Despite a closely monitored winter storm that swept across the United States, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold conditions, the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church gathered in faith and unity for its Winter Convocation held at Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC.
Originally scheduled for January 22 – 24, 2026, the convocation was thoughtfully condensed to January 22-23, 2026, by our compassionate and discerning Episcopal leader, Bishop W. Darin Moore, to ensure the safety of all participants as well as attendees. Though the convocation was shortened, the gathering remained spiritually powerful and impactful!
Anchored by the theme, “Transforming Lives in Troubling Times”, the Winter Convocation stood as a testimony to the church’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to ministry in the midst of facing adversity.
The convocation commenced on Thursday afternoon with a vibrant praise and worship led by the ENC Music Department under the direction of Rev. Dr. Paul Atlas, setting a spirit-filled atmosphere for worship and learning.
The opening plenary session featured Rev. Dr. Allison Henderson-Brooks, Senior Pastor of the Historic Hill First Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia. Teaching on “Team Building for Transformative Ministry,” from the scripture Ezekiel 37:1-6. During this session, Rev. Dr. Henderson-Brooks called clergy, lay leaders, and congregations to unity, collaboration, and collective faith as essential tools to go from a surviving ministry to a thriving ministry.
“Change happens at the speed of trust and culture changes at the speed of growth and intentionality,” Dr. Henderson-Brooks emphasized.
Following the plenary session, attendees engaged in breakout workshops designed to strengthen and equip various ministries across the episcopal districts to the local churches, including Lay Council, Christian Education Department, and Women Home and Overseas Missionary Society.
A special session entitled “Strengthen Your Security Operations to Protect Your Congregation” was presented for clergy, trustees, and ushers by Mr. Ricky Davis, CEO and Founder of RICE Security & Consulting, LLC, offering practical guidance to ensure the local church’s safety and security.
The evening worship service was marked by heartfelt praise and worship from the Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church Choir, with Rev. Tyesha Harden serving as Worship Leader. Rev. Dr. Allison Henderson-Brooks returned to preach the evening sermon, “A Resilient Resolve,” from the scripture Psalm 121:1-8, reminding worshippers that the church has got to have a determined disposition. “We need leaders with a Resilient Resolve,” Henderson-Brooks states.
Friday morning opened with praise and worship, followed by Morning Glory, featuring a meditation and powerful testimony by Rev. Karen McCracken, Pastor of Christian Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Winnabow, NC. Rev. McCracken’s message, “God Is Doing A New Thing,” from Isaiah 43:18-22, encouraged all to not become complacent because God is doing a new thing!
Rev. McCracken states,” Complacency shows up as silence, where prayer used to live, and we need to turn our prayers into conversations and not speeches.”
The convocation also included an ENC Business Session led by Melvin Gill and Lisa P. Gill, CPA, owners of The CPA Firm of Lisa P. Gill, CPA, PC, providing practical insight into stewardship and fiscal responsibility within the local church.
Later that morning, Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather, Executive Director of Church Growth and Development of The A.M.E. Zion Church, led an insightful plenary session introducing MissionInsite, a strategic mapping data tool designed to help local churches serve as well as better understand their communities. He was joined by Rev. Rick Lee and Rev. Tyesha Harden, who assisted in explaining the tool and sharing examples on how the tool can support effective outreach and growth.
The Winter Convocation concluded with a powerful Ordination Service, preached by Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District and President of the Board of Bishops. Bishop Thompson delivered the ordination message titled, “Whatever You Do, Don’t Lose Your Power,” from 1 Kings 19:1-4, urging the ordinates to remain faithful to their calling and anchored in the sustaining power of God. “Be careful what you focus on because your focus impacts your function,” Bishop Thompson emphasizes, “Because Distractions lead to Disfunction”
There were a total of 27 individuals who were ordained:
The following individuals were ordained Deacons: Rev. Javita Bryant, Rev. Jerry Melvin, Rev. James L. Lilly (MR), Rev. Leonard Ravenell, Rev. L. Jermaine Richardson, Rev. Dr. Vernon S. Lowery, Rev. Guy Lester Harding, Sr. (Local Deacon), Rev. Lydia Staton, Rev. Dr. Yushonda Midgette (MR)
The following individuals were ordained Elders; Reverend Bobbie J. Banks (Local Elder), Reverend Daryl Miller, Reverend Linder Drye, Reverend Jessica M. Franks, Reverend Geneva M. Anderson, Reverend Ida Mae Bennett, Reverend Dr. Carol Denise Bunch, Reverend Bernice Cromartie, Reverend Michelle A. Long, Reverend Dr. LaShawn McGrue, Reverend Michael McMillian, Reverend Latoya Parmele, Reverend Adrienne Wilson, Reverend James G. Armond, Reverend Lorean Wilson-Bradshaw, Reverend Donna Dove, Reverend Glenda Jenkins-Roulhac, Reverend Dr. Janie Rouse.
As the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District moves forward from this sacred gathering, this year’s Winter Convocation stands as a reminder that even in troubling times and circumstances, God will continue to renew, restore, and strengthen His people. Through the worship, teaching, strategic planning and the sacred ordination; lives were touched, leaders were empowered and the church was strengthened for the work ahead trusting the promise of the Scripture: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31)
