Reimagining Ministry: A COVID Collaboration
The opportunity to reopen the doors of the church is one that many African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) pastors have awaited for over a year. Many of our A.M.E. family have returned to the sanctuary, but there are still congregations that remain virtual. In our reimagination of the church, returning to what was is not an option. Hybrid models, smaller congregations, masks, social distancing, increased social justice preaching, political and global awareness all enter the new African Methodist Episcopal Church.
On Sunday, August 1, 2021, three churches took the first steps towards “church” 17 months into COVID. The First District, New York Conference’s own Bethel Freeport A.M.E., Morris Brown A.M.E., and Salem A.M.E. Roslyn collaborated under the mentorship of Rev. Stephen Michael Lewis of Bethel Freeport A.M.E. to reenter the church building. Under the leadership of Presiding Elder Jo-an L. Owings, the Jamaica Long Island District has sought creative, communal, and connectional ways to reopen our doors for the people of God. From district meetings and trainings to local church workshops on faith, education led the way for Pastors to return to the pulpit slowly but surely.
This partnership of churches is the outgrowth of the recent appointments of two of Rev. Lewis’ ministerial team, Rev. Tyra L. Frazier, Pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E., and Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus, Pastor of Salem A.M.E., Roslyn, following the New York Annual Conference by Former Presiding Prelate Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram.
The service began at Bethel Freeport A.M.E.s regular time of 9:30 am following weeks of preparation of all three congregations. The churches promoted the reopening during their individual services, on social media, and through outreach. Each also continued virtually, offering members the option of participating through Zoom/Facebook. Current COVID-19 precautions were discussed and practiced, including social distancing of members, ministers, and choir. Executive Minister Rev Jessica C. Mitchem and Bethel’s head ushers took the lead in ensuring safe practices were implemented and adhered to for all in attendance. Our virtual community could see the disinfecting of microphones between each usage, the use of disposable microphone covers for each person, and the use of hand sanitizer throughout the service (including communion). These steps to provide a safe environment for those in attendance while prayerfully developing the trust of our virtual community have set in motion options for the current day church under global and health circumstances (a freedom provided to the African Episcopal Church in our Articles of Faith).
Rev. Cole Cineus’ greeting of Salem A.M.E. included a quick recap of their Saturday outdoor prayer service. Rev. Frazier’s announcements filled the room with worship and praise while thanking the Morris Brown congregation for Friends and Family Day. Both events included all three churches participating. This collaboration offered all members the opportunity to come to the reopening service. Rev Lewis offered the following three considerations in her sermon entitled “The Fullness of Christ:” the work of the ministry, the unity of the faith, and growing in Christ. Bethel’s pastor called for the “accountability of the believer” as it relates to our next steps in reopening, reclaiming, and remuneration.
We had a high time in the Lord as the culminating act of communion with all pastors and clergy. Elder Owings, leading as Chief Celebrant, emphasized exponentially the two souls who acknowledged Jesus Christ through salvation and affiliation following the sermon.
In 2020, we were charged to reimagine the church by now-retired Bishop Gregory Ingram, and now in 2021, we will create and execute the dreams and visions God has given the people under the leadership of our current Presiding Prelate Bishop Julius McAllister.
We look forward to seeing what God will continue to do in the lives of each of these church families collectively and individually.
