By Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Retired Episcopal Supervisor
I will be the first to admit that the African Methodist Episcopal Church has a multiplicity of problems (as does any other denomination). Many persons came out of the 2024 General Conference wondering what was going on in our church and whether we would survive all of the politics, the power struggles, the wrong we do to each other, the decisions made without the input of the people, the issues about the retirement money and on and on. I was chief among those who left Columbus, saying, “What was it all about?
I had serious doubts about the future of our Zion.
But on the other hand, I have seen how we come together and how we are there for each other in seasons of distress and grief. Somehow, we are able to put our personal agendas and politics aside and do what it takes to comfort the bereaved.
I remember sitting in the sanctuary of St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta for the Homegoing Celebration for Christy Davis Jackson, Esq. I looked around, and I felt so good about what I saw. I saw many leaders in our denomination who were just in Atlanta for the General Board, yet they returned days later to share in the grief of the Jackson and Davis families. In the past four months, I saw persons who had to travel to the funerals of Bishop Robert Webster, Bishop Henry Allen Belin Jr, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, and Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson. They were there—bishops, general officers, pastors, connectional officers, lay leaders, and members!
Every church that has hosted one of these funerals has gone over and beyond duty to make sure all needs of the families are met–St. Philip AME (hosted the funerals of Bishop Belin and Supervisor Jackson); St. Stephens, Jacksonville, Florida (Bishop Webster); Bethel Baltimore (Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Byrant); and St. Andrew AME – Memphis, Tennessee. (Bishop Anne Henning Byfield). The pastors of these churches were very present to the families. There were members who were so accommodating; they had such a wonderful spirit of hospitality.
There was a spirit of celebration at each service because the music was just so very good. The quality of the music was instrumental in helping us celebrate the lives of those whose bodies lay before us in a casket. The songs made us give God praise for well-lived lives. Honestly, this past Wednesday, I just wanted to cut a step and run down the aisle because that choir was “singing!”
Kudos to our treasurer, Dr. Marcus Henderson. Under the guidance of Sharon Blaylock, our Connectional Event Planner, he has made his staff available for every Episcopal Leader’s Funeral. They make sure that we have hotel and transportation accommodations. They work with the pastor of the church and the members to make sure all logistics are in place. Every funeral has been seamless because everyone knows what they are doing and when it should be done. What a rich blessing!
Thinking back to Episcopal Supervisor Jackson’s funeral, I remember feeling the warmth and love we have for each other that we, unfortunately, allow to be buried beneath stuff that really doesn’t matter. These deaths have caused me to rethink a lot of issues I have had with the AME Church.
We experienced the death of the following Episcopal Leaders in 2024:
- Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Dolly D. Adams
- Bishop Robert Webster
- Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheletham
- Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr.
- Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant
- Bishop Anne Henning Byfield
- Episcopal Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq.
I would not be so presumptuous as to ask why God allowed so many of our leaders to die in 2024, but I will say that God is speaking to each of us AMEs every time we come together for a funeral. I cannot speak for others, but I will speak for myself.
I decided after Episcopal Supervisor Jackson’s funeral that I am not going to miss what God is saying to us individually and collectively. I am not going to allow the issues that we have with each other to keep me from being the kind of Christian who God wants us to be. I decided that I could not hold stuff in my heart against anyone. I cannot come to these experiences and purposely avoid speaking to those I know have betrayed me. And I decided I don’t want to just fake it; I want my heart to be clear. I want my heart to be right. I found myself speaking to people I know have not meant me good, yet I felt no bitterness when I spoke to them.
I decided that when God drops the name of someone in my spirit, no matter who it is, I must stop and follow whatever instructions God is giving to me. I decided to pray for my denomination and do whatever I could to help make it the church I know it can be, even with all of our faults and frailties.
I am a fourth-generation AME. It is the only church I know. My husband and I gave this church 45 years of our lives in ministry. We served four local churches and three episcopal districts. I want to believe our serving was not in vain. When we were active, we tried to make a difference, and I believe that even in our retirement, we can still make a difference!
I decided this week that I am proud to be an AME. In 2016, when my husband and I hosted the Bicentennial Celebration of the AME Church, we came up with the theme: Extraordinary History/Incredible Future. I still believe this is true. If we just listen to God and do what we know we must do, our eyes have not seen, and our ears have not heard what is in store for us in the future!
Sometime after the General Conference I wrote an article posted in the Christian Recorder titled Beyond 2024. I was trying to bring under the attention of the global AME Church that it is time to stop for a moment each AME member whether clergy or lay and put to pen even if you don’t post it the following. What will this church be if everybody is like me. I referred to the injustices, the backstabbing, marginalization and humiliation and many more of our members. Supervisor Ingram made me realize that being open and honest with yourself give you the courage to speak out. Thumbs up to you supervisor.
We wondered how we were going to survive after all the shady sales of church property your husband made a lot of shady deals wolf in sheep’s clothing.
This incredibly open and candid sharing from one who was/is involved in the highest level of the A.M.E. hierarchy is refreshing. The truth will indeed set us free, and Dr. Jessica’s sharing from her heart should help all of us who have been involved in our several “Black Methodist” communions to face the reality of the Black church. We must save ourselves from a future that will undoubtedly be less than our glorious past. Let us be honest with ourselves and with each other, we can do better by each other, the ministry, and most importantly, God’s Church. The question is, “Are we willing to make the necessary changes to do so?”
Thank you Dr. Jessica for your spoken words about the AME Family. I am a member of St. Philip AME 40 years. Currently under the Amazing Leadership of my Pastor Dr. Elwood! He is a blessing to St. Philip and to me. I was able to speak with him after I requested a meeting to assist with my grief during the loss of my Mother. Being a new Pastor to the church I really didn’t know how my request would be received. His lovely assistant Regina navigated a timely meeting, and not to my suprise he was as genuine as his messages on Sunday morning. Thank you all for your Leadership and input within our community.. Love and Blessings God be with you, Tamayra
Thank You Dr Jessica for giving us a place of hope and a charge for the future!! God is the same God, yesterday, today and forever!
I agree with others. This is a Powerful article. I intend to read it again. Thank you Dr. Jessica.
Thank you I am also 4th generation AME and your words was an inspirational statement. Thank you
Prayers 🙏 in Jesus Holy Name
I too am a fourth generation AME
and very proud of the achievements made over the many years. Yes, we have had our ups and downs; however, our God is still watching over us and wants us to be united.
Thank you for that message, Rev. Dr. Kendall Ingram.
Peace and Blessings to all. 🙏🏿
Powerful article! Thank you!
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a Torch Light of Hope to The Christian Faith. It shine on the hill of challenges and shall never grow dim. From it beginning the leaders stood as tall. All organization have challenges but by trusting God his promises and processes they never give up.
I respectfully congratulations. DR.Ingram for her love of her Zion.
Peace and blessings to her.
Much Respect.
In the service of Christ.
Let the light of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shine.
God be praised.
B.Clement Simms, PhD
Thank You, Dr. Jessica, I believe you have expressed in words, what many of us are feeling in our hearts🙏🏽!
Once I became aware of what happened in Ohio, and how it would affect my life, I stopped going to my Church. (I have only been for Funerals and give my tithes to other Churches). But after reading your commentary, I know in my heart, I need to reconsider. Thank you, Dr. Jessica, for your boldness and transparency to help others face their challenges 💜🙏🏽✝️! G.
This love letter by Supervisor-Reverend Doctor Jessica Ingram made me proud to be an AME and proud to be a child of GOD. Despite the mistakes, actions, church hurts, and bad human behavior we often display, we are reminded of who’s we are and we come together in the name of GOD for one another. Case in point – Because of the swift and compassionate response to the fires and wind devastation in Southern California, the AME Church made our houselessness and rebuilding efforts a reality for our churches and others affected. We will not give up on the AME Church and we will continue to nurture it and kingdom build because “Love Makes the Difference.
Dr. Jessica, Thanks for being transparent and honest. I’m reminded of 2 Chronicles promise that “if my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, God would hear from heaven and heal our land” We’ve got to pray and stay free of bitterness and disconnect because of position, power and money.