It’s The Ethics For Me
By Dr. John Thomas III, Editor
 The Black Church as an institution has been such a pivotal part of the African American community because of the respect and trust accorded to its leaders. One AME pastor who is also a lawyer commented in an interview, “Being a pastor has benefited me in the law for several reasons. [One way is that it] has heightened my sense of integrity.” This response is not surprising because those who are set apart and charged to serve God’s flock take on additional responsibility for the spiritual and temporal well-being of those in their care. Laypersons trust the spiritual visions of their pastors. Clergy trust the godly judgment of the Presiding Elders and Bishops who supervise them.
So, what happens when that trust is shattered?
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Black Voters Matter Expands its Partnership with the AME Church to Support Voter Engagement Efforts
 ATLANTA – On September 12, Black Voters Matter announced an expansion of its partnership with The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) in which it will invest $600K in grants to be dispersed in nine Episcopal Districts across 13 states in support of church-led GOTV efforts throughout the South. Participating AME churches will use the grant to activate community outreach to friends and family of church members, conduct street canvassing, literature drops, polling place parties and rides to the polls. Of the allotted funds for the expansion, $150K will support a special project in Georgia, for the work of the 6th Episcopal District.
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Adding is Not The Solution. Subtraction Is.
Rev. Tashara S. Void, Contributing Writer Can we have a difficult conversation? A while ago I was asked to help establish a program that would address the disengaged population of the church. They, like a lot of churches, were losing staples and pillars at a pretty rapid rate, but the membership was not replenishing as quickly. The natural instinct was to figure out what could be done, what could be added, what could be brought to the table to make the people return and/or be more engaged. But, something about that that did not sit well with me. Many years ago, a group of people put together a structure for the AME Church that we, as a denomination, have gotten away from. The various ministries and organizations were built to work with and alongside each other. Read More Here |
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The Things We Preserve and The Sacredness Of Place
Rev. Dr. Darryn Hewson, Contributing Writer
Encounters with God in nature can be a transformative experience. The top of a mountain, a quiet beach listening to the ocean waves, sunlight filtered through the forest canopy–these are incredible places that God created and shared with us, so no wonder we can feel God there. The idea of nature preserves and National Parks is theoretically to preserve the natural beauty of creation (there is, however, a troubling history here to share, perhaps for a different article), but what about the sacred buildings that we create to honor God? Read More Here |
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Safeguarding Cash Assets And Church Records
By Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, C.P.A., C.F.E., Contributing Writer
There are many things we can learn from the changes we’ve had to make as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safeguarding of church assets and records may be among the most critical.
Custody of Cash
While many churches began online services during the pandemic, and carried out ministry remotely, there are some things that should not be handled remotely or on an individual basis. A church should never allow an individual to have sole responsibility for the financial management for the church; including collecting, counting, recording, depositing funds, or recording electronic donations received by the church. Even if there are only a few members, these responsibilities should not exclusively reside with one person. For volunteers who find themselves isolated in this position, they should insist that at least a second person is assigned to these important tasks. This ensures proper stewardship, accountability, and acts as a safeguard against intentional or unintentional mishandling.
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From a Basement to a Temple – Now Paid in Full
By Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis, Senior Associate Minister, Allen Temple AME Church
Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, as a worshipping body of God, was the first religious society organized among colored people in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was founded originally in the home of an enslaved man from Kentucky named James King. His master gave him a pass to cross the Ohio River into Ohio to serve as a minister for hired colored people.
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AME Church of SC Hosts ASPIRE 2022 Convening in Greenville
 The Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church hosted its annual ASPIRE Christian Education & Leadership Congress and Theological Institute on August 3-6, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina, highlighting social justice and community leaders making a difference in the Greenville community. “This convening takes place at a critical time, and we are grateful for the opportunity to strategize, fellowship, and recognize leaders making a difference in our state,” said Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District.
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Clergy and Clergy Family Wellness
Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Ed.D., RDN
 IHC is celebrating 30 years of service and we invite everyone to take a 30-Day Culinary RX AME and Lifestyle Medicine Challenge/Journey to assist clergy and clergy families in taking steps towards improved health, disease prevention, and wellness.Culinary RX AME explains how healthy food choices can help prevent and fight disease (i.e., Diabetes Type 2, Heart Disease, Cancers, High Blood Pressure, and more) through informative short videos and hands on cooking experiences. Read More Here |
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The Department of Research and Scholarship Announcement
The Department of Research and Scholarship is proud to announce Rev. Kimberley L. Detherage. Esq. has agreed to become the new Assistant Editor of The A.M.E. Review. Rev. Detherage is a graduate of Boston College with a BA degree in Speech Communications, Boston College Law School, Juris Doctor and Emory University, Candler School of Theology, Master of Divinity degree with Certificates in Black Church Studies and Women’s Studies. She has five units of Clinical Pastoral Education, has completed several fellowship programs, and written and presented on a wide variety of topic. She pastors St. Marks A.M.E. Church, serves as Dean of the New York Conference Ministerial Institute, is Vice-Chairperson of the First District Board of Examiners, is Secretary of the New York Conference Board of Trustees and works on various Community and Advisory Boards.
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‘Honk for Jesus’ Provides an Uncomfortable Reflection of the Black Church (Commentary)
By Candice Marie Benbow
 If you’ve spent any considerable length of time in a traditional Black church context, you’ve heard this. It’s usually said by a preacher when they know a sermon is hitting a little too close to home and the typical “Preach, Bishop!” or “Take your time, pastor!” call-and-response has gone silent. “It’s tight but it’s right,” many would say as they watch parishioners shift in their seats while hearing “Thus saith the Lord.” Read More Here |
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