By Jerry Turner, Jr.
Write the vision; make it plan on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed tine; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Greetings and Blessings to you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ,
It is with a humble spirit and heart to share with you, through the AME Christian Recorder, the role and plans of the Second Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization. On July 8, 2025, I was elected to this role at the 39thBiennial Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
The role of the Second Vice President is to coordinate the Strategic Planning and Organizational Effectiveness of the Lay Organization. I am grateful to Brother Simon Letsoko for the exceptionally smooth transition of leadership and his years serving as the Second Vice President.
Strategic planning is a structured process that organizations use to define their direction, set goals, and allocate resources to achieve long-term success. Organizational Effectiveness refers to the degree to which an organization meets its goals and operates efficiently. I am happy to announce that Mrs. Marie Johns, member of the Historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C., will remain as our consultant in this process. Her large-scale Executive Management skills at Verizon and the Obama Administration will aid us in this journey.
The Connectional Lay Organization will continue its approach to a high-functioning ministry in the AME Church through continuing a solid strategic plan. Our approach to developing a strong plan will start with an assessment of the Organizational Effectiveness of our beloved ministry. On August 2, 2025, we had a remarkably successful Zoom call with the Episcopal District Second Vice Presidents. We are currently working on a timeline that will guide our work and ensure accountability at all levels. We are planning a full Second Vice President (on all levels) Zoom dialogue tentatively Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CDT–7:00 p.m. SAST (More information will follow).
We thank President Abe Makiti for his wise counsel, support, and leadership of the Connectional Lay Organization.
STAY TUNED AS WE RE-ASSESS, RE-EVALUATE, and REENERGIZE THE CLO!
