GREATER, the 76th Annual Convention of the Chicago Conference Lay Organization
By Dr. William Corey Jordan, 4th Episcopal District
John 14:12 says, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” This Scripture was the foundation in which the Chicago Conference Lay Organization’s 76thAnnual Convention was rooted. Brother Bryan TS Gray, one of the youngest conference lay presidents in the AME Church, presided over his first Lay Convention at Coleman Chapel AME Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and was reminded that the God he serves is able to do far more abundantly beyond what he could ask.
Despite the concurrent homegoing services for Brother Willie Gholston, Sr., a stalwart of the AME Church and the 4thDistrict Lay Organization, Brother Gray’s obedience was rewarded by more than 100 registered attendees to this Convention, including the Chicago Conference’s WMS President and YPD Director, Ms. Kelly Shelton and Ms. Kimberly Jackson. Our 4thDistrict Lay President, Mr. Jerry Turner, Jr.; the Connectional Director of Lay Activities, Ms. Ametta Reaves; and Mr. John Thomas, III, the editor of The Christian Recorder, were also in attendance and had encouraging words for Brother Gray.
Coleman Chapel provided warm, savory meals for the attendees and further showed out by having the largest number of attendees at this year’s Convention. The host pastor, the Rev. Katrese Kirk, and the Rev. Ernest Ni’A facilitated exceptional workshops during the Convention. With Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick, they officiated the Communion worship service on Friday evening.
Though only a day and a half in length, this was a spirit-filled time with phenomenal educational and training sessions that highlighted the policy and polity of our Zion. There was also good stewardship and the urgent need for us to recalibrate the status quo of most AME Churches in order to cultivate the gifts of our millennial members and leaders. John 14:14 says, “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
In our many meetings, the lay often hear the phrase, “Are you ready for the question?” We must be ready to both ask and answer the hard questions in our local churches. After this blessed time of renewal, restoration, and rebranding, we are better equipped to not only ask the questions but also to expect GREATER because our God is able to do exceedingly above all we can ask or think.
Dr. William Corey Jordan is the local lay president of St. Stephen AME Church in Chicago, Illinois.
