By Mark Johnson, Connectional YPD Parliamentarian and LaQuandrea Sweat, Connectional YPD 1st Vice President
The Connectional Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, the heart of the Sixth Episcopal District, for the 2025 Connectional Leadership Training Institute (LTI). This year’s LTI was held under the theme, “A Royal Family: The House That God Built,” drawn from 1 Peter 2:4-5. For three unforgettable days, attendees from across the Connection came together for worship, fellowship, training, and to celebrate our successes, leaving us inspired and prepared to continue the vital work of ministry.
Day One: A Powerful Beginning
The Institute began on Friday, July 11, with the YPD Cares Mission Outreach initiative, where attendees engaged in meaningful service, donating to two organizations Elks Aidmore and Operation Christmas Child. Attendees also enjoyed fellowship through the YPD Did You Know? Competition Game Room, and a warm welcome lunch provided by the Host District.
That afternoon, the Mother Sunbeams and Allen Stars attended their first discovery lab. At the same time, youth ages thirteen and older participated in the What About the Children panel discussion, hosted by Connectional YPD Parliamentarian Mr. Mark Johnson. This session featured a dynamic lineup of leaders, including Bishops, Supervisors, and the Connectional WMS President, who together addressed mental health and the vitality of young people in the life of the AME Church.
Later that evening, the Connectional YPD officially opened its royal experience with a powerful service of Opening Worship and Holy Communion. The preacher for the evening, the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness of the Historic Mother Bethel AME Church, delivered a stirring message that challenged attendees to “Act Like We Know.” Participants were spiritually nourished and renewed their covenant with God through Holy Communion. Immediately following worship, the first business session was convened, where district reports were reviewed, closing out a
spirit-filled and action-packed first day.
Day Two: A Day of Remembrance, Vision, and Celebration
Saturday began with Morning Glory, a service that celebrated the 2025 Self-Denial Program and honored the 93 winners from each category. This was followed by the Monique Gonzales Memorial Service, a solemn moment to remember those who had gone home to be with the Lord during the past year.
The morning continued with Business Session Two, where attendees heard remaining district reports, the Connectional President’s report, and updates from the Executive Board. During this
session, the Connectional YPD honored the life and legacy of Joshua Williams, the immediate past President of the Ninth Episcopal District YPD, who passed away in October 2024. His OPD certificate was presented to his family in a moving tribute that honored his life and legacy in this organization.
Attendees then transitioned to visionary labs designed to meet participants’ diverse needs. Sessions included financial literacy, worship and arts, and college readiness through a robust college fair. At midday, the Recognition Luncheon took place under the theme “Family Matters: Celebrating Our Accomplishments Together.” Here, we honored eight-year directors and four-year officers for their dedicated service. Attendees returned to visionary labs in the afternoon before preparing for a night of royal celebration.
The Royal Banquet gathered under the theme of “Roots & Rhythm: Black Excellence at its Finest.” This was a beautiful highlight of the LTI. High School and College graduates were honored for their accomplishments, and the Connectional YPD Director and President were recognized for their extraordinary leadership in bringing the vision of this year’s Institute to life. The evening concluded with joy and energy at the Silent Glow Party, where YPD members danced and celebrated together.
Day Three: A Triumphant Conclusion
Sunday opened with the Connectional YPD Awards Ceremony, where districts were recognized in categories such as Best Dressed and Most Spirit. We also took time before service to honor those who are transitioning from YPD to OPD, the ultimate honor all members of this organization are proud to accept due to the culmination of skills and assets that were developed through years of training in this organization, which will help them propel into the next steps of life in and out of the church. This was followed by the Closing Worship Service, where Rev. Dr. Anton Elwood, Pastor of the Preeminent Saint Phillip AME Church delivered a dynamic sermon reminding the congregation that “The power of the Church wears purple, but the strength wears green.”
In the closing moments of the service, heartfelt remarks were given by Bishop Silvester Beaman, Commission Chair of Global Witness and Ministry, Rev. Dr. John F. Green, Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministry, Dr. Deborah Taylor King, Connectional WMS President, Mrs. Richelle Fry-Skinner, Connectional YPD Director, and Miss Joyce Johnson, Connectional YPD President. Together, they affirmed the accomplishments of the weekend and encouraged attendees to continue serving with faith and purpose.
A Weekend to Remember
The 2025 Connectional YPD Leadership Training Institute was a royal experience filled with worship, service, and celebration. The Connectional YPD expresses heartfelt thanks to the entire Executive Board for their dedication, hard work, and vision, which ensured that this year’s Institute was a success.
Attendees left empowered to return to their districts with renewed vision, strengthened faith, and a deeper commitment to building “The House That God Built.” As we look at what was accomplished at this Leadership Training Institute, we know that God will only take us to higher heights as we travel to the 9th Episcopal District in the Summer of 2026 to join Bishop and Supervisor McAllister in Montgomery, Alabama, for our next LTI.
