By Rev. Frederick Ofori Agyemang, 14th Episcopal District Field Representative
Opening Devotion and Proceedings
The session was opened with a devotion led by the 19th Episcopal District.
The chairman of the GDC, bishop Paul J.M Kawimbe, after the devotion, called the secretariat to read the minutes of the previous sessions. From the minutes, it was noted that about 130 delegates were recorded for the 2026 GDC in Maputo, Mozambique, in the 18th Episcopal District. Corrections were made after the minutes were read and accepted, but the secretariat was asked to go back and make all necessary inputs.The treasurer made a supplementary report on funds raised at the 2026 GDC at $44,800.00.
Strategic and Planning Committee Report
The strategic and planning committee also gave a summary of their resolution. But for the sake of clarification, the resolutions must be looked into, necessary corrections made, and they must be considered and approved by the bishops before they are considered approved.
The strategic plans for the 2026–2030
Integrated theoretical framework of AME principles
Integrated theoretical framework of AME principles, Liberation heritage ubuntu philosophy Relational community that the GDC adapt the 2026-2030 framework and timelines to be implemented. The comprehensive budget for the entire implementation of the plan shall be developed after these foundational principles are adopted.
Strategic planning document development
Whereas the summaries strategic planning document represent the foundational framework arises from the Maputo deliberations and requires further development into a complete finalise and fully implementable product and whereas the working groups, cluster reports and plenary account must be integrated into a single document and be it further resolved that the committee shall represent the final strategic plan inclusive of all key performance indicators detailed timelines and realistic comprehensive budget within three months of this session before circulation to all districts prior to form adaption and be it further resolved that upon adaption and ratification the strategic plan shall become a living document subject to all growing refinement objective and adaptation as conditions involved and implementation progresses.
Reinstatement and governance of the AME Church Global Development Council
Reinstatement and governance of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Global Development Council including development corporation. Whereas the economic development cluster has recommended the reinstatement of the legal entity name the AME Church GDC community development corporation through the company registration in South Africa, and whereas the corporation requires a governance framework to be authoritating direct task representing districts 14 to 20 drawn from individuals with high level professional experience in the corporation requires a governance framework to be established.
Resource accountability and financial structure
Whereas financial sustainability foundational to the institution strategic plan to the GDC and whereas the financial advisory report has been created to develop standardised forms and operating procedures for judiciary responsibility across all districts.
Leadership capacity building and communication structure
Whereas the working group on leadership and capacity building has identified five strategic goals requiring and initially investment at annual operational costs and whereas the need for standardised training for pastors into generational leadership development require immediate assistance and sustain investment and be it resolved that a GDC communication hub shall be established by December 2026 with a communication team comprising of CIO, The Christian Recorder and field representative and that translation including sign language shall be prioritised all
GDC communications.
Church Growth and Development, Holistic Development and Social Justice
Whereas church growth and development is a foundational strategic priority encompassing numerical growth, but the building of a generational world. The preservation interpretation of intellectual knowledge and the mainstream of health and wellness across all goals and strategies.
Monitoring Evaluation and Accountability Framework
Whereas transparency and evidence-based adaptive management require baseline data, a theoretical framework, quarterly progress review, and periodic comprehensive evaluation. Therefore, it is resolved that the monitoring function framework with the logical frameworks for each strategic objective shall be developed by June 2026, and it is further resolved that the baseline data for all key performance indicators shall be established by December 2026.
Commendations and Announcements
After the resolutions of the strategic planning committee, bishop Kawimbe made commendation for the participation of members, especially the bishops who made it to the GDC 2026, the 18th district, for a wonderful organisation, the choir, etc.
Dr. Alvin Edward Attah announced his resignation as GDC secretary to focus on his candidacy for the episcopal service, and the Assembly accepted it.
Conclusion
The 13th Assembly of GDC in 2026, although my first time, has proven beyond all doubt and promises to be more successful as we progress.
God bless AME church God bless GDC.
