On Saturday, September 28th, the Ohio Conference gathered to report on our labor since the June Annual Conference. The packed-to-the-walls Check-Up meeting was held at Ruth in Sharon, PA where the Rev. Marion Wheeler was the host pastor and Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker Sr. was the host presiding elder. The morning scripture was John 15:9-17 read by our Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Audie V. Simon I. Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker Sr. then introduced and presented the meditation speaker, Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr.
Bishop Thompson’s meditation was taken from Matthew 14:25-29 and the title was “What Matters Next is What Matters Most”. This also happens to be his personal and now our Mid-Atlantic Theme.
Bishop painted a picture of wanting to go to a high-rise restaurant, trying to use an elevator that would not reach the necessary floor. He decided to return to the main floor to get better directions and with the new directions was then able to reach the high-rise restaurant. He shared that sometimes we are not willing to go higher. Bishop told us that we are not at our last destination, it is not our last stop, God has something greater for us. He also reminded us that the Gospel was written by four men who told the story in their own view. However, they all ended up at the same ending.
He stated that sometimes we have “stinky” thinking and we believe that God can do for everyone else, but not for ourselves. We too can receive a miracle. Sometimes, things may have to get dark (like during the 4th watch) for God to do some things. That our shouting and praising don’t mean that you have seen dark times or been through some things. Each one of us has our own personal storm. Bishop Thompson reminded us that Jesus will come to us sometimes even before we know that we need Him.
Bishop’s points were:
- We have to be willing to take some risk
- Ministry is risky – how can you go to fraternity, sororities, family reunions, and not church
- There are things that happen in church that don’t happen anywhere else
- Ohio is about to cause a resurrection and not talk about closing churches
- We must be careful about people who want to stay on the boat too long
- We must recollect the radicalization of our redemption
- We must step out on faith
- It is time to move
- Move and step out even though others may not know where you are going
- Start praising like you are already there
- Just because God is with you doesn’t mean you won’t sink, things may become difficult but don’t stop trusting Jesus
- Remember Peter, he went in the water, he had faith to take that step
- Kujichaqulia (self-determination)
- Must remember the realized divine reverence
- Some people must see the end miracle
- Act like it before you are there
- Act like you are supposed to be there
- Have a “Peter Attitude”
- There are no small churches
- Money problems do not exist it is just a financial transition
Following worship service, we quickly moved into the business session of the Check-Up Meeting. Reports were given by the District Presidents of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (Lucille Gooden, LaVon Moore, Pamela Valentine), Christian Education (Dr. Monica Posey), Conference Studies (Rev. Dr. Curtis Walker), Home Mission and Conference Workers (Sharon Simmons), and Lay Council (Anita Rankin). Rev. Dr. Michael Posey reported on the Ministry of Kindness and Rev. George Smith-Whitfield gave an overview of our next Annual Conference. Our three Presiding Elders, Rev. Dr. Audie Simon, Rev. Dr. Michael Posey, and Rev. Dr. Curtis Walker reported on the financial and spiritual state of their respective districts. The last report given was the Conference Financial report prior to Bishop giving the benediction.
But hold on, we were not finished!
This was the first meeting with our newly appointed Bishop and the Grand Ohio Conference welcomed our new Bishop with a program designed just for him and Missionary Supervisor Rev. Felica Thompson.
Our Mistress of Ceremonies for this occasion was the Honorable Judge Adele Riley. Judge Riley is a member of St. Paul in Dayton, Ohio, and also the president of the Judicial Council of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Rev. Rosalyn Mitchell-Martin gave the invocation and Rev. D’Andre James-Daniels eloquently shared the occasion. The St. James Choir from Massillon, Ohio under the direction of their pastor, Rev. LeCounte Nedab blessed everyone with their songs of praise.
Expressions of Welcome were given to Bishop and Rev. Thompson from the Lay Council, Christian Education, W.H.&O.M. Society, Minister’s Spouses & Widows, Ministers, and Presiding Elders.
Following the Expressions of Welcome, the Missionary Supervisor and Bishop gave remarks. Bishop Thompson shared that he thought that after the worship and/or the business session the church would empty. He doesn’t know the Ohio Conference, yet. Not only did everyone stay for the welcome program, but the Columbus-Cincinnati District rented a bus just to travel to the Check-Up Meeting.
Bishop Thompson and Missionary Supervisor Rev. Thompson are excited to be with Mid-Atlantic and the Ohio Conference family. They are looking forward to getting to know each of us and may stop in unannounced at any of our churches on any given Sunday.
