The Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church hosted its
annual ASPIRE Christian Education & Leadership Congress and Theological Institute on August
3-6, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina, highlighting social justice and community leaders
making a difference in the Greenville community.
“This convening takes place at a critical time, and we are grateful for the opportunity to
strategize, fellowship, and recognize leaders making a difference in our state,” said Bishop
Samuel L. Green Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District. “As our communities
continue to recover from the effects of Covid, we approach another election, and we prepare for
a new legislative session in the South Carolina State House; we convene to ensure we are on
one accord and able to hold our elected leaders accountable.”
Jaheim President, President of Young People and Children’s Division, said: “Many media
outlets have reported on Gen Z’s lack of engagement and commitment within faith institutions.
This conference proves that there are individuals within Gen Z who are engaged not only with
the church but also as change agents for social justice in the community.”
The ASPIRE convening kicked off on August 3, 2022, with an all-black reception.
Representative Chandra Dillard brought greetings, and the church recognized Visit Greenville
SC, Greenville Convention Center, Little Steps, United Way of Greenville, and Harvest Hope
Food Bank for their work in the Greenville community.
Thursday’s program included a youth learning lab and adult learning, featuring STEM and
financial wellness courses for youth. Friday’s program included a blood drive and a basketball
tournament. Saturday’s program included a college and career workshop facilitated by the SC
Commission on Higher Education and the Seventh District’s Lay Organization.
Participants experienced the multi-learning modal space, ASPIRE Zone, filled with exhibits and
presentations from the Children’s Museum of Upstate, Scaly Adventures, Compassion
International, and Gospelogy. It also included a main stage for a daily block party, teen talent,
and a fashion show. The Clergy Institute addressed issues concerning the decline in churches and cultural shifts that require adaptive leadership methods.
.
Throughout the week, members and attendees had an opportunity to sign a petition to urge
state lawmakers to draft legislation supporting the tenets of the Jubilee Justice Agenda, a Black
policy agenda committed to improving the quality of life and life outcomes of Black South
Carolinians.
ASPIRE’s purpose is to inspire a movement within individuals to pursue dreams beyond what
they can see and to change the narrative of our communities through critical thought,
imagination, and collaboration.
For more information on the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church or its ASPIRE
conference, visit ame7.church.
