They Not Like Us: Reflections from the Atlanta North Georgia Conference YPD Annual Day

By Gabriel Cloud, 6th Episcopal District

“The time is now 9:30 AM, and I call this meeting to order!” declared President Jazzmine Williams as she proficiently launched the ANGC YPD Annual Day proceedings. Children and young adults lined every wall of Turner Monumental AME Church, pastored by Judicial Council Member Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper, II. The air buzzed with energy and laughter exactly what one expects from this vibrant body of young AMEs reporting their stewardship. The day unfolded under the guiding love and leadership of ANGC WMS President Robbie Colson Ramsey and ANGC YPD Director Tangela Johnson.

The leadership of this conference understands that the Black church must both capture and keep the attention of its youth. To do that, our programming must be both relevant and innovative. This approach shaped the guiding theme of the day: “They Not Like Us!” Inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s breakout hit, paired with the theme scripture Romans 12:2, YPDers boldly declared that this generation of AMEs is unapologetically different and destined to lead with power and authority.
I’ve always thought of Annual Conference like the NBA Playoffs. It may sound far-fetched but hear me out. In the spirit of what I call “Holy competition,” each presiding elder district assembles its best leaders, preachers, and reports in one place after a year of conditioning to glorify God through excellence, strategy, and spiritual impact. All the year’s work culminates in YPD Annual Day, which showcases the importance and the fruit of investing in future ready AME leaders. For over a century, YPD has developed generations through spiritual formation, biblical literacy, professional development, public speaking, critical thinking, global missions, and event planning. This day was no different.

Following the business session, the executive board curated a spirit-filled service with energetic music, liturgical dance, didactic oration, and a timely word from our Connectional YPD President, Joyce Johnson. President Johnson challenged young and old alike to be bold, to strive for excellence, and to live holy with impeccable comedic timing and grace. Hearing her message brought to mind a line from Supervisor Jessica Ingram’s February 2025 sermon at the Second Episcopal District Mid-Winter Meeting: “We are not like them, and thank God they are not like us!” Her message reminded us of the natural and spiritual distinctions between cultures and spiritual maturity.

Though she humbly claimed to be just a “SPEAKER,” President Johnson skillfully delivered what many would call a masterclass in exegetical preaching. Drawing from Romans 12:2, she declared: “It’s Time to Update.” In a world that constantly updates phones, apps, and timelines, she challenged us to ask: When was the last time you updated your connection to God? She likened our spiritual lives to a divine system upgrade reminding us that we must first accept the terms and conditions of living for Christ, stay connected to a strong spiritual network, and remain plugged into the one true power source that never runs dry! Only then, she said, can we be transformed into the living sacrifices God is calling us to be in this season. The message was powerful, practical, and clear.

Flat Rock AME Church, led by the Honorable Reverend Ed Johnson, provided the music and dance ministry. Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell and Supervisor Cordelia Daniel Mitchell inspired us all through their presence and loving support throughout the day. We were also honored to be joined by current WMS Member-at-Large Sis. Janita Ferguson, former Connectional YPD Director Dr. Rosa McCloud-Baxter, former Connectional YPD President Rev. Dr. Reginald Cleaver, and former Connectional First Vice President Lic. Gabriel Cloud each one cheering on this new generation of strong, brave, and true leaders.

Young people and young adults are the greatest investment we can make in the future of our Zion. They are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Leaders must be developed. That is the purpose of the organized YPD to train Christian leaders. Youth ministry and YPD should be partners, never adversaries. (But that’s another article for another day.)

“They Not Like Us” was a declaration of confidence in God. Like a forest-green thread woven throughout the day’s activities, the theme came alive in action and intention excellently. The youth of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference made one thing crystal clear: they’re ready to lead. And in 2026, they’ll be back next year even more on fire for God. Will you be there? We bleed green and white, and in the words of YPD Director Tangela Johnson: #YPD4L! (YPD for Life)