The 7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church God First Ministry Plan 2K16-2K20 BISHOP SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR, Presiding Prelate MRS. PHYLLIS N. GREEN, Episcopal Supervisor
WORDS FROM THE BISHOP Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow! What an extraordinary time for us to be alive to do the work of kingdom building in the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church! Our God has given us the great honor and privilege of changing lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we endeavor on this journey together, I ask that we accept the clarion call to lead with a God First mindset. Matthew 6:33 encourages us to pick up the mission of the early church and place God at the forefront of every aspect of ministry. God s way must be the foundation for how we equip the clergy, laity and youth within our District. I believe that by applying a God First approach to ministry, we will experience miracles, signs and wonders within our churches, communities and families. 2
G od has given me a fresh vision for the ministry of the Seventh Episcopal District that incorporates all of our stakeholders and members both young and old. Together, by faith, as an Episcopal District, we will begin to change how we do church through nine mission-oriented values: EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY Utilizing modern applications for efficient management throughout the District. Discovering the latest methods to enhance future growth on every level of ministry. Revitalize the District s website for optimal use Provide training and resources for pastors and lay leaders in order to increase their digital presence Incorporating a responsible financial management strategy that produces long-term results for sustainability and growth Establish an Episcopal District Task Force to explore Economic Development Opportunities to provide additional streams of revenue to support the local church Provide opportunities for job training and financial management for members ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Ministry Plan 3
Spreading the Gospel and mission of the Church through fresh and relevant messaging that brings hope, love and transformation. Reach 7,000 new souls for the Kingdom of God EVANGELISTIC EXPLOSION Provide training and resources to evangelize in local communities Trainings will be implemented on all levels: Episcopal, Annual Conference, Presiding Elder District EFFECTIVE STEWARDSHIP Teaching biblical stewardship as a model for honoring our God-given resources and building a long-standing legacy for church and in our individual lives. Provide training and resources on principles of stewardship and tithing Encourage churches to become 100% tithing churches 4
EXPOSITORY PREACHING Rekindling the fire of effective preaching within all of our pulpits that inspires, equips and encourages believers to have hope beyond despair. Provide continuing education opportunities for pastors in prophetic preaching, with an emphasis on exposing preachers to various styles of preaching Reaffirming our commitment to build disciples and not settle for mediocrity by using our denomination s mission to provide ministry to all people that leads to liberation through word and deed. Provide social justice organizing and advocacy trainings in local congregations Train lay persons in the responsibilities of an effective disciple that advances spiritual, social, political, and economic justice Host an AME day at the capital to advocate for progressive policies in the state of South Carolina EXPANDING FROM MEMBERSHIP TO DISCIPLESHIP Ministry Plan 5
Developing exciting ministries with the support of research and studies on potential areas of growth based on the population. Establish 20 new congregations by the year 2020 Implement different styles of worship to meet different demographics throughout the District ESTABLISHING NEW CONGREGATIONS EFFECTIVE MARKETING Promoting the ministries of the Seventh Episcopal District with attractive branding and materials that positions us to emerge as the premier Episcopal District in the AME Church We will create a 7th District mobile app to share information, provide live streaming, relevant Christian resources, and encourage online giving. Launch a marketing and media campaign to brand the 7th District Provide training and resources to local churches to improve their marketing 6
EMPOWERING YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS Focusing on an intentional strategy to engage, retain and develop youth and young adult leaders for the Church and the world. Establish an Episcopal District ministry for youth and young adults to be implemented on all levels Provide alternative templates for worship through resource guides to reach millennials Ministry Plan 7
7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROPOSED ANNUAL CONFERENCE AGENDA 2017 WEDNESDAY 9:00 am...women s Missionary Society Annual Convention 10:00 am...board of Examiner meets with the Bishop 11:00 am...bishop and Cabinet meet 12:00 pm...missionary Sermon 1:00 pm... Luncheon 3:00-5-00 pm... Bishop in private consultation with Pastors and Congregations by Request Ministerial and Lay Training 6:30 pm... WMS Night in White Service 8
THURSDAY 7:45 am... Praise and Worship 8:00 am...business Session Roll Call Presentation of Transfers Organization of Conference Bishop s Word Presiding Elders Summary Reports 10:00 am...opening Worship Service and Holy Communion Annual Sermon 1:30 pm...lunch 3:00 pm...business Session Board of Examiners Report Pastor s Annual Report 5:30 pm...dinner 7:00 pm...lay Worship Service Ministry Plan 9
FRIDAY 7:00 am...breakfast 8:45 am... Praise and Worship 9:00 am... Morning Glory - Women in Ministry 10:30 am...business Session Minutes Pastor Annual Reports Presiding Elder s Salaries and Upkeep Ministerial Efficiency Report Conference Trustee Report 12:00 pm... Ordination Service 1:30 pm...lunch 3:00 pm...business Session Literary Reports Memorial Service Retirement Service 5:30 pm...dinner 7:00 pm... Evening Worship Service - Sons of Allen 10
SATURDAY 7:00 am...breakfast 8:45 am... Praise and Worship 9:00 am... Morning Glory - YPD Worship Service 10:30 am...business Session Minutes Judiciary Report Finance Committee Report Disciplinary Questions 12:00 pm... Noon Day Worship Service - Allen University 1:00 pm...lunch 3:00 pm... Debutante Masters Commission 5:00 pm...the Church School Explosion 6:00 pm...the Closing Worship Service Resolution Committee Report Pastoral Appointments Doxology/Benediction Ministry Plan 11
My brothers and sisters, I know from first-hand experience what the power of God can do when God s people are rooted in prayer and united. I believe within my heart that the Holy Ghost will fall on all of us in the Seventh Episcopal District and we will receive the power to do God s work for such an important time as this. If you pray and also believe, then we will witness the necessary spiritual revival that will change the world. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV) Bishop Sam w w w.ame 7.c h u rc h #A M E7