The Palmetto Conference Christian Education Department, led by Conference Director Ms. Ashley Melton, encouraged the members to ‘See the Future Now” through innovative presentations facilitated by some of Zion’s leading Christian Educators at Jones Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Preceding the workshop sessions, the spirit of the Lord was ushered in by the Kingdom Praisers of the host Church. Leading the first session for the day, Reverend Lakesha Womack, Church Growth Consultant and Founder of the Womack Consultant Group, did not disappoint with her “Rethinking Church: Understanding Discipleship to Make Disciples. Rev. Womack started her presentation by posing some practical yet thought-provoking questions, such as: Why do people come to church? Why do people join the church? Why do people leave the church? What is the purpose of the church? What is discipleship? After a lively discussion and sharing of ideas, Rev. Womack explored the many ways to use digital media to create disciples: text messaging, website, emails, video conferencing, social media platforms, and telephone conferences.
The next session, which was equally as informative as the first, was led by Bro. Darin Kent, Chief Communications Officer and Chief of the Star of Zion. Bro. Kent gave a power-filled presentation on Church Technology and Innovation with a focus on the intent to be intergenerational. He encouraged the members to embrace the change and expand the use of technology in the church. He acknowledged that it is a role that everyone can play. He stressed the need for members to research and learn more about Artificial Intelligence (AI) because this new phenomenon is here to stay, and we must learn to live with it. He went on to remind the members that AI is the use of computers and algorithms to perform tasks and traditions done by humans. According to Bro. Kent, AI is a powerful tool that helps us get the most out of the church’s digital presence to grow the faith-based community. Churches can use this vital platform to reach lost souls in this digital age.
After a dynamic sharing session between the children of the Conference and the Directors of Children, Mrs. Linda Sartor and Ms. Brunashia Gilree, the workshops morphed into worship. An inspirational moment led by Paisley Melton, Interim VICYC President, masterfully wore dual hats by presiding over the worship service and serving as the photographer for the occasion. Reverend Dr. Jerret Fite served as the speaker for this occasion with a resounding message from Luke 22:31-32. God used Dr. Fite in a most mighty way during this glory-filled worship experience. One of the questions that left many attendees to ponder was, “Is your ministry pulpit ministry, or is it Jericho ministry?” Dr. Fite currently serves as Pastor of Steele Hill A.M.E. Zion Church in Lancaster, SC.
The Presiding Elders of the Palmetto Conference, Reverend Dr. Victor C. Wilson-Spartanburg District, and Reverend Dr. Alvin McLamb-Columbia-Camden District, both encouraged the members to take the nuggets and the wealth of information shared during the sessions back to their local churches for intentional sharing. Conference Director of Christian Education, Ms. Ashley Melton, was commended for her visionary and transformative leadership.
