Virtual Delegate

 
We need “a great awakening” to address our system of electing bishops. And yes, we need “a great awakening” for the African Methodist Episcopal Church!                 
                                                                                -- Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III

CLICK HERE:  YOUR VIRTUAL DELEGATE BALLOT

By Stephanie and Eric Stradford

AMWS, March 12, 2012, Virtual -- This article responds to an editorial, published by The Christian Recorder. Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, editor for the oldest existing black periodical in America, posted, “We need a “great awakening” to address our system of electing bishops.”

Once upon a time, such rebel rousing only occurred downstairs in the fellowship hall. Now, even church leaders are learning that theirs ain’t the “polity” it use to be.

Sister Luessia E. King once endowed a friend of the church with a copy of an old book by Joseph Gomez, a Bishop of the AME Church. “Read this,” she said. The friend started to, but not from the beginning. Flipping through the worn covers, he landed on page 96, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE POLITY OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH. That was 1993.

Today, after some good preaching with a hint of Caribbean flavor, the friend found faith and favor in the preacher’s need for forgiveness. The preacher said he had been driving along, hungry from fasting, but expecting a miracle from God. He said he was praying, but had doubted God.

Young Trenton, 12, was just one of the worshippers in the house, and was perhaps one miracle in the making. Somebody blessed the young lad with an investment in his future. He answered “Yes” to the question, “Are you saved?” That answer earned young Trenton a “Malchizedek” type investment toward his 21^st Century Temporal Economy.

Money is just one of the issues being lamented over by church leaders today. “It takes money to function as a denomination…,” said Dr. Sydnor. “Many of our churches are struggling; probably most of our churches are struggling.” Perhaps one lesson learned in the reality of dwindling collection plate coffers, budgetary shortfalls and empty pews is that the Good Book doesn’t start or end with Lamentations. Nor does the practice of tithing start or end with Malachi.

Complaining and blaming does not bring change. But change is certain for the true believer. Young Trenton and few others got a little “change” after the benediction. The change added up to one dollar, and a lesson on value in four words printed on every U.S. dollar bill since 1955. The lesson consumed about 3 minutes of the busy youngster’s time. And, it’s a good thing too. “I’m in two performances, and my parents say I have to do well in school to be in the steppers,” said Trenton. The caring adult investor with whom he was sharing, already believed him to be an asset to the kingdom of God.

Do Christians really believe in the stuff Jesus said, like “of such is the kingdom of heaven?” Do church folks make the best use of their time and that of these chosen assets to the kingdom? If so, how much of the money you collect added measurable value to “of such is the kingdom of heaven,” and how much went to pay some “of the world” bills.

When Editor Sydnor posted, “I’m not going there,” 7-part wisdom had already revealed the potential fallout from talking about money to folks waiting for reparations. “Don’t blame me,” said one Presumptuous Prophet. “I’m just responding to an invitation to be a cheerful giver – reporting on some perceptions that may one day explode into reality.”

Well, to quote one great Christian Educator, that day is today.

Nearly 3000 “friends” have been meeting via Facebook in the group A.M.E. Church Members Connecting Around The World. Nobody wants to tell the bishop on anybody, so we won’t allege that Sister Lottie Summerfield of the 9^th Episcopal District was the visionary for this group. Nor will we tell the bishop of the 1^st Episcopal District that seminary student Richard Allen Ramson allegedly convened a sub-group on A.M.E. Polity. This type of rebel-rousing is clearly a reflection of serious faith.

Members of the sub-group, about 140 of them have been sounding off on issues ranging from sexual harassment to singing in the choir. A quick assessment of the sub-group supports a biblical assessment of reality in Matthew 9:36-38. We have found three distinct groups within the group of friends. 49% of them watch things happen, 49% wonder what’s happening. “Two-Percenters” tend to make things happen.

Call it serendipity. Call it faith. Or call it just enough money to pay attention. One friend rose this morning an hour early with a miracle on his mind. Today’s preached word from Matthew 9 added fuel to faith. The friends, as well as church leaders are now being challenged to lead, follow, or get out of the way!

Never in the 196 year history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has the electorate been guided by Polity in the selection of its Episcopal Leadership. A good definition for “Polity” might be “a state or other organized body.” Traditionally, the AME Church has followed Doctrine and Discipline in its proceedings, but in the information age, every boo can have a box to stand on.

We should note that nowhere in the current book of Doctrine and Discipline is the term, “Virtual Delegate.” Use of the unofficial billet and related candidates is simply to demonstrate a more inclusive and transparent “system of electing bishops.”

A “Virtual Delegate” is any friend of the African Methodist Episcopal Church willing to share in a common vision for the future of the world’s legendary “stolen people.” The purpose of this unofficial ballot is to introduce learners of all ages to an historic governing process—one that has administered miracles since Colonial America. It should be noted that the process in place reflects a vision of the future by founders of the church.

Future church leaders seeking to enlighten friends about your church, Let’s Get To Work! on a LIVE MEETING with friends and candidates now through July 1.