Sixth Episcopal District 2018 Christian Education Leadership Congress
By Rev. Velma Grant, 6th Episcopal District
“If It’s Not Broke, Break It!” was the theme for the Sixth Episcopal District Christian Education Leadership Congress, held July 17- 20, 2018, in Augusta, Georgia. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, and Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq., orchestrated a time of learning and fun with the District. The theme was a challenge to consider finding innovative ways to preach, teach, and share the “Good News” that will transform the lives of hearers (or in a 21st-century context, those who utilize social media).
There were sessions for clergy, laity, teens, young adults, and youth with each group placed in an environment to learn about an “unchanging God in an ever-changing world.” Congress presenters encouraged the use of social media as a valuable ministry, marketing, and communication tool that would provide benefits to Sunday attendees as well as those who are not affiliated with any faith community.
Dr. Marcus Cosby challenged attendees to understand that change in life and ministry is imminent despite reluctance to embrace such change. Per Dr. Cosby, clergy should minister, teach, preach, or embrace ministry in a way that does not make the ministry fall behind because of unwillingness to embrace new models of ministry. One way to move forward is for clergy to utilize social media (Facebook, Twitter, and websites) which has “radically transformed ministry.”
Presenter Melissa Wharton, CEO of The Church Online, reminded attendees that size has nothing to do with excellence. She said, “Just because you are small doesn’t mean that you can’t operate at the level of excellence of a larger church.” Both small and large churches can use social media to enhance the church’s message both locally and internationally.
The Congress Choir, under the direction of Sister L’Tanya Moore Copeland, set the atmosphere for the preachers and each preached in their own unique way. Dr. Cosby reminded us to remain mesmerized by God, the Rev. Forrest Dickey reminded attendees that although life’s calamities can result in bent positions, the Lord can reverse any condition that alters one’s position. The Rev. Reginald Sharpe, Jr., preached that sometimes the feeling of trouble might actually be a period of transition orchestrated by God. Sister Jordan DeVeaux’s message reminded morning worshippers that although we are opposed to change, we need to shift to a bird’s eye view because “what God has for us will not be found on this level.”
Thursday’s activities ended months of planning and training for Conference representatives and on that day, individuals could be identified by the color of their shirt. Each of Georgia’s six conferences was assigned a specific color to wear for Field Day. Field Day activities included “tug-of-war,” ‘kickball,” and basketball. Several age groups participated in the basketball tournaments and some groups were co-ed with both boys and girls displaying skills that showed their excitement and dedication to team unity.
The biggest court-side enthusiast was Episcopal District Supervisor Jackson (an avowed LeBron James fan), who displayed her dance moves and team-spirit to the delight of those in the gymnasium. The joy that was displayed by players and coaches was contagious and the air was filled with a spirit of jovial rivalry and competitiveness. The South Georgia Conference was the overall winner in most categories and friendly competition is already on next year’s radar, as others voiced interest in eliminating the South Conference’s chances of a repeat.
Thursday evening’s electrifying concert featured Tasha Cobbs Leonard and did not disappoint concertgoers who lined up as early as 6 p.m. to enter the Convention Hall. Although many might have been weary from the day’s activities, they still had enough energy to sing and dance to the music of the recording artist. One of the positive highlights of attending Leadership Congress in the Sixth Episcopal District is the intentional emphasis to provide educational as well as fun activities that are family-oriented. It is perhaps the only church gathering where the family is engaged at the same location for the same period of time.
The Congress theme,“If It’s Not Broke…Break It!” encourages both clergy and laity to adjust with the changing times and utilize social media for ministry. While tradition is a necessary foundation, growth will not occur if adjustments are not made to make the Gospel relevant to the times. Bishop Jackson encouraged and offered caution as to the use of social media because its use can be a burden but if used “wisely it can be a blessing,” to families, individuals, ministries, and churches.
The Rev. Velma E. Grant, Th.M., M.Div. is the pastor of Payton AME Church in Valdosta, Georgia.
