2022 Church Growth and Development Seminar by Legacy

Monday, January 24, 2022 5:30PM 7:00PM

Arrival-Registration Evening Worship Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Preaching

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 7:30AM 7:30AM 8:30AM 9:00AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 11:45AM 1:00PM 2:15PM 2:30PM 3:45PM 4:00PM 5:00PM 7:00PM

Registration Continental Breakfast Morning Devotions Reverend Noluthando Ntsangani, Preaching Reverend Dr. Reggie Blount What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: From Church Growth to Social Impact Break Reverend Dr. E. Dewey Smith Confronting Multi-Generational Challenges in Media Lunch Reverend Orsella Hughes Social Media: Effectively Creating an Online Prescence Break Reverend Dr. Virgil Woods Website: Getting the Full Value of your Church Website Break Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr. Do’s and Don'ts' for Reaching a New Generation Dinner (on your own) Evening Worship Reverend Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Preaching

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 7:30AM 8:30AM 9:00AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 11:45AM 1:00PM 2:15PM 2:30PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 3:45PM 5:00PM 7:00PM

Continental Breakfast Morning Devotions Reverend Dr. Dante Wynne Kenly, Preaching Reverend Dr. Maurice Wright, II Music & Worship: Exploring Alternative Ways to Worship Virtually Break Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown Effective Preaching: Exploring the Nuances Between Live and Virtual Lunch Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Johnson Online Giving: How To Do It and How To Encourage It Break Reverend Dr. Tar-U-way Richard Allen Bright Church in Action: Success Stories Reverend Dr. Kimberly Reisman World Methodist Evangelism Break Open Panel Discussion featuring Special Guests Dinner (on your own) Evening Worship Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Preaching

Welcome and thank you for participating in this year's Church Growth and Development Conference presented by the Church Growth Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is my pleasure to serve as this year's Conference Dean alongside my colleague, General Officer Dr. Marcellus Norris. We are excited to offer you a number of inspiring and informative workshops lead by some of our greatest minds and innovative thinkers. This unique gathering will be full of valuable opportunities for anyone looking to better navigate our rapidly changing church climate. Do know that this year's conference is only the beginning of an annual series of conferences designed to help your church grow. We are just getting started! Enjoy the preaching, enjoy the teaching, enjoy a little Georgia cuisine and once again, Welcome! Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods Dean

OPENING WORSHIP EXPERIENCE Monday, January 24, 2022 7:00PM Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 492 North Marietta Parkway, NE | Marietta, Georgia 30060 The Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, Worship Leader Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development Opening Song Prayer

The Reverend Michael Ephraim

6th Episcopal District

Musical Selection

Daeryl “Scooter” Booker & The Voices

Scripture Reading

The Reverend Dr. Rodrecus Johnson, Jr.

10th Episcopal District

Greetings and Introduction of the Preacher

The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson

Senior Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District

Musical Selection

Daeryl “Scooter” Booker & The Voices

Sermon

The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson

Commission Chair Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District

Invitation to Christian Discipleship Offering

Giving Options Givelify: AME Church Growth - 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37213 Cash App: $AMEChurchGrowth

Ministry Highlights

The Reverend Dr. Virgil Woods

2022 Seminar Dean

Benediction

The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson Message: Scripture:

The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson ______________________________________

Text:

______________________________________

MAIN POINTS OF THE SERMON….WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS SERMON?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 8

MORNING GLORY Tuesday, January 25, 2022 8:30AM Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 492 North Marietta Parkway, NE | Marietta, Georgia 30060

Praise and Worship

Psalmist Tralayne Davis

Morning Meditation

The Reverend Noluthando Ntsangani

Associate Minister Adams Northeast African Methodist Episcopal Church (7th Episcopal District) Daughter of 15th Episcopal District

Message: Scripture:

The Reverend Noluthando Ntsangani ______________________________________

Text:

______________________________________

MAIN POINTS OF THE SERMON….WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS SERMON?

EVENING WORSHIP EXPERIENCE Tuesday, January 25, 2022 7:00PM Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 492 North Marietta Parkway, NE | Marietta, Georgia 30060 The Reverend Carolyn Cavaness, Worship Leader 1st Episcopal District Opening Song Prayer

The Reverend Dr. Joseph Hooper

1st Episcopal District

Musical Selection

The House of Hope

Scripture Reading

The Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram

Atlanta, Georgia

6th Episcopal District

Introduction of the Preacher

The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson

Commission Chair Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District

Musical Selection

The House of Hope

Atlanta, Georgia

Sermon

Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr.

Senior Pastor and Teacher, The House of Hope Atlanta, Georgia

Invitation to Christian Discipleship Offering

Giving Options Givelify: AME Church Growth - 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37213 Cash App: $AMEChurchGrowth

Ministry Highlights

The Reverend Dr. Virgil Woods

2022 Seminar Dean

Benediction

Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. Message: Scripture:

Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. ______________________________________

Text:

______________________________________

MAIN POINTS OF THE SERMON….WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS SERMON?

MORNING GLORY Wednesday, January 26, 2022 8:30AM Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 492 North Marietta Parkway, NE | Marietta, Georgia 30060

Praise and Worship

Psalmist Tralayne Davis

Morning Meditation

The Reverend Dr. Dante Kenly

Pastor, St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church 7th Episcopal District

Message: Scripture:

Reverend Dr. Dante Kenly ______________________________________

Text:

______________________________________

MAIN POINTS OF THE SERMON….WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS SERMON?

EVENING WORSHIP EXPERIENCE Wednesday, January 26, 2022 7:00PM Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 492 North Marietta Parkway, NE | Marietta, Georgia 30060 The Reverend Dr. Michael Bouie, Worship Leader 11th Episcopal District Opening Song Prayer

The Reverend Kennetta Carter

11th Episcopal District

Musical Selection

Crystal Aikin

Gospel Recording Artist

Scripture Reading

The Reverend Dr. Timothy Tyler

5th Episcopal District

Introduction of the Preacher

The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson

Commission Chair Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District

Musical Selection

Crystal Aikin

Gospel Recording Artist

Sermon

The Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown

Executive Director AME Department of Research & Scholarship

Invitation to Christian Discipleship Offering

Giving Options Givelify: AME Church Growth - 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37213 Cash App: $AMEChurchGrowth

Remarks

The Reverend Dr. Virgil Woods

2022 Seminar Dean

The Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris

Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development

Benediction

The Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown Message: Scripture:

The Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown ______________________________________

Text:

______________________________________

MAIN POINTS OF THE SERMON….WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A RESULT OF HEARING THIS SERMON?

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson

Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson is the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church which encompasses over 500 churches in the state of Georgia. He was elected and consecrated the 132nd bishop of the A.M.E. Church in 2012 at the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference held in Nashville, TN and was appointed to the Twentieth Episcopal District (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda) and as the Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer. He has served as the chairman of the Social Action Commission of the A.M.E. Church and is the current chairman of the Commission on Colleges, Universities and Seminaries. A native of Dover, Delaware, he was born on April 26, 1954. After graduating from the Dover Public Schools, he enrolled and in 1976 graduated from Delaware State University in Dover, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In 1972 Bishop Jackson licensed to preach at MT. Zion AME Church, Dover under the pastorate of The Rev. Rudolph W. Coleman. Ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 1975 by Bishop Earnest Lawrence Hickman, he was assigned as the supply pastor of Graham AME Church, Greenwood, Delaware where he served for one year, before leaving to go to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Turner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia. He was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand in 1977. In 1978 while still in seminary, and assigned to serve as supply pastor, at St. John AME Church, Coleman St., Atlanta. Upon graduating in 1979, he was appointed by Bishop Hildebrand to St. John AME Church, Jersey City, NJ where he served for two years. He was then appointed in 1981 by Bishop Hildebrand to St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ. This was the beginning of a pastorate that would last 31 years. During his ministry at St. Matthew the congregation grew from about 75 to more than 2800 Disciples of Christ, engaged in ministry, mission and outreach. Included in this number were more than 300 children and youth, to whom he placed special emphasis and time. St. Matthew accepted the motto as “the servant church of the Oranges” and instituted more than 30 ministries to meet the spiritual, emotional, educational, physical and financial needs of both church and community. The Neighborhood and Individual Development Association (NIDA), the church’s community development corporation was also founded. In addition a new church edifice was built in 1985 and because of continuous growth a second edifice was built in 2002. The doors of St. Matthew are open seven days a week and the church is a hub of activity for church and community. The church’s budget increased from $50,000 a year in 1981 to $2,000,000.00 annually. Shortly after arriving in Orange, Pastor Jackson became involved in the life of the city, county and state, speaking out on issues and informing and organizing ministers and community to act in promoting God’s kingdom on earth and in their best interest. In addition to pastoring St. Matthew Church, Pastor Jackson served as the Executive Director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey (BMC), representing more than 600 Black churches in New Jersey from 1994-2012. He has been outspoken on every major issue in New Jersey, pressuring the state Supreme Court to order New Jersey to increase spending on poor school districts in the state, adequate funding for charity care, legislation to end predatory lending, ending the death penalty in New Jersey, needle exchange and most notably, legislation to end and make racial profiling a crime, the only state in the nation to pass such a law. During Bishop Jackson's ministry at St. Matthew the congregation grew from about 75 to more than 2800 Disciples of Christ, engaged in ministry, mission and outreach. Pastor Jackson received four pens from three governors used to sign legislation he helped to pass through the General Assembly. He served for sixteen years on the Orange Public School System Board of Education (12 as president), and is currently in his 13th year as a member of the Board of Trustees of Essex County College (10 years as president) as well as the Board of Directors of the Barnabas Health Care System, the largest healthcare system in the State of New Jersey. Pastor Jackson was named the Man of the Year in 2000 by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, recipient of the William Ashby Award by the United Way, Martin Luther king Award by the Newark North Ward Center as well as hundreds of other awards. A member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a Life Member of the NAACP, he has repeatedly been named among the “Twenty Five Most Influential People in New Jersey.” He has received honorary doctorates from Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary. He is married to Christy Davis Jackson, Esquire and the father of Regina Victoria Jackson, graduate of Florida A & M University and Seth Joshua Jackson.

Reverend Noluthando Ntsangani

Rev. Noluthando Ntsangani is a Native of Port Elizabeth, South Africa but is now currently living in Columbia, SC. Nolu accepted Jesus as her Lord and Personal Savior at the age of 10 and her call into the ministry at the early age of 11. Nolu has a heart after God and she is a firm believer that “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Nolu knew it would be challenging to be so far away from her family and friends as an International student. Determined to serve God and make her family proud, she stepped out on faith and accepted the challenge. Nolu exercised her faith and is now a proud Alumna of the illustrious Allen University. Nolu graduated from Allen University in May of 2019, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Summa Cum Laude) with a concentration in Pre-Law and is currently pursuing her Masters in Divinity from Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary. Nolu is a recipient of the Rhoads Law School Pipeline Scholarship in honor of Thurgood Marshall and looks forward to taking her career further in the field of law. Nolu has a true love for God and a passion for ministry. She loves nothing more than serving the people of God. Nolu is an associate minister of Adams Northeast African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Rev. James Vant, and the phenomenal woman of God, (whom she has the honor to call mom) Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding Elder in the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. and Supervisor Mrs. Phyllis Green.

Reverend Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr.

Dr. E. Dewey Smith is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta, The House of Hope Macon, and The House of Hope WestPointe – one church in three locations – with a membership roll of more than 10,000. A proud native of Macon, GA, he has been a minister of the gospel for more than 30 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoralministry at 19. God has highly favored Dr. Smith by allowing explosive growth and outreach to accompany his ministry. Under his leadership, The House of Hope Atlanta was blessed to purchase a 60 acre, 6 building campus, featuring a 7,000 seat Cathedral. Smith is a learned man. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, GA; graduated Magna Cum Laudewith a Master of Science degree from Amridge University inMontgomery, AL; and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Additionally, he was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a “Distinguished Preacher.” Dr. Smith has served on the Board ofDirectors for the Morehouse School of Religion as well as the United Theological Seminary and BibleCollege in Monroe, LA. Smith has always had a passion to redress those things that plague the community and burden the people he serves. As a result, he has launched several initiatives that have had significant impact. Throughout his ministry he has been heavily involved in prison reform, re-entry programs, human services and community development. In 2013, Dr. Smith launched The Tabitha's House, a non-profitorganization that provides housing, counseling and support to young girls rescued from human trafficking. His congregation is one of the few churches in the nation that owns a resource center and two residences that house and empower victims of human trafficking. In addition, Smith opened The Haven House, a fully staffed, professional and licensed counseling center that addresses the emotionaland mental health concerns of people in the community. Dr. Smith is also professionally involved in music, media, film and television production. He has produced media and film for over 25 years. He served as a co-host on the first daytime, faith-based panel talk show, produced by Warner Brothers in Burbank, CA. He served as Producer of the “Live Atthe Cathedral” project of the Hope Mass Choir several years ago. In Fall 2021, Pastor Smith released his first solo project entitled, “God Period.” The first single from the project, “Your Presence Is A Gift,” has been quickly climbing the Billboard charts, under his new record label, Pebble Street Records. Dr. Smith is married to the lovely, former Andrea Fambro, his best friend of over 30 years. They have been blessed with two sons: Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah.

Reverend Dr. Dante Wynne Kenly

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to decree and declare the acceptable year of the Lord.” Reverend Doctor Dante’ Wynne Kenly was born August 17, 1988 in Bronx, New York to Elnora Kenly and the late Deacon Robert Lee Wynne. He lived in New York City for 14years before relocating to Orangeburg, South Carolina with four brothers and one sister. He attended the public schools in Calhoun County and graduated from Calhoun County High School in 2008. He has earned a Bachelor Degree in Religion with honors Magna Cum Lude from thee Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. He has an earned Masters in Divinity Degree from The Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Reverend Kenly obtained his Doctor of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, OH under the mentorship of Dr. Herbert R. Marbury and Dr. Victor H. Anderson. His dissertation was entitled ‘Growing Where You Are Planted, Being a Successful Church in a Transitional Community.” Rev. Dante’ is also a proud and active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. The Rev. Dr. Dante’ Kenly spiritual rule includes his continuum to know God through daily prayer, fasting, intercession, reading, studying, and digesting the Scriptures. It is his honor to represent God by following the precepts of His Blueprint for Living that includes following peace with all men and holiness without compromise and cautious handling of the divine anointing that has been placed in his life. To facilitate this, Rev. Dr. Dante’ W. Kenly is a member of Providence A.M.E. Church in St. Matthews, South Carolina in the Central Conference Wateree District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church where the Lord used him to manifest his Ministry on the Itinerant Orders. Rev Dante’ W. Kenly was privileged to serve as the Proud Pastor of Haynes Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lone Star, SC. Now currently he serves as the senior pastor of the Saint James AME Church in Columbia SC Wheeler Hill Community. Rev. Dante’ W. Kenly has been singled out and he understands the depth of his walk with God careful, as many are looking and witnessing the power of his anointing and ministry. The Rev. Dante’ W. Kenly smiles and confers with the Lord and embraces supporters and spectators alike for he knows of himself he is nothing, but with God he can do all things through Christ that strengthens him. “His mission is to touch people of all walks of life and faith by demonstrating the power of the Holy Ghost. His vision is to impart to believers but more urgently, to reach all souls for the Kingdom of God.

Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry Brown Rev. Teresa L. Fry Brown, PhD is the fourteenth Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal (2012). She serves as the editor of the A.ME. Review and is the Executive Director of Research and Scholarship for the A.M.E. Church. She holds the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and is the first tenured Black female Candler School of Theology and the third Black female full professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fry Brown served as Director of Black Church Studies at Candler 2007-2015. Dr. Fry Brown obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver, with an emphasis in Religion and Social Transformation (1996). She earned a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology (1988), a Master of Science degree (1975) and a Bachelor of Science degree (1973) in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. Dr. Fry Brown has extensive teaching and preaching experience in national, international academic and ecumenical settings. A prolific author, Dr. Fry Brown’s books include Delivering the Sermon: Voice, Body and Animation in Proclamation, Fortress Press (2008); Can A Sister Get a Little Help: Advice and Encouragement for Black Women in Ministry, Pilgrim Press (2008); God Don’t Like Ugly: African American Women Handing on Spiritual Values Abingdon Press (2000); Weary Throats and New Song: Black Women Proclaiming God’s Word Abingdon Press (2003) and The 2006 African American History Devotional, Abingdon Press (2006). Additionally, she has published “Reestablishing the Purpose and Power of the Preached Word through Black Church Studies” in The Black Church Studies Reader (2015); “Poetic Persuasion: A Master Class on Speaking Truth to Power” in Our Sufficiency is of God: Essays on Preaching in Honor of Gardner C. Taylor (February 2010),“The Future of Black Preaching” in Homiletix (November 2007), five sidebars for the Wesley Study Bible (October 2008), “Mother Day/Pentecost” African America Pulpit Lectionary (2008), African American History Month Devotions (Abingdon 2006), “Preaching the Lesson, Lectionary Homiletics, (five entries 2006), Abingdon Press African American Pulpit Library, (eight entries 2006 ), Kirk Byron Jones, editor, A Letter From Jarena Lee in 1999; “Remember Who Made Us” in Those Preaching Women, vol. 3, Ella Mitchell, ed, Judson Press, 1996; “Easter Sunday” and “Easter 4” in Abingdon Women’s Preaching Annual, Series 1, Year C, Abingdon Press, 1997; “Avoiding Asphyxiation: A Womanist Perspective on Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Transformation” in Embracing the Spirit: Womanist Perspectives on Hope, Salvation and Transformation, Emilie Townes, ed., Orbis Press, 1997; “Renovating Sorrow’s Kitchen: African American Women Preaching Justice” in Preaching Justice, Christine Smith, ed., Pilgrim Press, 1998 and “Giving the Sermon Life” in Birthing a Sermon, (2001), Jana Childers, ed., Chalice Press. “Action Potential” in The Purpose of Preaching, Pilgrim Press (2004) as well as numerous other chapters and commentaries. Dr. Fry Brown is a member of the American Academy of Religion, Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Academy of Homiletics. She was honored for her academic life achievements at the Eighteenth Annual Black Religious Scholar Group Consultation at the American Academy of Religion Meeting held in Atlanta (2015) and with the Emory-Williams Distinguished Teaching Award (2017). She is Co-Chair of the Womanist Approaches to Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and an Associate Minister at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lithonia, Georgia. A native of Independence, Missouri Dr. Fry Brown is the second oldest of seven children of (late) William M. Fry Sr. and (late) Naomi Parks Fry. She is the mother of Veronica (Jonathan) Perry. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Fry Browns’ life is governed by the words of the Prophet Isaiah “Those whose hope is in the Lord gain new strength” and the words of Mohandas Gandhi, “We must be the change we want to see in the world”. 18

“What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: From Church Growth to Social Impact”

The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount is a native New Yorker, but claims Augusta, Georgia as home, where he completed his high school education. He received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University, M.Div. degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and his Ph.D. from the Garrett-Evangelical/Northwestern University joint program in Religious and Theological Studies. Dr. Blount was ordained a Deacon and an Elder in the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Iowa City, IA, Eternal Flame A.M.E. Church in North Chicago, IL, and Trinity A.M.E. Church in Waukegan, IL. Currently he serves as pastor of Arnett Chapel A.M.E. Church in the Morgan Park community of Chicago, IL. Under his leadership, the church continues to grow in spirit and in truth. Arnett Chapel is currently striving to live out God’s vision for its 21st century ministry: to grow in discipleship and become Kingdom Builders, enlarging its territory for Jesus Christ through spiritual growth and community development. Dr. Blount serves the Connectional Church as a member of the General Board, Vice Chair of the Commission on Christian Education and Stewardship Committee Chair of the Commission on Retirement Services. He also serves the Fourth Episcopal District as Project Director of their Lilly Endowment Thriving In Ministry Grant Initiative. Dr. Blount is on the faculty of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership and Culture and teaches in Christian Education, Congregational Leadership and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He further serves the seminary as Co-Executive Director of the Children Defense Fund Garrett-Evanston Freedom School Program, Program Director of the Garrett-Evangelical Young Adult Initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment, and Advisor for the Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations. He also serves as Co-Mentor to the Pastoral Leadership and Community Engagement DMin cohort of Payne Theological Seminary. He is married to the former Devoria Smith and is the proud father of two wonderful children, Reginald David, and Deborah Ayanna. Two verses guides this season of Pastor Blount’s ministry: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” and Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

“Social Media: Effectively Creating an Online Presence”

Orsella Renea Hughes is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) where she serves as the Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Hartford, CT. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Pastor at Saint James AME Church in Danbury, CT from 2017- 2021; Associate Minister at Bethel AME Churches in New Haven & Bridgeport, CT serving in the positions of Christian Education Director, Women's Ministry Leader, Community 8 AM Pastor, and Youth Minister. She was the Marketing Chairperson for the First Episcopal District AME Church 2016 Bicentennial Celebration. Rev. Hughes is also a proud member of the Connectional AME Women in Ministry. Professionally, In 2008, Rev. Hughes was hired by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services as the Executive Business Manager growing with the company from one location to managing three locations in Connecticut. She was instrumental in the creation of the funeral home’s employee performance program, “Aria” which encouraged all employees to always perform their duties and responsibilities with excellence. While employed there, she also helped to create and was the coordinator for the grief counseling division, "Zola,” which helped families understand the importance of seeking professional grief counseling after their loss. She is the Executive Director for The Prosperity Foundation in CT which is a Black Community Foundation focusing on making a unique impact in Connecticut’s black communities in the areas of education, economics, and health through their grant making program. Rev. Hughes’s community involvement includes serving as an advisory board member for The Perfect Blend Teen Girl Mentoring Program and alumni of the Hartford Seminary Women's Leadership Institute. Rev. Orsella is a proud member of the Links, Inc serving in the Milford (CT) Chapter and is the Eastern Area Co-Chairperson for Wellness - Mind, Body & Spirit. Rev. Hughes is the owner of "Serenity Ceremonies by Rev. Orsella" offering wedding day wedding officiating services, (domestic and international), vow renewal and premarital Spiritual counseling services. Having received multiple 5-star reviews, her business has been awarded as Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice and is listed as a premiere vendor on The Knot, and Brides Magazine. Rev. Hughes attended Southern CT State University, New Haven, CT earning an bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications; a B.S. degree in business from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA; Certificate in Business Management from Cornell University; Certificate of Women’s Studies from Hartford, Seminary, Hartford, CT. She is married to Howard Hughes in 2012 and together, they share a love for walks on the beach, dancing together and making each other laugh.

“Website: Getting the Full Value of Your Church Website”

Rev. Dr. Virgil M. Woods has been the proud husband of Teresa Woods, RN for 27 years. They have two beautiful children, Carissa and Virgil, both graduates of Iowa State University and they are his proudest accomplishment.

Dr. Woods holds a Bachelors Degree in Business from Upper Iowa University. He also earned a Master of Divinity Degree and a Doctorate of Ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University. He is also the author of three books, “You’re the Pastor, Now What?”, “Think Like a Fish: Seeing your Church through the Eyes of the Unchurched” and “The 30 Day God Challenge: 30 Days to Spiritual Fitness”, all of which are available on Amazon.com. Dr. Woods enjoys being an AME pastor and has been such for almost twenty years. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of First AME Church in Gary, Indiana and the Director of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Fourth Episcopal District. He has served his community in a number of capacities including the Boys and Girls Club Board, Golden Apple Board and Chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Martin Luther King Scholarship Program designed to serve African-American males going to college. He was recognized by Rockford’s Minority Business Owners as Community Leader of the Year in 2010. He enjoys reading, graphic design, photography, golf and video games. His personal motto is “No Unemployed Christians”; emphasizing his firm belief that everyone has a role in building God’s Kingdom. His preaching style is informative, inspiring, entertaining and is often described as “keeping it real”. His greatest joy is knowing that someone’s life has been improved as a result of God’s work through him.

“Do’s and Don’ts’ for Reaching a New Generation”

Rev. Samuel L. Green, Jr. is an emerging prophetic and encouraging voice in the Kingdom of God. He is one who has been called and sent by God with a unique and fresh outlook on ministry. Rev. Sam has preached, taught, evangelized, and consulted in Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Illinois for the past decade. He is excited about helping God’s people transform their dreams into realities by understanding their God-given purpose. A native of Orlando, FL, Rev. Green is a graduate of the University of Florida and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. In addition, he is a member of the Order of the Flame (World Methodist Evangelism) and has obtained a certificate from Princeton Theological Seminary in Youth Ministry and Youth Theology. He is currently a pursuing a Ph.D. at Pepperdine University studying global leadership and change. His interests and skills include organizational leadership, design thinking, branding, communications, e-learning, curriculum development, and evangelism. He is an ordained itinerant elder in the AME Church and is the Director of Christian Education for the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church. Rev. Green has been working in the vineyard motivating and inspiring persons of all ages to believe in their greatest potential. He has operated by a theology that attempts to understand a God who is able to provide wholeness to fragmented pieces and give strength to overcome any obstacle.

Rev. Sam describes his purpose in ministry: “My ministry relies on the working of the triune God to empower individuals to be awakened to the Voice that speaks to their identity.” “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2: 10

“Music and Worship: Exploring Alternative Ways to Worship Virtually”

On September 13, 2016, The Reverend Maurice Wright II was appointed by the Right Reverend Harry L. Seawright to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Historic St. John AME Church, Huntsville, Alabama. He is a native of the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in Tacoma Washington and Portland Oregon and a graduate of Grover Cleveland High School. Reverend Wright dedicated his life to Christ at a very young age and was called into ministry at the age of 10. His thirst for knowledge would lead him to study at Portland Bible College and Wilberforce University in Ohio. He is a proud graduate of Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia earning a degree in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance. While at Morehouse, Reverend Wright was a key member of the World-Renowned Morehouse College Glee Club and was part of the select group that toured South Africa. He was also a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel Assistants, and the director of the King Chapel Choir. While in Atlanta, Georgia he served on the ministerial staff and music staff at Big Bethel AME Church and performed with the Atlanta Opera Company. In 2010 Reverend Maurice Wright, II received King Chapel’s highest recognition and was inducted into The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity. In addition to his pastorate, Reverend Wright currently serves as the Director of Music and Christian Arts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Worldwide. He is also the Chairman of Finance and Co-Director of Evangelism for the 9th Episcopal District, the state of Alabama. He served as the Director of Choral Activities at Thomas Jefferson High School, Organist and Choir Director of Powerhouse Temple COGIC, Philadelphia MBC, Emmanuel COGICU and Bethel AME Church all of Portland. Additionally, he served as a Director of the Portland Rose Festival Association. Rev. Wright is a sought-after preacher and choir clinician. Reverend Wright is a community activist, social justice agent and a true family man. He is blessed to have the Reverend Joretha Wright as his partner in marriage and ministry for more than 25 years. They are the proud parents of four children Terrence, Lessie, Isaiah and Joy.

“Online Giving: How To Do It and How to Encourage It”

A visionary leader, believer, and builder, Dr. Kevin R. Johnson is a proven executive in transforming organizations into innovative, high- performing, fiscally-sound, and pioneering institutions. Committed to holistic community development, Dr. Johnson is thefounding Lead Pastor of Dare to Imagine Church, Inc. In six years, he has built a ministry that started with 20 people in his home and has grown intoa congregation over 1,300 members on a $2.2 million, 6.8-acre campus in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. To date, the church has donated over $250,000 to support area organizations that provide services for citizens inneed. Dr. Johnson also serves as the founder and President & CEO of Dare to Imagine Community Development Corporation. Prior to his current positions, he served as President & CEO of Bridge of Hope Community Development Corporation that, with The Goldenberg Group, built a $100 million, 14-story student apartment tower for Temple As President and CEO of Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), Dr. Johnson developed a new workforce-training vision and launched career-sustaining programs in banking, energy, construction, and technology. Under his leadership, OIC and its affiliates budget increased from $2M to over $5M. In 2017, he secured a $6.6M alternative school contract from The School District of Philadelphia, making OIC the first to provide over- aged and under-credited youth a pathway to earning a high school diploma and a direct pipeline to life-sustaining careers. Additionally, he launched BankWork$, the first bank training program in the US Northeast for young adults from low-income communities. While expanding OIC’s workforce programs, he successfully maintained a nearly 80percent job placement rate for jobs in the hospitality industry. He is a nationally-known speaker who regularly delivers messages of inspiration. He has delivered speeches in distinguished arenas including the largest Protestant church in the world, Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Johnson was also the first African-American in 200 years to speak at Africa’s oldest Baptist church, Regent Road Baptist in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and later was inspired to raise funds, build, and establish a new church in West Africa— “Bright Hope Baptist Church in Moyamba, Sierra Leone.” Additionally, by invitation of the American Jewish Committee, Dr. Johnson traveled to Israel and Palestine and met government leaders to discuss the challenges that exist between the nations. An avid and respected writer, he is a frequent columnist for the oldest continually-running African-American newspaper, The Philadelphia Tribune, and is heard by 400,000 listeners every Sunday morning on WDAS-FM 105.3. Currently, he sits on the boards of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, City of Philadelphia Workforce Steering Committee, PHL Diversity, the Forum for a Better Pennsylvania, African-American Leadership Forum and previously served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of Lincoln University. A recipient of numerous awards and citations, Newsweek featured him as one of the “up-and-coming” national post-Civil Rights ministers, The Philadelphia Tribune identified him as a “mover-and-shaker” in the City, and Morehouse College inducted him into the prestigious Board of Preachers. Dr. Johnson has been a guest on CNN, NBC, MSNBC, ABC, FOX NEWS, and other national media. He is member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Alpha Boulé), and lifetime membership in the Morehouse College National Alumni Association. A Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Johnson was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey scholarships. He earned a Master of Divinity degree as a Union Scholar from Union Theological Seminary, and later earned the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Organizational Leadership and Transformational Learning from Columbia University. He is married to Mrs. Kimya S. P. Johnson, Esq., a corporate diversity professional and employment attorney. They are Philadelphia residents and are proud parents of their son and two daughters.

“Church in Action: Success Stories”

Rev. Dr. Bright will maintain pastoral, administrative, and ministerial responsibilities for the 153 year-old, 4000+ congregation. A native of Liberia, West Africa, he is the son of Rev. Canon J. Jellico Bright (a retired Episcopal Priest) and Mrs. Eliatha Ketter Bright (former 14th Episcopal District WMS President). He professed salvation at age 17. Three years later, he distinctly recalled the moment during his mom’s church concert when he felt in his heart that his gift from God was that of ministry. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Theology Degree with honors from Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary. He graduated with honors from the Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia in 2001 obtaining a Master of Divinity in Theology and Homiletics. He obtained his Doctor of Ministry Degree with distinct honors and awards from ITC in 2008. He became an Assistant Pastor of Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church at age 25. A year later, he was appointed Pastor after the previous Pastor (Rev. David R. Daniels, Jr., now the Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal) had to leave due to the Civil War. Rev. Dr. Bright’s Liberian high school sweetheart and love of his life Retta Bright was his biggest supporter and impacted his life decisions greatly. He visited her in 1997 while she was attending school in the United States (Atlanta). A year later, he returned to begin his studies in the US. The two married in 1995 and will soon celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary. They are parents to two children – Tar-U-Way, Jr, a high school junior and TaRetta Melody, a high school freshmen. Rev. Dr. Bright attended a traditional Atlanta area AME Church while in seminary. He recalls his first visit to Turner Chapel AME, “I accompanied my then Pastor for a very brief visit to deliver an offering and I was ecstatic to hear the music and see young people praising the Lord. Turner Chapel was on fire and I wanted to be connected.” He soon joined as an Ordained Minister in 1999 and became responsible for the Intercessory Prayer Ministry. Shortly afterwards, he and Retta moved to Texas to receive support from family during a challenging pregnancy. They returned to Atlanta a year later and the late and former Pastor of Turner Chapel AME, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Marcus offered him the position of Worship Pastor, where he served for five years. He was later appointed Executive Pastor in 2008 and served until he was appointed Interim Pastor in January 2018. Rev. Dr. Bright was appointed by the Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District of the AME Church, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, to become the Senior Pastor of Turner Chapel AME on June 1, 2018. Dr. Bright said of his appointment, “I felt like God performed a miracle,” when asked about his reaction to hearing the Bishop call his name. The loud music in the air were the screams of his wife, Retta and Rev. Dr. Cassandra Marcus, the church Co-Pastor and widow of Rev. Dr. Kenneth Marcus. The prayers of the congregation were answered as they prayed for his appointment.

Rev. Dr. Bright is excited about the opportunities at Turner Chapel. He feels that Rev. Dr. Marcus “did what a good leader does and trained me to lead and serve.” He looks forward to continuing vibrant, spirit-filled worship services, maintaining and increasing millennials and young adult presence; expanding community and international presence, and helping the congregation to establish a second church location, to name a few goals. He also looks forward to internal and external health initiatives. Retta is a Family Nurse Practitioner and will soon earn her Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing.

World Methodist Evangelism

Kim Reisman is an author, pastor, teacher, and theologian, focusing her work in the areas of evangelism, spiritual formation, leadership development, and the intersection between faith and culture. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, she was appointed Executive Director of WME in 2014. She is a frequent speaker and has written numerous books, most recently, ”Embrace: Showing and Sharing the love of Jesus.” Also, ”Public Witness,” in E. Stanley Jones & Sharing the Good News in a Pluralistic Society (Wesley’s Foundry Books, 2018), “Before all Else” in Holy Contradictions: What’s Next for the People Called United Methodists (Abingdon Press, 2018), and “The Church’s Global DNA,” in A Firm Foundation: Hope and Vision for a New Methodist Future (Seedbed, 2017). Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Kim lived in California, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, and Connecticut before moving to Indiana in 1993. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Emory University, a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in theology from Durham University in the United Kingdom. Kim is a senior Harry Denman Fellow, a senior John Wesley Fellow, an Adjunct Professor at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington, and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a Visiting Fellow at St. John’s College, Durham University in the UK. In all her work, Kim seeks to serve God by awakening, strengthening, and enlivening the faith commitment of individuals as well as empowering communities of faith to become visible witnesses to the love of Christ for the world. Kim lives with her husband, John in West Lafayette, Indiana where she enjoys music, sports, reading, and jewelry making. They have three adult children, Nathan, Maggie, and Hannah.

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