What are the positive things we can say about the A.M.E church to prospective new members?

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2000

Answers

Some of the positive things we can say is that we have a rich history of advocating education, human rights, and economic development. In addition to this look at why the church had to be formed. That all me could have the opportunity to worship freely. As a Licentiate in the NY Conference I have been asked about the A.M.E church whenever I speak with young people about finding a place of worship. One of the best books to read, it is out of print and will require a broad search, is Dark Salvation. It is the history of the Methodist Church and it includes the founding of the AME, AME ZION, CME, etc.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

I would agree with the answer given. It isn't hard to tell anyone about rich history of the AME church. What is hard is showing the progressive nature of the church. I am in Arkansas, the Bible Belt, where progression is met with frustration. I am also a part the of the Hip-Hop generation by my age (25)and understand that many young persons are hungry for God, but wish to experience Him with varying phenomena. Other churches offer this but without the strong historical, social, and educational credits to maintain their interest. If we as a church venture out into the water a little more, we will attract more. This is beginning now especially with the election of Vashti McKenzie as Bishop to the 18th District. She's far, but she's a start.

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2000

REV. NEAL: I MUST COMMEND YOU ON YOUR VIEW AND STANCE. AS A "YOUNG" MINISTER MYSELF IN THE BIBLE BELT(ALABAMA), AND A LIFE LONG A.M.E., I BELIEVE IT IS HIGH TIME THAT WE REEXAMINE OUR MINISTRIES AND METHODS. HOWEVER, OUR FUNDAMENTAL MESSAGE MUST REMAIN THE SAME, AND THAT IS: JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. I AM PROUD OF OUR RICH HISTORY, HOWEVER, WE CANNOT BE LULLED TO PASSIVITY BASED ON WHAT WAS DONE IN THE PAST.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2000

The one positive thing that attracted to from the United Methodist Church to the AME Church was it's history and social action. I believe that we should study history and evaluate the decisions that were made then and learn from the past to move on with clear goals and objectives in the future. According to Dr. Ron Sider, in his book "One sided Christianity" we need a balance between evangelism and social action. Discipleship should be a strong focus, I found it very difficult in the church trying to stay focus, since many around me were so not discipled and held leadership roles in the church, thanks be to God, he sent pastor's to lead them to Christ and to train them on how to live according to the teachings of Jesus.

We can not just think that the AME Church is only to serve AFrican- Americans, there are many who can identify with our struggles and we should be out sharing the wonderful and rich heritage of the Church along with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let's look for the positive things, negativity destroys productivity. Rev. Linda Wheatley

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000