Saint John AME Church in Frankfort, KY, Receives Thriving Church Grant to Strengthen Clergy and Laity Partnership
Saint John AME Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, is celebrating the success of its recent training session focused on enhancing the partnership between clergy and laity. This initiative was made possible through the Thriving African American Congregations grant awarded by the Lexington Theological Seminary, which has allowed the church to embark on a transformative journey to increase spiritual and numerical growth within the congregation.
Under the dedicated leadership of Senior Pastor LaVeeshia Pryor, AKA Pastor Vee, a strong advocate for this initiative, the training session was designed to strengthen the bonds between the church’s clergy and laity, ultimately enhancing the congregation’s identity, vision, and mission. The event featured a skilled presenter, Dr. Kilen Gray, who guided participants through an engaging exploration of pastors’ essential roles in fostering pastoral resiliency and the critical contributions of an empowered laity in nurturing healthy relationships.
Key highlights from the training included:
Understanding Pastoral Role and Resiliency: Participants gained valuable insights into how pastors can develop and sustain the congregation’s identity, vision, and mission while navigating challenges and fostering growth. The discussions emphasized the importance of pastoral resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Empowering Laity Engagement and Healthy Relationships: The training fostered a deeper appreciation among laity for their vital role in supporting and advancing the church’s objectives. Participants learned how healthy relationships and effective partnerships with clergy can significantly enhance the church community.
Training Leaders in Conflict Resolution: Leaders from both clergy and laity were equipped with essential tools and strategies to address conflicts constructively. This aspect of the training promoted unity and collaboration within the church, reinforcing the importance of a harmonious environment.
The training session yielded positive outcomes, including improved collaboration between clergy and laity, a more transparent and committed vision and mission for the congregation, and enhanced conflict resolution skills among church leaders.
In reflecting on the success of the training, Pastor Vee expressed her gratitude for the participation and enthusiasm shown by the congregation. “This training has been a pivotal moment for our church community.” “By investing in the partnership between clergy and laity, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving congregation that is united in purpose and committed to fulfilling its mission.”
Saint John AME Church is excited about the potential long-term impact of this initiative on its community. With the strong foundation established through the training session, the church looks forward to further cultivating resilience and cooperation among its members. This initiative, supported by the Thriving African American Congregations grant, marks a vital step toward growth and effectiveness as a faith community, reflecting the church’s unwavering commitment to its members and the broader community.
