WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BELONGING TO A CONNECTIONAL CHURCH ? OTHER THAN FINANICAL.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2002

Answers

Fellowship and friendship. This seems to be small but I can relate to the fact that while our church choir was traveling from Torotnto (Canada) to Kenosha (Wisconsin) the bus broke down. I was able to contact the pastor of a number of AME Churches just outside of Benton Harbor (Michigan) who without hesitation went out to check on our choir and make sure that things were worked out. One even offered to provide a meal if the bus was going to be there into the evening. There are many other advantages but this is just a basic one.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2002

I am in South Africa and being a member of a connectional church I met friends around the Globe.

Regards

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2002

What are the financial advantages? I think many within our "Zion" would consider the financials aspects a burden.

But the fellowship and "connectivity" can be a big plus.

Peace

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002

The question posed "advantages of belonging" should have received from us an in depth look at what really are the advantages?

My brother in Toronto (whom I hope to meet next week) said two of the advantages is fellowship and friendship. He showed us how that can be accomplished by being able to lend assistance when in dire straights.

But isn't that what the church of Jesus Christ is to do anyway no matter what the denomination? There has to be (hopefully) other advantages. Are there?

I remain,

A soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb.

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2002

I want to give a praise report that has happened because we are a connectional church and will prove advantageous to one of our churches new ministries. Our Bishop has in place a program called Save Our Sons in the fifth district. It is designed to be a program to help our young african american boys and men. Our church is situated in a University town and there are 60 african american athletes (all Young Men) who are recruited from large cities. The majority have never been away from home or out of a black environment. To say they are experiencing culture shock is an understatement. Our church is working with the assistant coach to provide mentoring, hospitality and academic support. What we are doing is new. I contacted the coaching staff of Paul Quinn college in Dallas, Texas this week for support and advice. And they immediately said YES!! "We will help our A.M.E's in Montana." We will be providing an online mentoring program for athletes in Montana and at Paul Quinn. This will help our black athletes tremendously to boost their self esteem.This but one advantage of being a connectional church that all of us can use. Montana State University does not have a black student union, african american professors, or fraternities. Our students will be starting from scratch but now we will have support in getting these things instituted. My dream is to have our athletes visit Paul Quinn and have the experience with fellowshiping with such a fine university. Please keep paul quinn college and our other a.m.e related colleges and seminary in prayer for they are reaching to our churches. God bless.

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2002