This is my fourth year being A.M.E. Thank you all for welcoming me to the denomination. When I first came on the board I was not an ame pastor and learned so much about our zion from the board. My daughter will be ordained in august and will be second generation ame pastor.

I share this to say that this under Rev. Fisher and now my fifth district brother Rev. Harper has transformed lives.

I have heard a lot in my 4 years and one of the things that I do not hear a lot about are the strengths of the ame church.

As a therapist I have had many clients that could not see anything good about themselves, even when positive characteristics were pointed out. It was easier to concentrate on the negative.

Baby brother Ray Allen made me think of this in his post about strategic planning.

So, let's start with an inventory. And begin with the strengths, we then can have another post for weaknesses.

Think of your local church, conference and districts.

What are the strengths in the A.M.E. Church?

And I hope we will hear from everyone in the connection, U.S., Africa, canada, europe, islands etc.

Thank you all so much, for being great people of God!

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2005

Answers

There are many strenghts and positive contributions our church has made and is presently making worldwide. The first thing is that the African Methodist Episcopal Church, does not discriminate and is in accordance to t the Word of God, in allowing persons to become a member or pastor in this church. Also, the A.M.E. Church will allow a person in good and regular standing to participate and seek the office of General Officer and/or Bishop or any other Leadership position to further enhance the gifts that God has given an individual. Secondly, women are making a positive impact on the church in serving as pastors, evangelists, christian education directors, general officers and Bishops' of the church. There are more women who are enrolled in seminaries and graduating with M.Div., and Masters of Arts degrees in Christian Education in our connectional church and the Episcopal districts are contributing to the financial support and some of the districts 100% of these seminarians tuition. Thirdly, there are pastors who are secure in their ministries and who allow other pastors and laity from within the connectional church to share their gifts and teachings through preaching engagements, seminars and workshops, political campaigns and receptions and buildng a bond of cohesiveness in working together for a calling in serving others. Also, the history of the A.M.E. Church is renown within itself and for our children, youth and adults . I am proud of this rich hertiage and having the opportunity to serve like so many others in this church, the A.M.E. Church has contributed to my spiritual growth in a unique and positive manner. I am grateful for my ancestors and my parents for dying in the struggle in keeping this dream alive. On the district levels the Presiding Elders, serves as positive role models for pastors, laity and youth. Their committment to being an administrator in assisting pastors with the operation of the church and problems of the church has always been highly admired. The laity look forward to attending the quarterly conference to give their reports of the success of the church and if their are any problems the elder and the pastors come together and resolve the issues. In conclusion, the organizational structure of the A.M.E. Church, it appears is admired and often dupilcated by other denominations for its Methodism. However, there is no perfect church but we can work towards perfection and it is my belief that by the year of 2008 the A.M.E. Church will be all that God has intended for it to be in working towards its mission.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2005

I would say the core strengths of the AME Church consists of:

1. History - Reference to the past provides purpose for the future.

2. Organization - Connectional model promotes inter-dependence.

3. Politics - Key tool to determine allocation of church resources.

4. Education - Emphasis on education helps to create informed decision-making.

The third point may come as a surprise to many but I don't think no one can dispute its importance. When you look at the first letter of each, collectively it spells the single word, "HOPE". QED

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2005

The networking/fellowshipping sessions cannot be beat, almost fraternal/sororital in nature. Also, in comparison to other Methodist Churches, the order of worship, if it is followed, flows well. That's about all I can think of. God bless. A.J.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2005

It does not matter how or which way you put it, the strength of the African Methodist Episcopal Church lay in the people belonging to it. A unique, diversified, united (though sometimes misguided) beaaaautiful group of men and women

QED

Clive

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2005