By Rev. Stephanie M. Atkins, 1st Episcopal District
Connectional Herstoriographer, AME Women in Ministry
There are moments in the life of the Church that remind us that God is still calling, still equipping, still sending, and still pouring fresh oil upon those who have answered the call. This is the testimony of the 12th Quadrennial Conference of the Connectional African Methodist Episcopal Women in Ministry, held July 20–23, 2026, at the Sheraton Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the gracious hospitality of the Second Episcopal District, Bishop Harry Seawright and Supervisor, Rev. Sherita Moon Seawright.
More than 350 women in ministry from across the African Methodist Episcopal Church converged in Charlotte, joined by our Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors, General Officers, and Connectional Presidents. We arrived from different cities, states, and nations with different assignments, different experiences, and different stories. Yet we gathered with one purpose, to encounter the presence of God, embrace purpose, and return to our places of service empowered for greater ministry. The atmosphere was set before the first worship service ever began.
Walking into the Sheraton lobby on that warm Monday morning, one immediately sensed that this gathering was unlike any other. Shades of lavender and white filled the lobby, representing elegance and unity. Smiles greeted weary travelers as sisters embraced one another like family reunited after a long journey. The women of the Second Episcopal District Women in Ministry extended extraordinary hospitality, welcoming every registrant with beautifully prepared lavender gift bags and warm expressions of love. Before workshops were taught and before sermons were preached, ministry had already begun through purposeful hospitality.
Throughout the lobby, familiar faces reunited while first-time attendees found themselves immediately welcomed into the sacred sisterhood that has become the hallmark of Connectional Women in Ministry. Conversations flowed effortlessly. Laughter echoed through the halls. Testimonies were exchanged. New friendships were formed. It was evident from the beginning that this conference would be about more than information, it would be transformational.
The conference officially commenced with an unforgettable Opening Worship and Holy Communion Service at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church.
The sanctuary quickly became filled with anticipation as clergy, laity, and guests gathered for worship. The preached Word came through the anointed vessel of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, whose prophetic voice once again reminded the Church why she remains one of Methodism’s most gifted communicators. With biblical authority, pastoral wisdom, and prophetic courage, Bishop McKenzie challenged us to embrace God’s call with renewed confidence and unwavering faith.
The atmosphere intensified as the Commission Chair, Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr., served as Chief Celebrant, leading a distinguished cadre of bishops in the celebration of Holy Communion. The sacrament reminded each participant that before we are leaders, we are disciples; before we are preachers, we are servants; and before we are called to pour into others, we must first receive from Christ Himself.
It was, indeed, a high time in the Lord.
The Holy Spirit met us in that sanctuary. Hearts were stirred. Spirits were renewed. Tears flowed freely as worshippers responded to God’s presence. We left Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church knowing we had not simply attended another opening service, we had experienced a divine visitation.
Tuesday morning, we ushered into Morning Manna with a powerful devotional message centered upon the conference theme drawn from Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship…”
Rev. Neila Ingram of the Sixteenth Episcopal District delivered a timely and transformative message entitled, “We Are God’s Masterpieces.” With passion and theological clarity, she reminded us that we are not accidental creations but intentional works of God’s hands, fashioned with divine purpose before the foundations of the world.
She challenged every woman in attendance to recognize that God’s craftsmanship is never wasted. Every season, every struggle, every assignment, and every testimony has been woven together by the Master Artist to prepare us for the good works He ordained long ago.
Her message became more than an opening devotion it became a declaration over every woman present.
We left Morning Manna reminded that ministry is not about comparison but about calling. We are masterpieces, not because of our titles or accomplishments, but because we belong to the One who created us with purpose.
Following worship, participants dispersed into morning and afternoon empowerment cohorts designed to strengthen women for twenty-first century ministry.
The educational offerings reflected both academic excellence and practical application. Crystal Barker challenged participants with innovative ministry strategies. Rev. Dr. Susan Ephraim provided rich theological insight rooted in the lived experiences of women called to serve. Rev. Dr. Nikia Smith Robert offered thoughtful scholarship that encouraged women to think critically while remaining spiritually grounded. Rev. Joyce Brooks delivered wisdom cultivated through years of faithful ministry and leadership.
Each presenter brought unique gifts to the learning environment.
These sessions were more than lectures. They became spaces for honest dialogue, collaborative learning, practical equipping, and mutual encouragement. Participants wrestled with contemporary ministry challenges while discovering innovative tools to navigate changing congregational realities. From leadership development and spiritual formation to organizational effectiveness and pastoral care, every workshop sought to prepare women not merely to survive ministry but to flourish within it. One could sense that every sister left those classrooms carrying something she did not possess when she entered.
Tuesday evening shifted the atmosphere from classroom to celebration. Denim and Bling Night proved that Christian fellowship is both joyful and holy. Sisters exchanged clergy collars for denim jackets adorned with sparkle as laughter filled the ballroom. Two talented comedians reminded us that joy truly is good medicine, while an old-school soundtrack provided by our guest DJ transformed the evening into a family reunion unlike any other. The parlor came alive with dancing, singing, and fellowship across generations. The fun continued well into the evening with board games, spades, charades, and spirited conversation.
One truth became abundantly clear: Holiness has never required the absence of joy.
The Church has always been strongest when it worships together, learns together, and laughs together. The bonds formed during those informal moments became just as significant as the lessons learned in formal sessions.
Wednesday morning’s Morning Manna ignited another spiritual blaze. Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Aimee Hurst Anderson of the Third Episcopal District preached from Joshua 3:5–6 under the compelling theme, “Standing Between Today and Tomorrow.” Her message spoke directly to women navigating seasons of transition, uncertainty, and divine preparation.
Standing at the banks of the Jordan River, Israel faced both promise and uncertainty. Likewise, many women in ministry find themselves standing between what has been and what God is preparing to do next. Dr. Anderson challenged us not to fear the unfamiliar territory before us but to consecrate ourselves for the God who still performs wonders among His people.
Her message reminded us that every divine crossing requires trust before triumph. With hearts once again ignited by the preached Word, participants entered another full day of empowerment sessions equipped to receive fresh insight for the work awaiting them beyond Charlotte.
Wednesday afternoon, after lunch, something shifted in the room. Our souls were set free through some much-needed “grown girl talk” with Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant. She came with a deep, passionate, tell-the-truth-and-free-yourself message that met us exactly where we were. Her movement-centered, therapeutic style invited us not simply to listen, but to feel, release, and reclaim.
Sprinkled with transparency, humor, rhythm, and a holy boldness, Dr. Bryant had women snapping, clapping, laughing, shouting, and jumping for joy. It was more than a session; it was an embodied experience of freedom. We were reminded that sometimes the fire within us needs permission to breathe, move, and burn away the things that have kept us bound.
In that sacred and safe space, we encountered the woman within us; the woman we had silenced, postponed, protected, or perhaps forgotten. We were invited to show up without apology, without fear, and without the pressure to perform for anyone else. We could simply be ourselves, for ourselves. And perhaps that was the gift: realizing that being filled is not always about doing more. Sometimes it is about releasing what no longer serves us so that the fire God placed within us can burn freely again.
Wednesday evening became one of the conference’s most memorable occasions as attendees gathered for the elegant Jarena Lee Awards Gala. Dressed in beautiful gowns and formal attire, the ballroom reflected both excellence and gratitude as Women in Ministry honored remarkable women whose faithful witness has strengthened the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The 2026 honorees represented generations of prophetic leadership and sacrificial service.
Bishop Erika Crawford received the Jarena Lee Prophetic Advocate Award for her courageous witness and steadfast leadership.
Dr. Jacqueline Grant, Ph.D., was recognized with the Jarena Lee Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring contributions to theological scholarship and faithful ministry.
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning received the Jarena Lee Kin-dom Impact Award in recognition of her extraordinary influence throughout the Connection.
Rev. Beatrice Motokoa was honored with the Jarena Lee Sacred Sisterhood Award for exemplifying collaborative ministry and faithful service.
Thabile Ngubeni received the Jarena Lee Emerging Leader Award, recognizing the promise and excellence of a rising generation of women leaders.
The late Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper was honored posthumously with the Jarena Lee Legacy Award, reminding us that faithful ministry continues to inspire long after earthly labor has ended.
Each recognition served as a testimony that God continues to raise women whose lives bear witness to His faithfulness, courage, scholarship, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
As inspiring as the awards ceremony proved to be, the evening concluded with an unforgettable worship experience as nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist Maurette Brown Clark ushered the conference into praise. The ballroom became sanctuary. Clothed in evening gowns rather than clergy robes, sisters lifted holy hands in worship, proving once again that praise is never confined by attire. Voices united in songs of gratitude while hearts overflowed with thanksgiving for all God had accomplished throughout the week.
The conference concluded Thursday morning with the President’s Brunch and Closing Commissioning Service. There was a holy stillness that settled across the room as participants realized the week was drawing to a close. The anticipation was profound as Retired Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram approached to deliver the commissioning message. Preaching from Acts 20:17–24, she challenged every attendee to “Finish with Joy.”
Her message served as both benediction and commissioning. She reminded us that ministry is never measured merely by longevity but by faithfulness. Like the Apostle Paul, we are called to finish our assignments with joy, keeping our eyes fixed upon Christ regardless of obstacles, opposition, or uncertainty. It was the perfect conclusion to a conference that had consistently called women to deeper discipleship, courageous leadership, and joyful service.
As sisters embraced one another before departing Charlotte, it became evident that no one would return home unchanged. From the thoughtfully prepared meals that nourished our bodies to the beautifully curated herstory exhibits lining the hallways that honored our foremothers; from the engaging photo booth capturing lasting memories to the sacred prayer room where burdens were exchanged for peace; from the wellness space promoting holistic care to the gifted praise team, musicians, dedicated volunteers, and outstanding vendors, every detail reflected excellence.
This was no ordinary conference. It was an encounter. It was a reminder that the God who called Jarena Lee continues to call women today. It affirmed that our church is strengthened when women are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to serve fully in every place God appoints them. It demonstrated that scholarship and spirituality, excellence and humility, all belong together in the life of this church. As we boarded planes, packed vehicles, and returned to our Episcopal Districts, we carried far more than conference materials and photographs. We carried renewed vision. We carried deeper relationships. We carried fresh strategies. Most importantly, we carried holy fire. Now the true work begins.
The sermons must be preached. The lessons must be taught. The communities must be served. The hurting must be comforted. The next generation must be mentored. The Gospel must continue to be proclaimed with conviction and compassion. The 12th Quadrennial Conference may have concluded in Charlotte, but its impact has only just begun. May the fire kindled during those sacred days continue to burn brightly throughout every Episcopal District, every local church, every community, and every heart represented.
Above all, we leave with unspeakable joy, giving all glory to God, whose workmanship we are, and whose purpose we remain committed to fulfilling.
