A leader who’s ready to make a difference.
Building Bridges from Our Past
I cherish the storied history of our Zion, and the brave ways that our foremothers and forefathers created something out of nothing. Their vision for a Church, rooted in liberation and justice and love, is one that still remains as a guiding light for us today. I believe that through an intentional Sankofa moment, we can strengthen our church through honoring those core principles and giving them renewed energy today.
Building Bridges with our Present
African Methodism is full of some of the brightest, most creative, and most innovative people in the world. In every sector — entertainment, sports, medicine, law, education, sciences — our people thrive. I believe that one way to enhance our Zion is to empower the brilliance that already exists. Through building bridges to our own people, and building bridges to all parts of their lives, I believe we can continue to strive toward more holistic and well rounded congregants and churches.
In each church I have served, it has been a mission of mine to not only pastor the church, but to pastor the community. From my work in the Rhode Island State Ethics Commission to my leadership with the New York Food Bank — one of the largest in the country — I have learned through experience the power of people and the power in communities. I believe that we can strengthen our strong church by building even more bridges to our communities, and to drawing connections to the emergent needs of those beyond the walls of our sanctuaries, and working to meet those needs.
Building Bridges to our Future
Contrary to some rhetoric in our church, I do not believe the church is dead. In fact, I fully believe that the church’s best days are ahead of us. I recognize that there are some great chasms in our church. But I specialize in bridge building. I believe we have to continue building bridges not only within our own groups, but building coalitions across clergy and lay, missionaries and RAYAC, our seniors and our children. And I believe that the future of our church is not somewhere down the road, but the future is now. Through building bridges to our young adults, YPD, and children, African Methodism will be sustained by the transfers of wisdom and practice that have formed us. By utilizing the skills and gifts of our future, we can continue to build a church that will last.