The One Who Goes Before Us
By Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, Contributing Writer
In Deuteronomy 31, we see a transition of leadership power from Moses to Joshua, where Joshua was given the responsibility to lead Israel into the promise that God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In v. 8, Moses encourages Joshua strongly of his divine appointment and reminds him he will also be divinely led. He is reminded that as he moves into places that he has never experienced, that God has already gone before him, will be with him and will not forsake him.
This is the impression which the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be reminded of, as we experienced the opening business sessions of the 51st Session of the General Conference. The tension was obvious as to what kind of General Conference would we experience. This would be different. It has to be, because of the social circumstances we face.
Bishop Richardson reminded us in the opening session, that he packed brought a suitcase and it was packed with nothing but patience. As we moved through the first two days, we must draw from this suitcase.
Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Val Demings greeted the General Conference. She challenged us by asking the question, “Does the church have a role in politics?” She said, “politics is only about individuals who are represented to protect the majority of the people.” She reminded us of our charge by not forgetting our history where Richard Allen rejected an agenda that did not include him and the AME church still looks to improve the quality of life for all people. “We can’t stop now,” she said, “The sense of urgency is now.”
As new leadership is elected in this General Conference, let us remember this urgency and remember that the Lord has already gone before us, is with us and will not forsake us.
As Bishop Ingram then led us in the Episcopal Address, because of the circumstances experienced, the entire address was not able to be read completely and he requested we pull up the document on the AME General Conference App, as the complete document is available. Bishop Ingram summarized, “The next three years will be a period of unparalleled challenges and challenges for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, so as we look to the future, not only must we give and begin the process of determining how to stay on track and commit to our legacy and mission, but we must cast new vision and establish our quadrennial goals that the whole entire global church will embrace and implement.”
As we commit to the legacy and mission of African Methodism, may we be reminded the Lord has already gone before us, is with us and will not forsake us.
As Bishop Ingram closed the address, he encouraged us as we explore how change can move us to higher heights in the Lord and that our methods must align with environment which means we must do things differently. Old wine in new wineskins will not work.
At the end of the 51st Session of the General Conference, our prayer should be steadfast for the leadership of African Methodism. We have a great church, and may our prayer be that the Lord, who has gone before us, will be with us and not forsake us will bring clarity to us as we move to further the Kingdom of God and make Christ known to all.
