Ms. Megan Doctor, 7th Episcopal District
Passing the Mantle and the Anointing
Ms. Megan Doctor, 7th Episcopal District
In Second Kings 2, it was Elijah’s responsibility to teach Elisha what was needed in order to continue working for the Kingdom of God by teaching and administering God’s Prophecy.
As the Prophet Elijah prepared for his earthly departure, he asked Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you…?” Elishaasked for a double portion of his spirit! At this point, God transferred the mantle to Elisha, who received the power to do greater works than that of his predecessor. Every parent should desire that their children succeed at a greater level than they did. The same should apply to the church. One generation should desire that the next would excel and do greater works in advancing the Kingdom of God. The sages are responsible for providing wisdom, knowledge, and the history of the church to create a place of holistic ministry. However, often, they failed by holding on to positions for extended periods and maintaining outdated traditions.
Opportunities provided for those of us in younger generations to serve in leadership roles are offered as a means to utilize our gifts but come as well with a hidden agenda to silence our voices and exclude us from the organization’s total operations. In doing so, our divine purpose may be forfeited under the guise of “ an offered opportunity. However, in many cases, we are manipulated by the “powers that be” to work within the means of limitations, controlling how a mantle created by God, and not human hands is carried (1 Peter 4:10). This can and should become an opportunity to train the next generation to properly serve the AME Church with integrity. (1Timothy 4:11-16).
Failure to provide these tools will hinder not only the transference of the mantle but also the experience of a mass exodus of the next generation, who will end up connecting with other ministries not steeped in tradition, but utilizing modernized means of worship.
Continue to Press Forward!
When God has given you a task (purpose), it is important never to allow anyone to hinder your mission! Your assignment is not created by human beings or found in titles. Assignments come from God. Although it is important to respect those who have rule and authority over you, it is equally important to obey the voice of God as it relates to his call on your life (Romans 8:33-39).
The late Congressman John Lewis coined the statement, “Make good trouble,” as a means to encourage those who would follow him as he passed the mantle to be different and to make a difference in the lives of the people they encountered. I love the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and I endeavor to make a difference where I serve—to get into “good trouble.”Therefore, I am working toward a church that my children and the generations to come will love just as much as I and others do.
Let’s make some “good AME trouble!”
