ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The opening night of ASPIRE 2026: What’s Your Story? became a powerful witness to the connectional mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
During the Opening Ceremony, attendees responded with extraordinary generosity, raising $37,500 to support the ministry and mission of the 17th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop Vernon R. Byrd, Jr., Presiding Prelate. The offering reflects the First Episcopal District’s growing commitment to extending the impact of ASPIRE beyond Atlantic City and investing in the Church’s global witness.
The gift will help strengthen ministry throughout the countries served by the 17th Episcopal District, including Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), and Burundi, supporting churches and members who are already faithfully serving their communities through evangelism, discipleship, education, and outreach.
“Our story is never just about us,” shared Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District. “As members of a connectional church, we are called to stand alongside one another, strengthening ministry wherever God is at work. Through these partnerships, we support faithful leaders already serving on the ground and affirm that we are one Church with one mission.”
The offering became a living expression of ASPIRE’s vision that discipleship is demonstrated through generosity, partnership, and collective responsibility. Throughout the week, participants explored how their personal stories are woven into God’s greater story through worship, learning, community engagement, and service.
This year’s ASPIRE intentionally expanded that vision beyond the walls of the convention center. While participants engaged in intergenerational learning experiences, leadership development, Christian education, and Community Impact initiatives across Atlantic City, the opening offering reminded everyone that the mission of the Church extends across oceans and national borders.
By investing in the ministry of the 17th Episcopal District, the First Episcopal District affirmed one of the defining values of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, demonstrating its connectional commitment to supporting one another across the globe. Rather than creating new ministries, the offering strengthens the work of pastors, congregations, and leaders already serving faithfully in their local communities throughout Central and East Africa.
The historic offering also signals a broader vision for the future of the First Episcopal District. Bishop Green shared that global partnership will remain an important dimension of the District’s mission, with hopes of cultivating additional partnerships that expand opportunities for learning, ministry, and mutual support throughout the worldwide AME Church.
As ASPIRE 2026 challenged participants to ask, “What’s Your Story?, ” the opening night’s generosity demonstrated that the most meaningful stories are those lived together in service to Christ.
