The Great Gathering

Of Black Methodism

By Dr. Kenneth Elvis Jones, Editor of The Christian Index,

The Official Publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

The Great Gathering of all African American Methodist bodies began on yesterday, March 1, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. And for all intents and purposes, this gathering, so far, indeed has been great! While there was a little confusion with the registration process on Monday, when all was said and done, even those small inconveniences could not dampen the enthusiasm, sharing, information, fellowship and worship that so far has made this event worthwhile. Leaders and members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CMEC), African Methodist Episcopal Church Zion (AMEZC), and the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), have convened as one enclave for the first time in some 40 years to dialogue on a number of issues the three Communions share.

At the forefront of the agenda over the next three days, March 1-3, are discussions that address the central theme: Hearing God’s Call: Healing and Empowering Our Communities. More specifically, the Great Gathering has chosen this time to see ways to make saving our Black men a priority for Methodism in America.

With this focus in mind, the Gathering heard speakers on Monday who brought tremendous insight, information, and inspiration. Dr. James Johnson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, lectured us on “Disruptive Demographics.” We learned how the changing demographics in America, the “browning and the graying” of America will have a significant impact socially on this nation over the next 30 years, and thus on our collective Church. The statistics were truly mind-boggling.

Dr. Johnson was followed by a most dynamic lecture by noted author, socio-political commentator and media personality Dr. Cornel West. He was at his very best and left those in attendance highly charged and motivated to go out and make a difference back at home.

The evening worship service was a scenario never seen before in Black Methodism. An estimated 8,000 worshippers crowded the University of South Carolina Coliseum for the official beginning of this convocation. The service began with the processional of heads of institutions from the three denominations, followed by all of the General Officers, then the processional of AME, AMEZ, and CME bishops. This had never happened before on this level. The Thousand-Voice Choir rendered anthems and songs of praise and thanksgiving. A full orchestra accompanied them from the University of South Carolina and a local high school symphonic band also played. A special litany of the gathering churches was read and shared responsively. The Mayor of Columbia gave recognition to the senior bishops of the three Churches, including Bishop William H. Graves of the CME Church.

The Word was broken wide open by Bishop Mildred B. Hines, the 98th (and first woman) Bishop of the AME Zion Church. She preached on the subject “Becoming One.” It was an eye-awakening reflection on the narrative found in John 17th chapter of Jesus praying to the Father for those who followed him. It was a call for Oneness in the Body of Christ in all we do as the Communion of shared believers in Him.

Photos show (1) worship at Great Gathering, and (b) Senior Bishop William H. Graves, CME, of the three senior bishops leading the worship.