By Johnoy J. Davis, TCR Intern
ORLANDO, FL. – The 2026 General Board Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church came to a close Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a worship service that celebrated God’s faithfulness, reflected the rich diversity of the Connection, and reminded those gathered that, while the business of the Church may conclude, its mission continues.
The service began with spirited congregational singing under the leadership of Senior Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah. As worshippers stood and sang “We’re Marching to Zion,” the atmosphere was immediately set for an evening centered on praise, the preached Word, and the sacrament of communion.
Bishop David R. Daniels led the Call to Worship before the congregation lifted their voices once again in “God of Grace and God of Glory,” sung lustily under the Choir’s leadership.
Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. offered the invocation, asking God to remind His people that just as He was with our ancestors, and He remains with His Church today. His prayer pointed the congregation toward the faithfulness of a God whose presence has sustained generations of African Methodists.
We experienced a beautiful moment that displayed the diversity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church through music. Under the direction of Dr. Barbara Bouie, the choir led the congregation in “Ndikhokele, Oh Jehovah,” sung to the familiar tune of “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” Without missing a beat, the choir transitioned into “The Blood Still Works,” and the sanctuary erupted in joyful worship. Hands clapped, feet moved, and voices filled the convention hall as Bishops, Clergy, and laity alike joined together in praise. The choir and musicians ministered with excellence, laying the spiritual foundation for what would become a powerful worship experience.
The reading of Scripture continued in that same spirit of reverence. Bishop Gregory V. Eason proclaimed Psalm 19:1–6 with power and authority, his voice echoing throughout the hall as the psalm declared the glory of God revealed through His creation. The Gospel lesson, Matthew 6:26–30, was read by Bishop Erika D. Crawford, who reminded worshippers that there is no need to worry when they serve a Father who faithfully cares even for the birds of the air.
Following the Prelude to the Decalogue by Bishop Julius H. McAllister Jr., the choir returned to minister once more, declaring through song, “For the Rest of My Life,” a fitting expression of lifelong commitment to Christ.
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath then led us through the mission offering, encouraging the congregation to give a gift of twenty dollars. Bishop Leath thanked the Connection for its continued generosity in supporting the Church’s ministries of social action and education. He also took the opportunity to recognize the Church’s response to the Sixteenth Episcopal District, particularly Haiti and Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, reminding those present that the ministry of the Church extends wherever people are in need.
The preacher for the closing worship service, Bishop Harry Lee Seawright, was presented by Bishop Adam J. Richardson. Before the preached Word, the choir ministered “I Trust in God,” preparing hearts for the message to follow.
Before turning to his text, Bishop Seawright shared a deeply personal testimony that immediately captured the congregation’s attention. Recounting an experience in which he was clinically dead for approximately forty-five minutes after two attempts at CPR and being shocked by a defibrillator, he declared that he stood before the Church as living evidence of God’s miraculous power.
“I do not have to spend a long time telling the story,” he said. “The evidence is real.”
He recalled making a promise to God while lying in the hospital.
“Since You did not take me, You must still have a purpose for me. If You allow me to get off this bed, I will make it my duty to tell everybody that You can do what needs to be done.”
Before preaching, Bishop Seawright warmly acknowledged his fellow bishops, whom he described as his brothers and sisters, along with the supervisors, general officers, his beloved wife and the members of the Second, Ninth and Thirteenth Episcopal Districts. He also paused to offer a prayer in memory of the late Bishop R. T. Jackson and Supervisor Jackson, honoring their faithful service to African Methodism.
Preaching from 2 Kings 6:7–12 and 15–17, Bishop Seawright delivered a sermon entitled “One Plus One Equals Thousands.” Drawing from the familiar account of Elisha and his servant, he reminded the congregation that while life’s circumstances often appear overwhelming, God’s presence far exceeds every challenge.
“There are more with us than with them,” he declared repeatedly throughout the message.
Reflecting on his own life, Bishop Seawright spoke candidly about seasons of success and seasons of struggle. He recalled the early years of marriage when he and his wife enjoyed what many would consider the ideal life—a three-story home, a Volvo, two children and even a puppy. Yet God reminded him that the foundation of his family was not simply the people within the home, but a circle with God firmly at its center.
He also shared another near-death experience in which doctors urged him not to fall asleep because he was bleeding internally. Through it all, he testified that God had once again preserved his life.
Perhaps one of the sermon’s most touching moments came as Bishop Seawright reflected on his childhood following the death of his father when he was just five years old. With only a five-hundred-dollar insurance policy left behind to cover funeral expenses, his mother faithfully stretched every nickel and dime to provide for her children. Though there were times when they did not have enough, he testified that God never failed them.
Looking back over every trial, every hospital room and every difficult season, Bishop Seawright arrived at one unwavering conclusion.
“Yes, God is real.”
Following the sermon, Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II extended the Invitation to Christian Discipleship. Reflecting on the message that had just been preached, he reminded the congregation that while Scripture gives countless examples of God’s faithfulness through men such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they had also witnessed a modern-day testimony through the life of Bishop Seawright.
As the choir softly sang “Yes, God Is Real,” three invitations were extended. The first invited those who had not accepted Christ to come for salvation. The second called believers to recommit themselves to the Lord, encouraging them to leave differently than they had arrived. The final invitation welcomed all who desired prayer, reminding the congregation that “without faith it is impossible to please God,” and that those who come to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Bishop Frederick Alan Wright Sr. led the Ministry of Giving before the congregation entered what Senior Bishop Messiah described as “the Holy Feast”, the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
As worshippers sang “Let Us Break Bread Together,” Bishops, Clergy and laity gathered around the Lord’s Table in a beautiful expression of Christian fellowship. It was a fitting conclusion to a week of worship, fellowship and the work of the Church, reminding those assembled that beyond meetings, reports and decisions, the Church remains united through Christ.
Retired Bishop John Richard Bryant pronounced the benediction, bringing the closing worship service and the 2026 General Board Meeting to an end.
As delegates departed Orlando to return to their respective Episcopal Districts, they carried with them not only the work accomplished throughout the week but also the encouragement of a worship service celebrating God’s enduring faithfulness. The songs may have ended, and the sanctuary may have emptied. Still, the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church continues until the Connection gathers once again for the next sitting of the General Board in 2027.
