The world has changed dramatically in almost two years since researchers identified the novel coronavirus. As we experienced lockdowns and acclimated to wearing masks, new terms such as “social distancing” became part of our everyday vocabulary and were used as frequently as we pumped hand sanitizer. People’s lives changed as we experienced fear, loss, death, and hope. These things also shaped the church and how we minister—both internally and externally. What does the church look like now as we ease into a new normal? Are men and women involved in ministry prepared for the inevitable changes? The Atlantic Union Conference Ministerial Department sought to address these questions and more during the 2021 Virtual Ministerial Convention, August 27 and 28.
In planning the convention, “The Atlantic Union Conference ministerial directors hoped that the participants would get a new glimpse of Jesus Christ and a true sense of His transforming power,” said G. Earl Knight, Atlantic Union Conference president. Under the theme “Transformation,” ministry leaders from the North American Division (NAD), across the Atlantic Union, and beyond provided valuable insights, information, and encouragement to prepare pastors, their spouses, evangelists, administrators, and ministry leaders to face the new normal of ministry.
Pastors Nicardo Delahaye of Connecticut’s Faith church and Kristy Hodson of Stoneham Memorial church in Massachusetts hosted the two-day event broadcast live from the Mount Vernon church in Mount Vernon, New York. Atlantic Union Conference administrators Pierre Omeler, executive secretary; Elias Zabala, Sr., treasurer; and Jose Joseph, vice president for Haitian and African Ministries, joined Knight in warmly welcoming the in-person and online guests and brought official greetings and remarks. Representatives from each of the six conferences in the Atlantic Union also brought blessings and greetings to the online participants.
“I do hope that the attendees will remember that in order to be relevant in this pandemic era and beyond, they will need to continue to grow in their relationship with God, use technology more effectively, and utilize prayer as a mobilizing factor,” Knight said.
Friday evening kicked off with a virtual welcome from G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, followed by a powerful keynote presentation by Ivan Williams, NAD Ministerial Association director. The evening continued with general sessions led by José Cortés, Jr., NAD Ministerial Association associate director for evangelism, and Dedrick Blue, senior pastor of the North Bronx church in the Greater New York Conference. A designated virtual prayer room was also available throughout the convention for people to collectively petition God’s throne.
Presenters packed the Sabbath morning general session with practical information provided by Agniel Samson, Oakwood University professor. Conference ministerial directors Ainsworth Joseph (Northeastern) and John Amoah (Southern New England) participated in an enlightening panel discussion about post-pandemic ministry with Anthony Crawford, a Southern New England Conference pastor. Afterward, Claudio Consuegra, NAD Family Ministries director, focused our attention on “The Best Gift” in a thought-provoking sermon. Both Friday evening and Sabbath morning services were streamed on AUAM’s (Atlantic Union Adventist Media) Facebook page and YouTube channel and are available for viewing.
Sabbath afternoon consisted of four enriching seminars targeting transforming ministry and building relationships. Presenters included Esther Knott, NAD Ministerial Association associate director; Nicholas Miller, Lake Union Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director; Fredrick Russell, True North Leadership Group, LLC principal; and David Williams, Harvard University professor. Attendees had the opportunity to choose from several breakout seminars covering topics from youth ministries, addressing the needs of ministerial spouses, technology and the digital age, leadership, and self-care. Breakout seminar presenters were David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference Youth Ministries director; Desiree Bryant, NAD Ministerial Association Spouses coordinator; Rohann Wellington, NAD Professional Services director; Ted Huskins, Northern New England Conference president; Michael Cauley, Lipscomb University associate professor; and Consuegra, who presented a seminar in Spanish.
“I do hope that the attendees will remember that in order to be relevant in this pandemic era and beyond, they will need to continue to grow in their relationship with God, use technology more effectively, and utilize prayer as a mobilizing factor,” Knight said.
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CLICK HERE to view photos on Facebook of the Ministerial Convention weekend.
Friday-evening Ministerial Convention program – August 27, 2021.
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