If you could be Bishop for one month, what would you do or say? What district would you want to be Bishop of? This is not a real possibility, but it may give some insight into what we would like for our denomination. And for those who are not AME what would you like one of our Bishops to discuss with your denomination. May the love of God be your joy!

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Answers

Interesting question, Rev. Denise The first thing I would do, realizing it would really take more than a month, is to address and advocate for the Africam Jurisdiction. A true and prayerful solution must be found. The denomination must come to understand that our overseas Districts must be heard and action, beyond lipservice, taken. The second issue concerns the heavy weight of assessments on our smaller churches. At the last General Conference pleas to the Bishops to take this into consideration fell on deaf ears (at least, that is my interpretation, please correct me if I am wrong in this). My District's assessment was increased by more than 100%. I don't have the exact number but it was a large increase and that is being passed down to the Local church through the Annual Conferences. The burden is crippling the smaller churches and it is puting a strain on even the larger ones. As the "one month Bishop", I would put some sensitivty in the Council of Bishops. I hope I could chose my month, I would want it to be a month in which the Council is meeting. :-) Lastly, I would change my date of assignment and extend myself for 6 more months, for followup. :-) Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Work across denominational lines with other Bible-believers in joint prayer meetings focusing on revival.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Rev. Rogers I am not a member of the AME church but I am delighted that you asked this question. If I were Bishop of the AME denomination I would decree that all AME ministers preach about the Holy Spirit every Sunday and all members of the AME church read their bibles from Genesis 1:1 to Rev 22:21 at least once. Furthermore, all members of the AME church would be encouraged to become obsessed with following the Holy Spirit so much so that all church matters would be decided upon by prayer and not voting. I also wish for the same for all the other denominations of the church. Wow! I have had my moment of power and it certainly felt good.

Sincerely,

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Jazzman, Where do you fellowship? It might help me to relate better to you.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

I attend Third St. Bethel AME church in Richmond,Va. This congregation worships in a building which was built by African slaves 150 years ago. It is just amazing how God has kept this congregation going throughout the years. I am going to join this congregation when God makes it clear for me to do so.

Sincerely,

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001

I would have a census taken of every AME congregation. It is time to know what our numbers really are so that the church can govern itself by todays realities as opposed to the flights of fantacy that currently serve as our membership rosters.

The Mole

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

Excellent question! One month would not be enough time to complete the task, but I would focus on funding for new congregations and ministries leading to new congregations. I think we (The AME Church and each Episcopal District) should at minimum set aside an amount equal to 10% of the total annual budget dedicated to providing funding for new works, including support for pastors willing to go and do this work. Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2001

What a great question--I couldn't resist. I think we all first have to concede that it is far easier not being in the position to opine about what we would do than to actually try to do the job. But let's not let that stop us. One of the first things I would take a hard look at is (and I'll invent a phrase here) is "connectional culture": the role of leadership in creating and shaping it, identifying the values that are at work in it. More specifically, while there are many wonderful things about the collective "us" some of the things that poison our connectional culture and undermine the church are things such as 1)mistrust of each other from top to bottom--just look at some of the posts on this board concerning pastors, bishops, African jurisdiction,finances and we see a glimpse of the evidence and consequences of mistrust 2)fear all over the place--I wonder how many would love to share their heartfelt opinions on a matter but don't for fear of how it might be taken. It's good that we are blessed with those who speak without fear but still fear is a stubborn and deadly intruder within the denomination and undermines the respectful and loving candor that is critical to unity. Next, I think it is critical that the church look at developing leaders more systematically rather than hoping for the best. A sea change in leadership is occuring right now as retirements begin to happen all over the connection. How do we groom nurture new leaders that will not only carry on but go further and higher. In week two...:) Blessings to all.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2001

Bishop Byrd it is a delight to read your response. I hope you are enjoying your retirement. I have a question for you sir, what surprised you the most when you became Bishop? Was it harder or easier for you? And what were some of your high points as Bishop and low points. God bless you for your service.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2001

Sister Denise

You hit the right name but the wrong generation.

The Vernon Byrd who posted above, is indeed a Bishop in spirit if not yet by election. He is Vernon Byrd Jr. the son of our illustrious Bishop, who currently is located for health reasons. He also is my long-time classmate in institute and friend.

I am glad to see Vernon make his return to the board here, where in the past he has been a strong voice in our discussions. But he need not labor in any shadow, even the long one of his father, for you shall see in time he is one of our Zion's bright lights in his own accord.

I think I just elected Vernon Byrd Jr. to the Episcopacy in my short reign as Bishop

But that only took a few minutes, I will return with the blueprint for the rest of my month shortly.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2001

I "fear" that the fear and mistrust Brother Byrd mentions in his post are in part justified. Our people, in some instances, have been trained to lead by using fear, mistrust, and withholding knowledge. This, of course breeds the same. The question is how do we overcome such. Bishop DeVeaux, with his open initiatives, is making a very good start. In this Information Age, open communications, responsible leadership, holding leaders responsible for their actions, will go a long way toward an open society replacing fear with faith, mistrust with confidence, and lack of knowledge with freedom. Blessings, Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Rev. Rogers, dad and mom are praising God and doing fine--thanks for asking. My dear Bro. John I take your warm heartfelt words as evidence of your kindness not your prophetic ability :) and Bro. Paris, I agree with you 100%. Vernon

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

If I was Bishop for one month, I would establish an evaluation system for all Pastors. The evaluation will be performance-based and measurable. The Elders would take on a different role, especially in the area of administering the evaluation in conjunction with the membership, community, and pastor's self-evaluation. My desire would be to preside over the First Episcopal District. Additionally, I would assess the need to have so many Churches in a given geographical boundary. We could do more if we came together. For those Churches that would be combined, the selection of the pastor to lead the newly formed, combined Church would be based on the outcome of the Performance-Based Evaluation System. The pastor not selected would serve the Church in another capacity or would be required to seek other employment and serve as an Associate Pastor. My final action would be to assess how so much money comes into the AME Church but does not remain within the AME Church. Yet many of our Churches are struggling to survive. Many of our Churches are ready for the body bag - they are falling right in the mist of a community where the Church is their only HOPE. As a result, our people are dying. The Mother District should set the example and establish the model for the other 18 districts. So, if this was possible, I would preside over the First Episcopal District but would always be a member of the Second Episcopal District.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

I would call for a Bishops Retreat/Revival and use Bishop John and Rev Cecelia Bryant as the facilitators where they will train the rest of the Bishops and their spouses how to walk in the Beauty of Holiness and how to apply it in their districts. That would be enough for me. HALLELUJAH

-- Anonymous, February 06, 2001