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TO OUR BELOVED FAMILY OF GOD AND ZION e consider it a great joy to once again convene the AME Zion Board of Bishops’ Preaching Institute. Bishop Ruben L. Speaks, in his book; “The Minister and His Task” states; “The Christian movement was always at its best when great preachers graced its pulpit.” He concludes; “There can be no great preaching without intellectual and spiritual discipline.” In contrast to a culture that often seems to celebrate the superficial, the AME Zion Church must reclaim our rich legacy of substantive, powerful preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and worship that is both liberating and transformative. Those who participate in these sessions recognize the need to invest in developing our spiritual gifts to their fullest potential so that we can effectively serve the congregations and communities to which we are assigned. A Music and Choir Symposium has been added to our Preaching Institute this year with the goal of enhancing the sacred harmony of ministry of the Word and ministry of music. Our churches are blessed when pastors and music ministry leaders work together with a shared vision for church renewal. Too often we are not intentional in training our music team to be partners in ministry rather than entertainers and performers. The vital role of worshipful music in our churches must be understood by ministers and musicians alike. The 2016 Preaching Institute & Choir and Musicians Symposium planning team has worked tirelessly to provide a dynamic experience of powerful preaching, transformative teaching, and wonderful worship. This is an opportunity for you to be edified through the preaching ministry of some of this nation’s most profound, prophetic voices; to learn from gifted, well-trained, anointed musicians; to be encouraged to cultivate your own unique gifts; and to encounter a diverse gathering of preachers and musicians from around the country who are committed to the Gospel. As such, the agenda will provide for learning opportunities beyond the formal plenary sessions. You are strongly encouraged to be intentional in engaging your preaching and music ministry colleagues in conversations about impacting this generation for Christ, to reflect upon both the joys and challenges of our precious calling, and to share insights on how each of us can become all the more holy and healthy. By doing so, you will be inspired to return to your ministry context renewed and retooled. We are sincerely grateful for the sacrifice of time and resources that you have made to be here. The value of this investment however cannot be overstated. Anyone who takes their ministry seriously is willing to continually focus on personal and professional development. Leaders are learners! When we become stale and stagnant as church leaders, our ministry declines and our congregations suffer. Your presence this week demonstrates that you refuse to accept mediocrity in your ministry, but are eager to invest in your own growth. We encourage more of our leaders across Zion to adopt the mindset “I must GO to GROW!” Welcome to the 2016 Preaching Institute & Choir and Musicians Symposium. We look forward to engaging you during our time together. God bless!
Your Chief Servants,
Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church The Right Reverend Richard K. Thompson, President The Right Reverend George E. Battle, Jr., Senior Bishop A.M.E. ZION Church Board of Bishops • 3
PREACHER & PRESENTER
DR. E. DEWEY SMITH, JR Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta and The House of Hope Macon. A proud native of Macon, Ga., he has been a minister of the gospel for more than 25 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoral ministry at age 19. God has highly favored Dr. Smith by allowing explosive growth and outreach to accompany his ministry. His first congregation in Macon, Ga., Beulahland, grew from 48 to over 3,000 people in 13 years. Since 2004 he has served as the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta and under his leadership, the membership roll has grown to more than 11,000. In January 2015, Smith was blessed to expand his ministry with the launch of The House of Hope Macon. Smith is a learned man--with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Master of Science degree from Southern Christian University in Montgomery, Al, and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Additionally, he was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a “Distinguished Preacher.” Dr. Smith has served on the Board of Directors for the Morehouse School of Religion as well as the Board of Directors for the United Theological Seminary and Bible College of Monroe, La. He is an author of theological articles and books.
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Smith’s works have been included in publications such as The African American Pulpit Journal, and his most recent book, A God Dream, is considered a literary gem. Dr. Smith is a musician, producer and songwriter. He was the Executive Producer for The Hope Mass Choir’s Live at the Cathedral project and also recently released his latest single, “I’m a Christian Man.” Pastor Smith’s television broadcasts and media ministries have an international reach and are viewed by millions around the world. His television program, “Living Hope,” is broadcast weekly on The Word Network, which has a reach – in the United States alone – of 86 million households. A personable and humble man, Dr. Smith has been honored to share in ministry across the world. He has served as the keynote speaker on some of today’s most renown platforms and has had the opportunity to address key topics that impact the lives and livelihoods of others. Smith is intentional in his efforts to minister to five generations and his ministry impacts persons from all socioeconomic classes. Counted among those inspired by his message of HOPE are students, educators, doctors, professional NBA/NFL athletes, gospel and R&B artists, Hollywood actors and other celebrities. Dr. Smith is married to the lovely former Andrea Fambro, his best friend of over 20 years. They have been blessed with two sons: Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah.
GUEST PSALMIST
STEPHEN HURD In a few short years, Stephen Hurd has become one of the frontline praise and worship leaders in the gospel music world. His songs such as “Undignified”, “Great Praise” and “Zion is Calling” have become staples in Sunday morning church services. His new CD Times of Refreshing (Integrity Music/ $13.98 List Price) promises to make the same impact. The up-tempo lead single “Amazing” is catching on at radio nationwide and also underscores just how large a role faith has played in Hurd’s life and career. When asked what the most amazing thing was to ever happen to him, Hurd’s mind goes back to his sophomore year in college. His late mother and biggest cheerleader, was dying of a chronic lung disease. “When I was singing to my mother in the hospital bed and watched her body become relaxed from the overwhelming fear of not knowing her plight,” Hurd says. “That was amazing to me. I saw peace come upon her. I could tell you many many amazing moments like that but we don’t have enough time.” One story he did find time to tell was how he joined Integrity Music. Hurd was a popular praise and worship leader in the Washington, D.C. area and had even recorded two custom CDs. He wasn’t actively seeking a record deal but a fan passed one of his CDs on to an A&R representation at Integrity Music. The man called Hurd to discuss a contract. “The first time they called, I couldn’t meet with them,” he says. “It was February and I was in the mountains on a retreat and my pastor John Jenkins wanted me to stay on site. So, I thought I had lost the opportunity.” A year later, Jackie Patillo had
become Integrity’s A&R representative and reached out to Hurd herself. “Several people told me about Stephen,” recalls Patillo who is now VP of A&R at Zomba Gospel in New York. “Al Hobbs [Chairman of the Gospel Music Workshop of America] was the first. Stephen has the heart and soul of a worshiper and it was a privilege to facilitate his music ministry.” She trekked up to Washington, D.C. to watch him lead Sunday morning praise and worship at First Baptist Church of Glenarden. “It was amazing that it came at that time,” he says. “I had felt like I was at a ceiling with the work I had done and didn’t know how to make my platform more effective.” Soon after, Hurd and Patillo sat down with Hurd’s pastor, an attorney and hammered out a deal. That was over five years ago and Hurd’s amazing journey continues. “I didn’t write Amazing,” he says of the new song. “It was written by my co-producer and friend Justin Savage, a young masterful talent that works with many greats in the industry like CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, and Donnie McClurkin. I was in my office listening to music for the new CD and Justin started singing and playing this song.... and I said, `what is that? I NEED THAT SONG on my project and I LOVE IT.... it’s so powerful and works everywhere I sing it. I believe worship teams and choirs all over the world will sing this song. It’s powerful and marries the scriptures from Lamentations 3:21.... God’s mercies are new every morning. And he is so tremendous that when you try to put it in words you bump into ‘Amazing.’
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ELI WILSON, JR • • • •
SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER
Eli Wilson, Jr., a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of the Dream Releaser Coaching Program, founded by Dr. Sam Chand. He is a Certified Life Coach and an ordained Church Music Leader (Minister of Music) with 32 years of full time service. He is the founder of Eli Wilson Ministries, Inc. – Coaching Leaders for Ministry and Personal Development. Eli is an independent recording artist with 7 CDs to his credit: Introducing Eli Wilson, Jr.: “God’s Word Shall Stand Forevermore” • Pure and Simple • In My Quiet Time • For His Glory • Conversations With God • The Thoughts of Heart • The Best of Eli Wilson Jr. Volume One He is a composer. Some of his compositions have been recorded by Babbie Mason, Keith Pringle, Ben Hill United Methodist Church, and Trinity United Church of Christ. He has also been published in: • The African American Heritage Hymnbook • Zion Still Sings
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The New Century Hymnbook New Wine In Old Wine Skins The African American Church Music Series Total Praise Hymnbook
Eli is also the author of Equipping the Church for Ministry: A Resource for Church Music Leaders and Choir Members Minister Wilson did his undergraduate work at Dillard University, New Orleans in Vocal Music Education and his post-graduate work at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School and the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY in a combined Master’s program in Christian Education and Sacred Music. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Virginia Seminary and College. Eli is the Music Director for the Children’s Defense Fund’s Proctor Institute at Haley Farm, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and has served as Song Leader at The Hampton Minister’ Conference. Eli is married to the former Brenda Marie Simmons and together they have two sons, Eli III and LeVar Antoine. Minister Eli Wilson is committed to the work of Jesus Christ, and has dedicated himself to helping leaders realize their full potential. is committed to the work of Jesus Christ, and has dedicated himself to helping leaders realize their full potential.they have two sons, Eli III and LeVar Antoine. Minister Eli Wilson is committed to the work of Jesus Christ, and has dedicated himself to helping leaders realize their full potential
BISHOP MILDRED BONNIE HINES SENDING CHARGE
Bishop Hines received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC; Master’s degree in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Master of Divinity, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia; Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Colgate Rochester School of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
Board, Los Angeles Pan Methodist Council; Member of Board, Traditionally Black Methodist Church Council, Los Angeles and Faculty Member, University of Southern California (USC).
Bishop Hines has held pastorates at Waddell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Shelby, NC; Saint Peters A.M.E. Zion Church, Gastonia, NC; Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Charlotte, NC; and First A.M.E. Zion Church, Los Angeles, California. She was elected bishop on July 18, 2008 at the 48th Session of the General Conference as the 98th bishop in succession of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Bishop Hines holds a number of organizational offices among them are Dean, Conference Studies, Southwest Rocky Mountain Conference; Assistant Treasurer, Southwest Rocky Mountain Conference; Member of Board, Los Angeles Council of Churches; Member of
A.M.E. ZION Church Board of Bishops • 7
FEBRUARY 11 TIME EVENT
LOCATION
11:00 AM
Registration
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
2:00 PM
PREACHING INSTITUTE KICKOFF
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
Greetings from Rt. Rev. George E. Battle Senior Bishop AME Zion Church Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, President of Livingstone College Main Presenter - Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith Guest Psalmist - Minister Stephen Hurd 4:00 PM
INSTITUTE BREAKOUT SESSIONS Music Ministry - Minister Eli Willson
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
DIALOGUE WITH THE BISHOPS:
7:30 PM
Clergy under 10 Years of Ministry
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
Clergy Over 10 Years of Ministry
ACTIVITIES CENTER
INSTITUTE IN WORSHIP
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
Preacher: Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith Psalmist: Minister Stephen Hurd
11:00 PM
Music Ministry - Institute Choir
VARICK AUDITORIUM
Late Night Musicians Shed
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
FEBRUARY 12 TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:00 AM
The Prayer Meeting
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
9:50 AM
LOGOS
TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
10:00 AM
Preaching Through Personality Dr. Casey R. Kimbrough
11:45 AM
Closing Session and Sending Charge Bishop Mildred Bonnie Hines South Western Delta Episcopal Area
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TUBMAN AUDITORIUM
ORDER OF WORSHIP Praise and Worship Call To Worship Invocation Hymn of Praise Litany Scripture Lesson Prayer Ministry of Music Introduction of Speaker Ministry of Music Message Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith Founding and Senior Pastor The House of Hope, Atlanta and Macon, Georgia Invitation to Christian Discipleship Offering Announcement/Remarks Benediction
AME ZION
A.M.E. ZION Church Board of Bishops • 9
Have Questions or Need Help at the Preaching Institute? Please feel free to call, email or text any of the members of the Preaching Institute Event Team
REV. D’ANDRE JAMES - DANIELS P: 9145731532 E: dwjd@mac.com
REV. KALOMA A. SMITH P: 9143744255 E: pastor@universityamez.com
DR. MAURICE HARDEN P: 7042028437 E: pastormharden@gmail.com
REV. KELCY G.L. STEELE P: 7044307826 E: pastorksteele@me.com
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REV. LECOUNTE NEDAB P: 4433736457 E: Lcnedab@yahoo.com
SISTER LAKESHA WOMACK P: 334.245.3788 E: contact@lakeshawomack.com
REV. EDWRIN SUT TON P: 3364172681 E: pastoredwrinsutton@yahoo.com
DR. HAVEN O. ANDERSON P: 7049208396 E: havanoanderson@aim.com
If you know of anyone who was unable to make the Preaching Institute please let them know it is available on Livestream at the link below amezpi.com/#livestream
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