By Patricia Henderson Wright, Connectional Director of Lay Activities
To me, the Lay Organization is one component of the AME Church that everyone should have some familiarity with. Everyone begins his/her journey in the church as a lay person. We are EVERY Member; We are Every Component of our Zion. We are Missionaries, Sons of Allen, Christian Education members, Exhorters, Deaconesses. We are even those on the ministerial track who are yet to be ordained.
The mission and the role of the Lay Organization is to plan, provide and execute teaching and training so that the Kingdom of God will grow in fertile fields of knowledge, intellect, and service. Every two years the Connectional Lay Organization unites in a Biennial Convention to hear the work and witness of the organization, collaborate with members from across the Connectional Church, participate in learning experiences, celebrate achievements, honor the passing of stalwart soldiers, conduct the business of the organization and fortify ourselves for the continual journey. On July 7-11, 2025, our 39th Biennial Convention will be called to order. Much preparation has gone into making it an AWEthentic Event — Amazing Witness Experience (AWE).
Monday, July 7, deemed a traveling and settling-in day, will see people from across the global church descending on the Atlanta Marquis Hotel poised to engage in Lay ministry. This pre-convention day will include a special event from the recently launched Connectional Lay Empowerment Foundation (CLEF), a Candidates Forum, a preview of our new Lay Merch Store and the opportunity for early registration! The executive board will meet in the afternoon, and for those who are attending for the first time, A First Timers session will be held. The official commencement of the Biennial Convention at 7:00 P.M., is an opening Worship Experience with Lay Commission Chair, Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, delivering the Spoken Word.
The advent of a New study manual is on the horizon! Over the years, we have had great Study Guides produced which have supported our teaching and learning goals. This new study manual will bring more of the same, plus provide strategies and structure to help us execute our organizational mission. Information such as ‘How to Start a Lay Organization,’ ‘How to Effectively Use the AMEC Hymnal’ and ‘How to Preside with Precision’ are included. Topics from leading to liturgy to leveraging resources will also be covered. It will be a major tool for impactful training. Pre-ordering details will be shared in mid-May.
Each morning will begin with a taste of ‘Morning Glory’ as provided through our Chaplain team. The plenary sessions will include officer and committee reports, relevant updates and proposals. The election of officers will take place during Plenary Session 2 on Tuesday afternoon.
In order to be ‘excellentLAY’ attired and equipped, a visit the Lay Merch Store is required. This new venture will provide exciting and practical lay attire and items.
For our Gala Awards Banquet we are privileged to have Mr. Palmer William, Jr. as our celebrity Master of Ceremony. One may recognize Mr. Williams as part of the cast from Tyler Perry’s ‘House of Payne’ and ‘Meet the Browns.’ The after-five attire Gala Awards Banquet will give homage to Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue’s legacy of style, culture and rich history. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of laity in the areas of scholarship, exemplary service and perseverance.
It is no secret that at every level of our Zion teaching and training are important. During the Biennial, we firmly embrace and look forward to the dedicated time allocated for power sessions. In addition to intentional learning labs based upon the contents of the NEW Study Manual, there will be a special 4-hour seminar dedicated to the TECH presence in our Zion. The special TECH session information will be posted in May and will be assigned on a ‘first come first sign-up’ basis, as space is limited.
In planning the biennial, I get to work closely with the Episcopal Directors of Lay Activities –past and present. I am so fortunate to hear them share about all of the great learning opportunities their districts are enjoying. Directors of Lay Activities (DOLAs) are integral in the success of the Biennial, and I publicly thank them for rallying with me to bring it to fruition.
It is our desire that you find this 39th Biennial Convention powerful, memorable and meaningful. We pray it will be truly AWEthentic!
