the A graduate students in EWU’s inaugural graduate program gr boast an impressive series of resumes with an average bo 3.1 undergraduate GPA while hailing from locales from 3 throughout the state of Florida and the country, including th Ohio, Texas, and Alabama. O “After developing a comprehensive enrollment management and marketing plan that focused on retention and recruitment, we have met our enrollment goal for the fall 2021 semester. This grand accomplishment would not have been possible without the strategic direction of our superlative president & CEO, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.,” said provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Donna H. Oliver. ❏ ❏ ❏
...From “What Do…” p14 escape us, no matter how uncomfortable that is. Why? Because it is easier to seek the God that knows the answer alongside someone that loves and respects you than someone you see as your opponent.
What makes you so sure?
In closing, I would like to demonstrate this practice now. How am I sure that this is the answer? I’m not. But, I hope in these reflections, it has become clear why this is my authentic stance. Thank you for engaging in this dialogue with me. ❏ ❏ ❏
the Rev. Dr. Garland Pierce, and our FCE director, Robin Porter-Smith, who is adamant about the project to help others. All the board members are lovingly trying to push the FCE forward, as to touch all 20 districts’ Christian Education directors. Perhaps the fruition of a multi-level Connectional teaching curriculum down to the local level can be unified for our growth!
The 15th and 20th districts already have been the recipients of the FCE scholarship. Upcoming is the 14th and 18th districts, then back to the 16th and 13th districts. We get around and pray you will join us in growing the FCE. You may find us on www.ameced/church.org.
Ready, set, go! We could use every Districts’ Christian Education director to help with many more scholarships and more togetherness…. hence, connected! We are still the village!
...From We Are p14
$40.00 membership fee includes a subscription to The Journal of Christian Education. Join online or mail checks payable to Fellowship of Church Educators to the Rev. Dr. Madonna Gray • Fellowship of Church Educators • PO Box 1346 • Aliquippa, PA 15001
CONNECTIONAL AME WIM OFF TO A ROARING START
With over 600 participants in attendance, the first post-General Conference Connectional AME Church Women in Ministry (AMEWIM) General Membership Meeting convened on Saturday, September 11, 2021, by our second term president, the Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, D.Min. Due to ongoing safety concerns related to the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually. AMEWIM General Membership Meetings will be held quarterly (12/11/21, 3/12/22, and 6/11/22).
AMEWIM was delighted to welcome our new Commission chair, the 142nd elected and consecrated bishop in the life and work of the AME Church, Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr., who brought greetings to the body. As the son of the first female presiding elder appointed in the continental United States, the Rev. Cornelia Wright, Bishop Wright is sensitive to the challenges of women in ministry and is apt to help chart the course of our work for the remainder of the quadrennium.
The Connectional Executive Board elected to serve in leadership are: the Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, Connectional president; the Rev. Dr. Ammie Davis, Connectional first vice-president; the Rev. Joelynn T. Stokes, Esq., Connectional second vicepresident; the Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess, Connectional third vice-president; the Rev. Dr. Louise Jackson, general secretary; the Rev. Bettye J. Watson, communications secretary; the Rev. Robin Truitt, Connectional financial secretary; the Rev. Angelique Mason, Connectional treasurer; the Rev. Carolyn Baskin Bell, Connectional herstorigrapher; the Rev. Dr. Emily Pardue, Connectional director of Liturgy & Worship; and the Rev. Mamphethe Beatrice Motokoa (PE), Central Southern Africa coordinator.
We were blessed by the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair’s presentation on the Herstory of AMEWIM leadership. Dr. Crawford admonished the assembly to be selective in its election of leadership at all levels as elections have consequences—even AME elections. Therefore, she emphasized that leadership should (1) exhibit a commitment to AMEWIM and its directives; (2) engage advocacy and action as it relates to women in ministry; (3) seek allies and create access to resources; (4) participate at every level of AMEWIM; and (5) understand the historical and practical movements of the church. Dr. Crawford was careful to note that AMEWIM is not a women’s club but a ministry that takes seriously its objectives. AMEWIM were also encouraged to support each other and to view our male colleagues as allies and not enemies.
The Rev. Joelynn T. Stokes, Esq., addressed the changes to the AMEWIM Bylaws passed at the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, which mainly expanded the eligibility of women to serve in WIM leadership. The newly constituted AMWIM Executive Board, elected at the seat of the 51st Session of the General Conference, and the Connectional Standing Committees were ...continued on p26
THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION (CLO) PRESIDENT MAKITI UNVEILS VISION FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
A month after Makiti’s historic election as the first ever r African president of the Connectional Lay Organization (CLO), he moved expeditiously to unveil his vision at the CLO’s first Executive Board Meeting, held on Saturday, 21 August 2021.
The vision will guide and direct the CLO for the next four (4) years and is premised on the overall mission and vision of the Lay Organization which is to teach, train, and provide greater leadership opportunities for the lay members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In his opening statement, Makiti emphasized that the CLO should strive to meet the needs and aspirations of the church’s lay persons including all auxiliaries because they are the CLO’s most important stakeholders. He further encouraged the Connectional Lay Organization executive board members ---- and by extension, their constituent members in the entire connection to have greater passion and enthusiasm for the Lay Ministry. It is our mission to always embrace, express, live, and emulate the values of servant leadership as were espoused by Jesus Christ, when transacting in God’s business and ensure that all decisions taken are in the interest of advancing the mission of the Lay Organization --- which is to teach, train and prepare our laypersons for greater leadership roles.
The much-anticipated vision for the CLO for the 2021 – 2025 quadrennial prioritized teaching and training. President Makiti said that the CLO needed to continue to embark on programs that ensure that teaching and training remains the core of the CLO business. In this regard, the CLO embraces unity, collaboration with other auxiliaries to achieve personal and professional development of members in a caring and prayerful manner. He emphasized that all this would be achieved if the Lay Organization goes “back – to – basics” and introduces empowerment programs that will resonate with our lay members. “We will be introducing Masterclasses, Lectures on Leadership development, embark on Mentorship Academy and Exchange Programs amongst Episcopal districts” said Makiti.
President Makiti further affirmed that he envisions the Connectional Lay Organization that is spiritually, biblically–based and anchored in prayer – a Lay Organization that could be a home where both new and old members of all ages can grow spiritually through programs that fulfil, nurture, and minister to the spiritual needs of our constituent members.
As a connectional organization, President Makiti encouraged members to embrace global inclusion and participation, constantly learning from each other, embracing diversity, valuing and respecting the rights and views of all members regardless of where they originate – because “all voices matter.” He further implored members to continue to provide support to Episcopal districts 14- 20 and empower them through “Twinning Agreements” to allow for cross - pollination of teaching, training and empowerment and to provide support and collaboration on social action initiatives.
Openness in communication is one of President Makiti’s passions – he therefore urged the CLO to communicate and listen to the members needs and requirements of the members whilst at the same time ensuring that members are well - informed and that communication is timely, relevant, and professional. This he stated will be done in a cohesive and collaborative manner to safeguard the integrity and brand image of the organization. It will also leverage technology using both traditional and social media to profile, market, and publicize the Lay Organization and its work. The CLO communication platforms and resource tools will be enhanced by embracing and utilizing current advancements in technology while embracing and enhancing the uptake of technology as a means of business communication. This will help bridge the digital divide amongst lay members, and the Episcopal districts.
From the stakeholder perspective, President Makiti emphasized the need for the CLO to have sound and cordial relationships with the clergy. These congealed relationships will extend to the other auxiliaries in the church to determine their training needs and embark on joint programs and share training resources.
For agility and future sustenance of the CLO, President ...continued on p17
