God has charged His people to “Go ye therefore…” (Matthew 28:19-20) and “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). To lead God’s people in provoking change across the globe externally, while internally promoting change individually across our denomination is an interesting challenge that can be intimidating for some. I had the distinct privilege of speaking with Retired Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Bishop Daran H. Mitchell, and Bishop Darryl B. Starnes during the 2025 Piedmont Episcopal District Leadership Institute. Hearing their hearts about leading through change globally was quite enlightening and inspiring.

Retired Bishop Frencher, who is currently serving primarily through mentoring in educational settings began with, “Everything should be measured from scriptures’ perspective, and we must be grounded in The Word regardless of what’s going on around us.”  He believes wholeheartedly that the church must continue to take its stand. And we stand courageously, for our foundation never changes, it is built on Jesus Christ!

Reflecting on changes in the world reminded Bishop Mitchell of the soap opera, “As The World Turns”. He remembered a Tampa church which had the slogan: “Presenting A Changeless Christ To A Changing World!” He extended Bishop Frencher’s response with understanding how ‘The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Bible, Tradition, Reason, & Experience’. plays in our faith as we navigate these spaces. He stated, “Transactional relationships abound which makes the church opposite of the culture.  We can’t negotiate in this Christless culture, but Jesus shows us how to navigate when we can’t negotiate.”  He believes it’s imperative we be guided by the mind of Christ, anchored in The Word, and teach it responsibly showing concern for the oppressed and being mindful of what they are facing.

Bishop Starnes expounded even further. “It’s important for the church to be true to its mission no matter what may be happening politically.” He cited making disciples, proclaiming The Gospel, and championing the cause of the oppressed as that mission. Championing is part of the AME Zion Church legacy, which is also part of the prophetic ministry of The Old & New Testaments. He stated, “The church must at times speak truth to power when power is operating in a way that oppresses a people.”

It was Bishop Starnes’ closing thoughts that hit home. “We have consistently said that voting matters, and for many years many people have thought it didn’t matter, but because of what they are experiencing now, they see voting matters!” He challenges us to make this our opportunity to galvanize those who didn’t exercise their right to vote into actively engaged voters so that right leaders are placed, not just in the presidency, but across all political platforms.

As I listened to our senior leaders discuss leading through change, I began recognizing the unique difficulties of their charge. As they faithfully forge ahead, God calls us to support them in prayer and to stoically stand on our mission…  As we faithfully lead through change, FOCUS Is Our Fuel!