Category: Features

Many may know L’Tanya as the award-winning gospel recording artist who released her debut album, Radiant, in 2006 with the hit song “He Decided To Die”, originally recorded by Dr. Margaret P. Douroux. However, describing her simply as a musician would tell only part of the story. At the heart of her ministry is a profound passion for the arts and their ability to express the Gospel.

“We often say that everyone is welcome in God’s house,” Wilson said. “But true hospitality goes beyond opening the doors. If we believe that all are welcome, then we must intentionally create spaces and provide resources for those who worship and learn differently. Inclusion is an expression of Christ’s love.”

“Our story is never just about us,” shared Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District. “As members of a connectional church, we are called to stand alongside one another, strengthening ministry wherever God is at work. Through these partnerships, we support faithful leaders already serving on the ground and affirm that we are one Church with one mission.”

One of the greatest strengths of ASPIRE 2026 was its commitment to every generation. Programming was intentionally designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, middle school students, teenagers, young adults, adults, clergy, and seasoned saints. Every age group had a place to learn, worship, and connect.

For decades, steward reports at the District Conference have been predictable. In response, the district implemented an interactive District Steward Ministry Fair, allowing local leaders to serve as operational consultants rather than mere reporters.

What good is a commercial kitchen that never feeds hungry families? What good is a fellowship hall that rarely welcomes lonely people? What good are classrooms that sit dark while children need tutoring, parents need support, seniors need companionship, and recovering people need a safe place to gather? Every unused room represents not merely vacant space but unrealized ministry.

Bishop Payne warned us that “when the church ceases to think, the church ceases to exist.” Perhaps another truth deserves consideration: when the church ceases to prophesy, she risks forgetting why God raised her in the first place.

A faithful church must be willing to speak truth to power, advocate for vulnerable communities, and remain rooted in the gospel rather than partisan loyalty. Ultimately, the greatest challenge facing many congregations may not be financial or demographic. It may be theological. 

Republicans who want to see America great again are gearing up for the midterm elections in November. They are a nervous group right now because they can see the handwriting on the wall. It’s in big bold letters, and it simply says, “I’m cooked. Just stick a fork in me because I’m done.”