Whatever authority there is in the Episcopacy, it is to be used in service to God, the advancement of God's kingdom, and the benefit of God's people. Modern leadership manuals put the matter succinctly, “Power is given for one purpose only – to serve others.” Thus, we begin this quadrennium with gratitude and humility. Visions do not generally come full blown. They are developed over time; prayed for and about. They are enlarged upon through conversations with the stakeholders. They are implemented with teamwork. At this juncture, we are receiving input for the development of a vision and a full programmatic quadrennial scheme.
We assure you that we are prepared to work hard. We are prepared to include as many as will catch our vision once it is birthed in the fullness of time. For the past two quadrennia, we have led the 14th and 19th Episcopal Districts under the theme, Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church, Enabling His People. It was a theme that bode well in embracing a vision for the AME Church in West and South Africa. It likewise speaks to needs that are to be addressed in the Second District.
Eight years ago, I spoke as a candidate for Episcopal service with an emphasis on bringing the connection to bear upon the local church, believing that the bishop must be an encouragement to pastors and local congregations. In this sense, I want to emphasize African Methodist “connectionalism.” That is, we must seek to accomplish in doing for one another, and for the good of the community we serve, what individual congregations could not otherwise do alone. As the bishop symbolizes unity in the church, connectionalism suggests that the bishop should be familiar with the needs and aspirations of local churches. For this reason, it is our aim to visit every congregation and church site within the first year of the quadrennium.
Thus, I am pleased to share with you where our interests lie at the beginnings of
a developing seven-
- Ministry to Youths and Young Adults
- Ministry to Men
- Ministry to the Incarcerated
- Ministry for Educational Support: Theological Scholarships and AMEC Institutions
- Ministry for Missions Support: Beyond the Shoreline
- Ministry for Health and Personal Development
- Nehemiah Ministry: Physical and monetary support for smaller congregations
We hope to make full use of technology to get the word out – about our Christ and of our ministry in Christ. Television, Radio, Billboards, Newspaper, Email, Annual Conference Revivals, and Card Ministry are a few of the means by which we hope to say that we serve a living Savior, that we are alive in Christ Jesus.
In addition, we will have the honor of hosting the 29th Connectional Lay Biennial Convention in July 2007. While it seems a great distance off from this vantage, we need to prepare to support the Second District Lay Organization in hosting this important connectional meeting.
It is our hope and prayer that you will join us in this propitious sojourn of faith, meeting needs of congregations and congregants.
Yours in His Service,
Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Bishop
