EMPOWERED TO REACH: Board of Bishops & International Ministers and Lay Association
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Two leading arms of the AME Zion Church converged on Norfolk VA on Monday, February 9, 2026 – The Board of Bishops and The International Ministers & Lay Association (IM&LA). Historically these two bodies gathered as one in the winter season. Following a scheduling shift at the January 13-15, 1937 session, the IM&LA of the AME Zion Church formally organized on January 12,1938 with the primary goal of stimulating interest in general church affairs amongst Zion’s Clergy and Laity.
Eighty-eight years later, these two powerful bodies continue the synchronized work of ministry with a conjoined annual meeting. Hosted by Bishop Brian R. Thompson and Missionary Supervisor Felica Thompson (Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District), The IM&LA, led by Dr. David T. Miller (President), opened with a powerful message through Rev. Dr. Claude A. Shuford (Mt. Zion AME Zion Church) from Daniel 3 titled, “Bowing Is Not An Option!” He encouraged us to faithfully endure challenges as God develops our character and increases our faith. The foundation for this important gathering was immediately set by establishing the tenacity of our directed worship.
The IM&LA presented reports during business sessions that included the Membership Report (Mrs. Connie Bell-Wright, 2nd Vice President), the Treasurer’s Report (Rev. Edwin Ferguson, Treasurer), “A Moment In Black History” (Dr. Mary Love), The President’s Initiatives (Rev. Dr. David T. Miller, IM&LA President), The first reading of the Bylaws Report, and announcements (Carlous Tyrance, IM&LA Secretary). Remembering yesterday and engaging today to positively impact tomorrow was the common theme.
The night concluded with the Forty-Eighth Cameron W. Jackson Awards & Recognition Banquet where Clergy and Laity were recognized for their contributions – work that reflects the heart Rev. Dr. Jackson had for the church to “… reach out to the highways and hedges of the community.” Rev. Henrico White and Rev. Lakeisha Mobley hosted the evening of elegance, and Zion celebrated a host of Kingdom workers by honoring global work in communities across our connection.
Bishop Thompson delivered The Board of Bishops opening message: “Be Careful Not To Lose Your Connection!” from 1 Kings 19:1-4. He was inspired to share a revelation he received regarding a power loss he and Missionary Supervisor Thompson experienced in the center of their home. The Revelation: Having accessible power available doesn’t automatically equate to having a connection with accessible power! He explained that sometimes we are not equipped to find the disconnect, and an expert is required. Sometimes identifying the cause of the disconnect can be a lengthy process, but reconnection is required! Our consistent connection to God is vital for us to maintain a continued impactful reach. To do the work of ministry, “We MUST Get Our Power Back!”
The business session of the Board of Bishops provided a detailed overview of the thrust of our impacts in eight vital areas of connectional management. Reports were received from our General Secretary-Auditor, Rev. Dr. J. Elvin Sadler; Chief Financial Officer, Rev. Al Hamilton; Chief Operating Officer/Business Manager, Rev. Julius Walls; Chief Communications Officer, Mr. Darin Kent; Executive Director of Church Growth & Development, Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather; General Secretary of Christian Education, Rev. Patrick Barrett; Executive Director & Secretary/Treasurer of Global Missions, Rev. Dr. Dwight Cannon; Zion Benefits Services, Rev. Darrell Williams. These reports provided barometers on our inward, outward, upward, and forward reaches around the world.
Bishop Dwayne A. Walker cemented the potency of our reach by delivering a unique perspective of Joshua 4:19-24. His message titled, “I’m Black & I’m Proud!” didn’t just stir up a nostalgic remembrance of our rich history, but it also challenged us to actively model the perseverance in faith that our forefathers exhibited. He charged us to keep our story alive by consistently making generational information transfers. “We must be proud of our history; proud of our heritage; proud of our hope!”
The business of The Board of Bishops continued with greetings from Dr. Anthony Davis (President, Livingstone College), and Dr. Vergel Lattimore (President, Hood Theological Seminary). Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks (President, Clinton College), Rev. Claude A. Shuford (Coordinator, Lomax-Hannon Jr. College), Mr. Joseph King Davis (President, Connectional Lay Council), The Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society: Mrs. Sandra Crowder (President), Mrs. Rosetta Dunham (Executive Director), and Ms. Verdelle Cunningham (Treasurer), Rev. Kenneth Lewis (Interim Executive Director, Harriet Tubman Home), and Rev. Dr. Maurice Harden (Pan Methodist Commission) shared accomplishments and victories through their various assignments.
Rev. Milton Williams, Jr. (Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church) delivered the closing message from Psalm 126, which was entitled, “There Was A Dream That Was Zion!” This culminating word underscored our hope of God’s promise to birth freedom and bring us to promise. Our very name, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, was not merely poetic, but it is prophetic. “They were not using Zion as a distinction; they were announcing a destination. We were not just escaping bondage; we are embodying a Holy alternative.” This dream has sustained us through struggle and still beckons us towards God’s purpose today!
This conjoined annual meeting was preserved with prayer (Rev. Dr. Richard Gadzekpo, International Prayer Coordinator) and strengthened in song (Dr. Lisa Moore, International AME Zion Music Ministry). The AME Zion Bishops, Clergy, and Laity assembled to be empowered; they dispersed empowered to empower others as we connectionally continue to reach.