This site has enlightened me to the reality that there is much discourse in our denomination. We have issues with supporting full-time preachers, setting the standard for candidates to be elected to Episcopal Honors (Which we have a say in!!)and we appear to be afraid of making some difficult operational decisions for the future of our Church. Should we not set goals to have the elimination of part time Pastors (by program management)? Increase the tithe percentage for every Church to ninety percent. Set a standard of criterion for those who seek the office of Bishop in 2004? With these and other issues, there is not much time before the next General Conference. What do you think? I would appreciate any and all comments. Thank you

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Answers

Good ideas! By discourse I take it you mean diversity of ideas; there is and should be in any organism that is alive; and the church is an organism. Pastors ought to be full time. They must be supported by the congregations. Congregations must be taught to accept the responsibility. Congregations must be given authority if we expect them to assume the responsibility; they must have some say in who is selected to be the pastor. The Tithe (except for full-time pastors) cannot and should not be mandated. Our Discipline attaempts to do this but it is futile. You can monitor the tithe on the pittance paid by the church but who's to say what a pastor's income is outside the church. Placing a percentage on every Church (with the pastor as the enforcer) places the pastor in an untenable position further harming the church/pastor relations. Bishops 2004 - I pray that the delegates would ELECT NO bishops in 2004 for two reasons: 1) The Episcopacy and General Officer corp should be downsized to fit the downsized church; and 2) The Lay needs to assume more responsibility in the affairs of the denomination. I know these are unpopulars views and pray that those who disagree will attack the ideas/view points and not attack the person. I continue to believe that we can have a discussion of ideas without discussing the individuals. I believe that if everyone is allowed to bring thier ideas to the table without fear, only good can come of differences of opinion. It is a fact that there are far more readers than contributors to this board. Our bishops read this board and thereby monitor the pulse of the AME Church. This pulse can only be accurate if each person has the freedom and courage to contribute. Kinda got off the subject a bit but that is also a serious issue. We need to learn to dialog without creating divisiveness.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Good Morning Rev. Paris

Thank you for your response and the points are well taken. My question next to you would be the challenge "Should the Church be in the Upsizing Business and not the down sizing business?" In addition sir it appears there was a virus during this response. Rev. Paris I agree there needs to be a sharp and frank debate on these issues before the wheels of process grind through again.

Thank you and God Bless You

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

When I say downsize the bench of bishops and general officers in order that the pastors can spend more time and money to Upsize the congregations. More bishops does not equate to more members of the body of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I believe the AME Church must move into the Twenty-First Century!! As long there are mixed standards and favoritism in the Church we will continue to go round and round on the hot topics of the day. The Church has a rich hertiage and legacy that still has something to offer to a society that is dying. Every Bishop that runs for elected office must be held accountable for their service record and their ability to grasp the complex challenges facing the Church. If they can demonstrate and articulate a plan of justice and equity in the Church then they should be elected. Character is more important than popularity. Secondly, the layity have the power to hold pastors, presiding elders, and Bishops accountable for Godly service and conduct. The Church would do well, to explore other mainline denominations and their business practices to enhance current operations. Thank you for having the courage to start the dialogue going. Looking forward to progressive thoughts!!

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Rev. Alexander Thank you for your response. I agree with you completely. I believe that this is the type of dialogue that should increase and the Church will benefit the more we constructively seek to serve God better. God Bless You and Thank you for your response.

Thanks

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001