2019 Christian Education Summit

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

AME CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

2019 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUMMIT

PRE-CONFERENCE TO THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FEBRUARY 17-19, 2019 CAPE TOWN, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

BISHOP DAVID R. REVEREND REVEREND DANIELS, JR. GARLAND F. PIERCE KEITH LINKS Presiding Prelate Executive Director Fifteenth Episcopal District Fifteenth Episcopal District Christian Education Christian Education Director Chair, Commission on Christian Department and Host Director Education President, Global Development Council Host Bishop

…TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, FOR BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST — EPHESIANS 4:12 NRSV Leadership 03

Greetings from the Chair and Host 04

Greetings from the Executive Director 05

Schedule 06

Our Theme, Our Context 08

Preachers 10

Plenaries and Plenary Speakers 11

Learning Labs and Presenters 14

Our Life Together 16

Hotel Diagram 17

Learning Guide 18 Leadership

Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr. 16th Ms. DaRosa Bigford Mr. Monroe Miller Chair, Commission on 17th Rev. Martin C. Chama President, Sons of Allen Christian Education 18th Ms. Dudu Motjotji 19th Mr. Mpumi Dlamini Ms. Carlene L. Douglas Rev. Garland F. Pierce 20th Ms. Kwandokuhle Musa Coordinator, Writers’ Guild Executive Director, Christian Education Khumalo EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN Ms. Carlene L. Douglas MINISTRIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTORS Mission Volunteer in Christian EDUCATION HEADS 1st Rev. Jay Broadnax Education Mr. Clarence Crayton 2nd Ms. Robin Porter Smith and Ofﬁ ce Administrator and Mrs. Vivianne Frye-Perry Dr. B. Joyce Bonner Directors, Association of AME Scouts 3rd Dr. Karen Schaeffer CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (AAMES) 4th Rev. Christal L. Bell COMMISSION MEMBERS 5th Dr. Timothy Tyler 1st Mrs. Wanda Duckett Mrs. Lyndajo Jones Watson 6th Rev. Jai D. Haithco, Sr. 2nd Mr. William Boykin Administrator, Christian Debutante- 7th Rev. Samuel L. Green, Jr. 3rd Ms. Giselle Lindsey Master Commission (CDMC) 8th Dr. Glenell Lee Pruitt 4th Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, 9th Ms. Hattie Nathan Vice Chair Ms. Robin Porter Smith 10th Dr. C. Dennis Williams 5th Ms. Tamika Jones Chair, Fellowship of Church Educators 11th Rev. James C. Givens 6th Mr. Charles Murphy (FCE) 12th Rev. Kevin L. Clayton, Sr. 7th Ms. Vergie Tennison 13th Dr. Roberta Hill 8th Rev. Keith Sanders Rev. Maurice Wright II 14th Rev. Emmanuel Seh 9th Mr. Jeremy Joseph Director, Music and Christian Arts 15th Rev. Keith Links 10th Ms. Kendra Hill-Daughton Ministry (MCAM) 16th Rev. Gail Meridin 11th Mr. Jamarien P. Moore 17th Rev. Royd Mwandu 12th Rev. Larry Banks Ms. Martinique Mix 18th Rev. Albert B. Thwala 13th Rev. Troy Thomas President, Richard Allen Young Adult 19th Rev. Lukubelwa Moobi 14th Mr. Garﬁ eld Mason Council (RAYAC) 20th Rev. Rosetta Swinton 15th Ms. Ntomethemba Rachel September

…TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, FOR BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST

- Ephesians 4:12 NRSV 4 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

LETTERS OF ADDRESS

Greetings from the Chair and Host

On behalf of the Commission on Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, our dedicated, devoted, committed, and hardworking, Executive Director, Rev. Garland F. Pierce and his loyal staff, I welcome all of you from across the connection and globe to Cape Town, South Africa at this UBUNTU Christian Education Summit. Mother Dr. Irene Moifoi Daniels and the “Can Do Team” of the wonderful good people of the Faithful, Fruitful, and Focused Fifteenth are honored to host this historic meeting. We welcome you to this historic ﬁ rst connectional meeting sponsored by a general department of the AME Church to be held on the continent of Africa. I am so proud of our extraordinary director Rev. Garland Pierce, for his Pan African vision, loyalty, commitment, and his love for God’s people. We have worked hard to make your stay in Cape Town a memorable, mesmerizing, and blessed one that you will never forget for the rest of your life. Bisholp David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. Presiding Prelate, Fifteenth Episcopal District I am excited about our theme, “Ubuntu”, based on Ephesians 4:12. The task of Chair, Commission on Christian Education Christian Education is to equip the saints for ministry and to build up the body of Christ. We all make up the body of Christ for genuine work of service. In this spirit of serious commitment and mission, this gathering has been designed to inspire, instruct, reinvigorate, and replenish us for excellent service in our Zion.

I am praying for a mighty move of God during our time together so that all present will receive wisdom, supernatural anointing, and power from on high. I am believing that each of us will become well equipped disciples and agents to change lives, congregations, communities, nations, and the world. I decree and declare that we will leave better, stronger, abundantly anointed vessels of God and more determined to be true ambassadors of Christ in the saving and liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world.

Be at home among us,

Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. Presiding Prelate, Fifteenth Episcopal District Chair, Commission on Christian Education President, Global Development Council Host Bishop, Global Development Council General Assembly and Christian Education Summit 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 5

Greetings from the Executive Director

To the Bishops and leaders of the church, both clergy and lay at every level, Christian educators, young adults, youth, my brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, and visitors, I greet you in the name of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ!

I add my welcome to that of our chair, Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. I am overjoyed by your presence at this ﬁ rst UBUNTU Christian Education Summit, a pre-conference to the Global Development Council General Assembly. We are excited and honored to bring the annual meeting of the Ministries in Christian Education to the continent of Africa. This is an important ﬁ rst for our beloved denomination.

We gather under the banner of the theme, UBUNTU. We base the theme on Ephesians 4:12, “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” As Methodists, we know connectionalism, so the Ubuntu Rev. Garland F. Pierce understanding, ”I am because we are; we are because I am,” is one that we Executive Director Department of Christian Education strive to embrace. We hope that as we gather as part of a global connection, we will allow this principle and spirit to shape our worship, our mutual learning, our fellowship, and our planning. We all have something to learn as well as to teach while we are here together, equipping others and ourselves for the work of ministry so that we can share the liberating and saving gospel of Jesus and work to bring justice and peace in God’s world. This theme frames our worship, plenaries, learning labs, and meetings.

Again as expressed by our Chair, we are thankful to all who have made this gathering possible. We are thankful to every preacher, presenter, registrant, volunteer, and the staff members of the department and denomination, the supporting congregations, and the hotel for helping to make this possible. By name, we must thank Bishop Daniels for his support and encouragement as Chair. Likewise, this would not have been possible without the gracious hosting of him, Mother Dr. Irene Moifoi Daniels, Rev. Keith Links, Fifteenth Episcopal District Christian Education Director, the hard-working host planning committee, and the wonderfully faithful family of the Fifteenth Episcopal District.

Let us worship! Let us learn! Let us reflect! Let us fellowship! Let us share! UBUNTU!

Rev. Garland F. Pierce Executive Director Department of Christian Education 6 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

2019 CHRISTIAN ED Schedule Pre-Conference to the Global Devel African Methodist February 17-19, 2019 • Cap

Sunday, February 17, 2019 3:00pm Opening Worship at Bellville Civic Centre Preacher, Bishop John R. Bryant (Retired) Monday, February 18, 2019 6:30am-8:30am Breakfast (For those staying in the Southern Sun Hotel, included with your reservation) 8:30am-10:00am Opening Plenary and Bible Study

Bishop Ivan M. Abrahams, General Secretary World Methodist Council Bible Study Presenter

10:00am-10:30am Morning Tea/Coffee Break 10:30am-11:45am Thematic Plenary Session “Learning for Life” Panelists: Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown, President, Payne Theological Seminary, USA (3rd) Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper, Pastor, Empowerment Temple AMEC, Liberia (14th) Rev. Rosetta Swinton, Presiding Elder, Malawi (20th)

12:00pm-1:00pm Noon Day Service Preacher, Rev. Gail Meridin, Trinidad 16th Episcopal District Christian Education Director

1:00pm-2:30pm Lunch 2:30pm-4:00pm Ministries in Christian Education Dialogues • Sons of Allen—Mr. Monroe Miller, Connectional President (7th) • Richard Allen Young Adult Council–Ms. Martinique Mix, Connectional President (6th) • Fellowship of Church Educators–Ms. Robin Porter-Smith, Connectional Chair (2nd)

4:00pm-4:30pm Afternoon Tea/Coffee Break 4:30pm-5:30pm Ministries in Christian Education Dialogues • Christian Debutante Master Commission/Christian Rites of Passage–Ms. Lyndajo Watson Jones, Connectional Administrator (12th) Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper (14th) Contextual Presenter • Music and Christian Arts Ministry--Rev. Maurice Wright II, Connectional Director (9th) • Partner Ministry--AMEC Health Commission, Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, Connectional Medical Director (1st) 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 7

DUCATION SUMMIT lopment Council General Assembly Episcopal Church pe Town, Republic of South Africa

7:00pm Evening Meal (on your own) 8:30pm-10:00pm Methodists, A Singing People: A Multicultural Hymn Teach-In sponsored by the Music and Christian Arts Ministry Co-Facilitators: Rev. Maurice Wright II, Connectional Director (9th) and Presiding Elder Obakeng Poloko Jackals (15th)

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 6:30am-8:30am Breakfast (For those staying in the Southern Sun Hotel, included with your reservation) 8:30am-10:00am Thematic Plenary Session Exploring our Connectional Theme: Environmental Justice Panelists: Rev. Betty Kauna Schroder, Presiding Elder Windhoek District Namibia (15th) Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Retired Executive Director of Christian Education, Pastor of Shorter AMEC, Tennessee (13th)

10:00am-10:30am Morning Tea/Coffee Break

10:30am-11:45am Learning Labs • Bible: The Lord’s Prayer Through North African Eyes — Presenter: Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown (3rd) • Christian Education: Organizing for Congregational Learning, How to Get Started Presenters: Ms. Robin Porter Smith (2nd) Dr. Roberta Hill (13th) Rev. Keith Links (15th) • AMEC Health Commission: Disease and Disaster: A Panel Discussion Presenters: Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett (1st) Rev. Dr. Lisa Williamson (1st) Rev. Ann Marie Bentsi-Addison Posey (1st) Ms. Malisha Brown

12:00pm-1:00pm LOVE FEAST Preacher, Rev. Bernett Koketso Phoko, Presiding Elder of the Gordonia District, 15th Episcopal District

1:00pm-2:00pm Lunch 2:00pm-7:00pm Optional Tour of Robben Island (at a cost) 8 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

OUR THEME, OUR CONTEXT

UBUNTU …to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ — Ephesians 4:12 NRSV

Ubuntu translates, “I am because we are; we are because I am.”

Ngingenxa yokuthi siyikho; singobani ngoba nginguye Ndinjalo ngoba sinjalo; sinjalo ngoba ndinjalo Zulu Xhosa Ek is omdat ons is, ons is omdat ek is Ke hobane re; re hobane ke Afrikaans Sesotho Ndili chifukwa ndife, ndife chifukwa ndili Ndiri nokuti tiri, isu tiri nokuti ini ndiri Chichewa Shona Mimi ni kwa sababu sisi ni, sisi ni kwa sababu mimi ni Eu sou porque somos, somos porque eu sou Swahili Portuguese Ik ben omdat we zijn, we zijn omdat ik ben Mo wa nitoripe awa jẹ, awa jẹ nitori emi Dutch Yoruba Ni ne saboda mun kasance, Je suis parce que nous sommes, mu ne saboda ni ne nous sommes parce que je suis Hausa French Mwen se paske nou ye; nou se paske mwen ye Soy porque somos, somos porque soy Haitian Creole Spanish

It is an ancient Southern African principle and way of living and self-understanding. It is about community; it is about the divine connection of humanity. Archbishop Desmond Tutu popularized Ubuntu theology: we are connected intricately to each other because we are created in the image of God and intricately connected to the Divine Creator. Ubuntu inspires loving compassion and justice. Ubuntu is compatible with the Bible. Likewise, it is compatible with the Methodist understanding of connectionalism and mutual accountability.

The mission of the Global Development Council is to strengthen our connectionalism-our connectedness given to us by God through the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 9

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquesrs that fear.”

- Nelson Mandela

AFRICAN METHODISM IN SOUTH AFRICA “In 1895, South African Charlotte Manye introduced religious leaders in her country to America’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, while she was studying at Wilberforce University in Ohio. Manye, who in 1918 helped to establish the African National Congress Bantu Women’s League, discussed the AME Church with her uncle, Rev. Mangena Maake Mokone, who had established the Ethiopian Church…in June 1896, the entire Ethiopian Church merged with the AME Church.” Ebony Magazine 8-94

The First South African Annual Conference of the AME Church was held at Queenstown, Cape during April 6-11, 1897, presided over by Rev. James M. Dwane-General Superintendent of the Church in South Africa. The Conference preceded the visit of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner who arrived in South Africa on March 22, 1898. He went from Cape Town to Pretoria to meet President Paul Kruger. Bishop Turner received recognition for the operation of the AME Church in South Africa. The bishop held the Transvaal Annual Conference in Marabastad which reported 49 ministers, 5879 members and 962 probationers. At Queenstown, where the bishop held the second South African Conference, 33 ministers were ordained and 2875 members and 840 probationers were reported. Bishop Turner’s visit to Cape Town was a memorable one. He delivered a great and eloquent speech on May 22, 1898 in the Opera House. As a direct result of this speech, Bethel Memorial AME Church was organized on May 25, 1898.

ROBBEN ISLAND February 19, 2019 – In keeping with the connectional theme of Social Justice, we thought it would be important to visit this historically signiﬁ cant site where Nelson Mandela and others were sentenced because they acted out of their faith desire for justice for all. Robben Island Tour - (Afrikaans: Robbeneiland) is an island in Table Bay 4.3 mi west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa. Forget palm trees and sun-kissed beaches; Robben Island’s allure lies in its rich and wretched history.

South Africa’s ﬁ rst democratically elected president – Nelson Mandela – spent 18 years of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island. Easily the most famous of the island’s political prisoners, Mandela was by no means the island’s only notable inmate – South African presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma also spent time there. Depart for Robben Island today at 2:15pm. 4-5 hour tour, including travel. 10 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not PREACHERS believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ROMANS 10:14

Bishop John R. Bryant Opening Worship Preacher

A world-renowned preacher of the gospel, Bishop Bryant is now a retired bishop, having served as senior bishop. He was elected and consecrated the 106th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served as the presiding prelate of the Fourteenth, Tenth, Fifth, and Fourth Episcopal Districts. He is a former Chair of the Commission on Christian Education. Bishop Bryant has served as Vice President of the North American Section of the World Methodist Council Division of Evangelism. He is the recipient of many honors and awards: including the Ebony Magazine’s Honor Roll of Outstanding African American Preachers and Ebony’s list of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans.

Rev. Gail Meridin Monday Noon Day Service Preacher

Rev. Meridin serves as the 16th Episcopal District Christian Education Director and the pastor of Christ AME Church in Freeport, Trinidad. She is the owner/director of Pillars of Excellence Academy, a pre and primary school in Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas, Trinidad, which caters for children 2 ½ to 12 years old. Rev. Meridin also has served as the President of the Christian Council of Trinidad and Tobago.

Rev. Bernett Koketso Phoko Love Feast and Closing Service Preacher

Rev. Phoko serves as the Presiding Elder of the Gordonia District, 15th Episcopal District. He has had several pastorates. He currently pastors Bethel Memorial in the Kuruman District. His personal motto is in line with the Ubuntu theme of this summit. His is, “One is too small a number to achieve great things. You need me as much as I need you in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.” 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 11

PLENARY PRESENTERS

Monday, February 18 Bible Study and Opening Plenary

Bishop Ivan M. Abrahams Bishop Ivan M. Abrahams is the fourth person and ﬁ rst South African to serve as General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. He began his tenure in 2012 after a period of transition commencing at the close of the World Methodist Conference in Durban, South Africa. From 2003-2012, Bishop Abrahams served as Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa–one of the largest Christian denominations in Southern Africa. During his tenure, he provided prophetic leadership and direction. His capstone achievement was the formation and successful completion of the multimillion-rand legacy project, the Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary.

Bishop Abrahams is well versed in casting vision, providing spiritual and strategic leadership, developing policies and procedures in line with values, goals, and the mission of the church to achieve its vision. A renowned ecumenist and advocate for social justice, Bishop Abrahams is active in various fora including the All Africa Conference of Churches and the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. He is married to Esme F. Abrahams, General Hospital Manager (i.e. CEO) of Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Together they have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Monday, February 18 Thematic Plenary: Learning for Life Christian Education or Faith Formation is a life-long process. Some say it is from the womb to the tomb or from cradle to grave. If we are living, we should be learning; we should particularly be learning the things of God that edify and help us deepen our discipleship, equipping us to be agents of positive change. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a long and rich history of educating people as well as faith formation. This plenary will explore how the church educates at the primary, secondary and university levels as well as offer theological education. It will help us think about how Christian education and faith formation can happen at each of these educational levels and how the church is called to minister to the whole person for his or her whole life. What are the challenges and opportunities for church leadership: bishops, presiding elders, pastors, Christian educators, etc.?

Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown Dr. Michael J. Brown is the President of Payne Theological Seminary in Xenia, Ohio, USA, one of the seminaries of the AME Church. Dr. Brown is an internationally recognized biblical scholar, minister, and public intellectual. Prior to joining Payne, Dr. Brown served as Associate Dean of Wabash College, and was the Director of the Malcolm X Institute on Black Studies (2011-2013). Dr. Brown has authored four books, What They Don’t Tell You: A Survivor’s Guide to Academic Biblical Studies, Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Scholarship, The Lord’s Prayer Through North African Eyes: A Window into Early Christianity and The Lord’s Prayer and God’s Vision for the World: Finding Your Purpose Through Prayer. In addition, he was a leading contributor to the New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible.

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Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper The Reverend Dr. Katurah York Cooper is a citizen of Liberia, daughter of Dr. James L. and Dr. Louise C. York-former President of Monrovia College and the ﬁ rst President of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU). Forced to flee the Liberian civil war in 1990, Dr. Cooper answered the call to preach while a refugee living in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She was ordained an itinerant elder in the Baltimore Annual Conference in 2001. In that same year, she obeyed God’s call to return to Liberia to establish and pastor the Empowerment Temple AME Church. Under her visionary leadership, the non-proﬁ t Helping Our People Excel, (H.O.P.E., Inc.) was established to empower the Liberian people through socio-economic programs and community-based initiatives. Those initiatives include an elementary school of which 50% of the students attend tuition free. She served at the largest AME tertiary institution (AMEU) as Dean of the John R. Bryant Theological Seminary for ten years with subsequent elevation to Vice President for Academic Affairs of that institution. She served as adjunct professor for the Masters of Divinity Program at AMEU. Dr. Cooper resides in the 14th Episcopal District. She has over 32 years of consistent trailblazing service in Christian ministry, denominational leadership, educational administration, and human rights advocacy. She is the author of a new release, You Can Lead! Discover Unusual Paths to Leadership. Dr. Cooper is married to James S. P. Cooper and is blessed with several children and grandchildren.

Rev. Rosetta Swinton Reverend Rosetta Swinton is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. She is a retired Registered Professional Nurse and M.Div. candidate at the Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona. She is a fulltime missionary in Blantyre, Malawi since 2008. She served as a missionary nurse from 2008-2015 to a private Christian secondary school. Rev. Swinton has been pastoring the McAllister AME International Worship Centre, Blantyre, Malawi since 2010, and has been serving as the Presiding Elder of the Mulanje District since 2014. She is under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr.- 20th Episcopal District.

Monday, February 18 Methodists, A Singing People: A Multicultural Hymn Teach-In As members of a global church, we are blessed with a diversity of ways to praise God in song. Far too often, we do not tap into this diversity of praise and incorporate it into our local worship services. This plenary is a teach-in. Music leaders from the Continent and the Diaspora will teach us hymns and songs of praises that we can take back to our local contexts. It is said that we Methodists sing our faith. Faith also is formed and nurtured through song. This will be an opportunity for us to sing our faith with new and different songs.

Rev. Maurice Wright II Rev. Maurice Wright II is the Connectional Director for the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the AME Church, elected at the 28th Connectional Christian Education and Youth Congress in 2018. Prior to this election, he served as the Associate Director for the same organization. He is the pastor of St. John AMEC in Huntsville, AL, USA, and serves in a number of leadership roles in the Ninth Episcopal District. Rev. Wright is a sought after preacher and choir clinician. 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 13

Rev. Obakeng Poloko Jackals Rev. Jackals serves as the Presiding Elder of Kuruman District in the Kalahari Conference of the 15th Episcopal District. Rev. Jackals has served as director of several musical ensembles. He is blessed with a musical family; his wife and daughters are gifted singers. The Jackals Family are sought after musicians.

Tuesday, February 19 Thematic Plenary: Exploring our Connectional Theme: Environmental Justice From July 2018-June 2019, the connectional church is exploring, reflecting on, and seeking deeper engagement with themes and pressing issues related to Environmental Justice. The city in which we gather, Cape Town, recently had to deal seriously with the threat of drought. Other parts of the continent struggle with issues of desertiﬁ cation, drought, and other environmental threats. Globally it is often communities of the poorest and most vulnerable that suffer the negative effects of climate change, environmental racism, etc. The church is called to advocate for justice. Likewise, a critical part of faith formation is helping all to be good stewards of God’s creation. This plenary will explore these themes as well as lift up practical models of creation care that local congregations might consider and use.

Rev. Betty Kauna Schroder Rev. Betty Kauna Schroder is the 15th Episcopal District President for the Women in Ministry (WIM) and the Presiding Elder of the Windhoek Presiding Elder District in the Namibia Annual Conference. She worked as Project Coordinator on different donor funded environmental related projects and now currently serves as Principal Project Manager on multi-lateral and bi-lateral environmental agreements. During her 10-year tenure at government, Rev. Schroder led negotiations on behalf of Africa under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity ( CBD) and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertiﬁ cation ( UNCCD) and aligned its Strategic and Action Plans to the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and National Development Plans. Before this role, Rev. Schroder was national focal point of Namibia on certain protocols under this Convention, where she directed on issues of compliance and drafting of domestic laws under the Department of Environmental Affairs.

She currently serves as the 15th Episcopal District Presiding Elder Council Secretary and as Pastor of the St. John AME Church in Walvisbay. In her secular job, Rev. Schroder also negotiates the UN Conventions Budgets and Resource Mobilization for Africa under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill is a retired General Ofﬁ cer, having served as the fourth Executive Director of the Department of Christian Education. Dr. Hill is an author, having published a number of books related to Christian Education in the Black Church such as Drinking from Our Well, A More Excellent Way, Charles Spencer Smith: Sable Son of God, and Religion Education in the African American Tradition: A Comprehensive Introduction. He has served as a residing elder and professor. He now serves as the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, TN, USA in the Thirteenth Episcopal District.

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LEARNING LABS

BIBLE: The Lord’s Prayer Through North African Eyes This learning lab is based on Dr. Brown’s book by the same title. It helps us think about why Christians have interpreted texts differently throughout the centuries. The Lord’s Prayer Through North African Eyes is a window into the turbulent and sometimes confusing world of second-century Christianity in Africa. How might understanding them and their interpretations help us understand how Christians today come to differing interpretations of the Bible?

Christian Education: Organizing for Congregational Learning, How to Get Started The local church remains the primary place for faith formation. Local Christian educators have an awesome responsibility for the teaching ministry in their congregations. This learning lab explores many of the concerns and questions often raised by Christian educators in the local church, particularly those who are new to this ministry role. Experienced Christian educators share from their wells of wisdom and create space for questions and mutual learning.

Ms. Robin Porter Smith (2nd) Dr. Roberta Hill (13th) Ms. Robin Porter Smith is Dr. Roberta Hill is the Vice Chair the Chair of the Fellowship of of the Fellowship of Church Church Educators. She also Educators. She also serves as serves as the Co-Director of the Thirteenth Episcopal District Christian Education for the Christian Education Director. Dr. Second Episcopal District. She Hill is a recently retired school is active in the Lay Organization district administrator. She and the Women’s Missionary currently is adjunct professor in Society. She is retired from education at Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN, USA. Verizon Communications and resides in Washington, DC, USA.

Rev. Keith Links (15th) Rev. Keith Links serves as the Fifteenth Episcopal District Christian Education Director. He has been involved in the ministries of Christian Education for many years. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Zion AME Church, Worcester, the largest congregation in the Fifteenth Episcopal District. 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 15

LEARNING LABS

HEALTH COMMISSION: Disease and Disaster: A Panel Discussion This learning lab is a panel that will offer realistic and holistic analysis of global maternal-child health, infectious disease, and disaster preparedness with emphasis on strategic planning, prevention, management strategies, and action planning.

Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD Rev. Ann Marie Bentsi- Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett serves Addison Posey as the Connectional Medical Rev. Ann Marie Bentsi-Addison Director for the AMEC Health Posey began her professional Commission. Dr. Burnett is also career in the Neonatal Intensive the President of Resource and Care Unit. She currently serves Promotion of Health Alliance, as the Regional Director of Inc. (R.A.P.H.A., Inc.), a Health Patient Services and Operations Education and Promotion at Planned Parenthood Hudson Consulting Company with Peconic. She is currently the innumerable years of experience Pastor of Union AME Church, aiding faith-based (FBO) and community (CBO) organizations Warwick, NY, USA in the First Episcopal District. as they strive to optimize health for their communities. In June 2018, she was appointed the ﬁ rst woman pastor in the Ms. Malisha Brown 89-year history of Historic Jones Tabernacle AME Church in Ms. Brown is Director of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, First Episcopal District. Programs and Scholar Support for the Lutheran Theological Center Rev. Lisa Williamson, MD in Atlanta, GA, USA, The Lutheran Rev. Williamson recently was Chaplain for the Atlanta University appointed the First Episcopal Center, and a former Board District Health Commissioner Member of the African Descent under the leadership of Bishop Lutheran Association. For many Gregory G.M. Ingram. Rev. years, she has been actively Williamson was a solo practicing involved in the International pediatrician for 18 years, serving Health Commission of the AME Church education and wellness the Queens, NY community station activities. where she grew up. She is the current pastor of Calvary She has authored a number of health education and prevention Fellowship AME Church in Brooklyn, NY, USA, becoming its manuals designed for faith communities and communities ﬁ rst woman pastor in the church’s 82-year history. of color. She is also a health researcher with a major focus in emotional and disaster psychology and is called to lead workshops and training on a wide array of subjects related to the intersection between religion and health. 16 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

Our Life Together

This time is to be a time of community, worshipping, learning, teaching, and sharing together. This happens best when there is mutual respect for each other’s perspectives and personhood. Our conduct is governed ﬁ rst by Scripture—they will know we are Christ’s disciples by how we love one another. Likewise, the laws of the church and this meeting locale govern us, particularly as it relates to matters of abuse, crime, and harassment. The CE Summit is a no bullying, no harassment zone! If violations occur, please report them to the meeting organizers. Our participation in this gathering implies our assent to these guidelines for our time together.

Caring for and respecting each other What happens If we see something out of the ordinary or anyone in this gathering in distress or danger, please report it immediately to Summit at Summit does organizers and hotel staff. not and cannot We want to capture the important moments of our gathering through photos and videography. Your registration gives implied stay here! consent that your image may be recorded and used by the Department of Christian Education in the promotion of its work This time together is to be and mission. If you do not consent to this, you must indicate this in writing and give it to the Department of Christian Education by engaging and interactive. February 19, 12pm. It should not be an isolated We ask you to silence all devices when in plenaries, worship event. The planners hope services, learning labs, and business meetings. This is a sign of respect to others and reduces distractions and interruptions. that while you are here,

Chaplains you think about your There will be experienced pastors available as designated chaplains church, your ministry, for the Summit should they be needed. If needed during programming hours, contact the help/registration desk to get in touch with them. and your community The chaplains will be identiﬁ ed during the opening plenary. beyond this time. What happens at Summit does not and cannot stay here! This time together is to be engaging and interactive. It should not be an isolated event. The planners hope that while you are here, you think about your church, your ministry, and your community beyond this time. How can what is learned and experienced here serve you and yours when you return home? Who else needs to know what you have learned here? How will you share? How will you use what you have gained at this gathering? Please use the Learning Guide to help you capture what you have learned and will share. You do not have to wait until you get home to share about what you are learning and experiencing! Use social media to spread the word!

Meeting hashtags: #UBUNTUAME #IamAME #AMECED 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 17

HOTEL FLOOR PLAN 18 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

Learning Guide

This is a small tool to help you begin to process what you are learning and experiencing. It can be used to reflect on worship, plenaries, learning labs, and your private and informal times during these days. Sunday, February 17

What did I already know? ______

______

Insights that I must remember: ______

______

What questions do I still have? ______

______

New insights from the Scripture: ______

______

How will I use this information when I leave? ______

______

______2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 19

Learning Guide

I will share what I have learned/experienced with: (Names) ______

______

I will follow up with: ______

______

Monday, February 18

What did I already know? ______

______

Insights that I must remember: ______

______

______20 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

Learning Guide

What questions do I still have? ______

______

New insights from the Scripture: ______

______

How will I use this information when I leave? ______

______

I will share what I have learned/experienced with: (Names) ______

______

I will follow up with: ______

______

______2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference 21

Learning Guide

Tuesday, February 19

What did I already know? ______

______

Insights that I must remember: ______

______

What questions do I still have? ______

______

New insights from the Scripture: ______

______

How will I use this information when I leave? ______

______

______22 2019 Christian Education Summit | Pre-Conference

Learning Guide

I will share what I have learned/experienced with: (Names) ______

______

I will follow up with: ______

______

Remarks/Notes: ______

______

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

…TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, FOR BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST — EPHESIANS 4:12 NRSV