By Martinique Mix, 6th Episcopal District
One of the most enriching features of the 39th Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization has been the dynamic and thoughtfully curated series of Learning Labs. These workshops, held between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., offered attendees a chance to dive deep into critical areas of church leadership, digital ministry, financial stewardship, and community building. Participants were encouraged to attend two sessions from a variety of offerings that reflected both the tradition and innovation thriving within the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Each session was designed to last 50 minutes, with the exception of the “Serving the Local Church with Technology and Practical Tools” seminar, a special two-hour intensive session that gave participants hands-on exposure to using devices and tech tools to enhance local church operations.
Workshops tackled timely and timeless subjects alike. For those interested in worship and liturgy, “Remembering Worship via the Use of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Liturgy” provided clarity on how to properly select songs and understand worship order—an essential skill for worship planners. Meanwhile, “The Power of Church and Community Partnerships” offered a thoughtful guide on how to build relationships outside the church walls.
Technology-forward offerings like “Creating Lay Video Content” gave participants the chance to learn video production using smartphones and tablets—crucial skills in today’s digital ministry environment.
Financial leadership was another strong focus, with sessions like “Budgeting Strategies and Sustainable Financial Practices” and “Creating a Simple Budget for a Lay Organization” providing practical tools for fiscal clarity and organizational success.
Disaster preparedness also found its place in the lineup, with “Disaster Preparation for Your Local Church” ensuring that congregations are equipped for the unexpected.
Leadership and relationship-building were central themes. “Bridging Generations: How a Young Adult Representative Can Work Effectively with the Director of Lay Activities” and “The Dynamic Duo: The Working Relationship of the President & Director of Lay Activities” examined intergenerational cooperation and teamwork at the highest levels of Lay ministry.
Additionally, “Fostering Effective Collaboration” outlined how Directors of Lay Activities and their leadership teams can work in sync. Historical awareness and the art of storytelling were highlighted in “History in the Making: Becoming a Lay Storyteller,” a session that equipped Historiographers and others with tools to preserve and present the vital legacy of the AME Church.
Attendees also engaged in sessions focused on structure and vision, like “Restructuring Our Thinking, Our Minds, and Our Ministry” and “A Blueprint for Organizing a Local Lay Organization,” which helped local leaders return to their churches with renewed purpose and concrete strategies.
From discussions about church transitions in “Wake Up Everybody: The Church is Moving On” to strategic planning in “The Planning Role of the DOLA,” each session served a clear goal: to strengthen, inspire, and equip the Lay members of the AME Church for transformative service.
The learning labs were more than just workshops—they were a testament to the commitment of the Connectional Lay Organization to ongoing education, relevant training, and spiritual empowerment. As we move forward through this biennial session, it’s clear that the foundation is being laid for continued excellence in Lay leadership across the connection.
Martinique Mix is a member of Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Director of Lay Activities for the 6th Episcopal District.
Awesome report!