The Bureau of Evangelism AME Zion Church
Rev. Dr. Otis T. McMillan, Director
Positioned For Purpose

THE VISION

"After having considered the role and value of visions in the economy of God, we your Board of Bishops share the vision we have perceived for the direction of our Zion in the new quadrennium. Our vision for the church embraces the following components: Evangelism, Education, Empowerment, and Expansion…."

"We will say nothing that has not been said. There will be no new truths revealed. No new discoveries will minimize the difficulty of our task. But, we will bring new attitudes, new approaches, and a new hope that together we can perceive the vision, write it, make it plain, and bring it to fruition."

EVANGELISM

"Evangelism remains fundamental to the mission of the church. The adjustments we must make regarding the mission mandate include, but are not limited to, broadening our understanding, deepening our commitment, diversifying our methodology, and increasing our level of funding."

"For those serious about the task of evangelism, the Master's Model must be considered. As aforementioned, Jesus never allowed the Judaic tradition or practice to overshadow the essence of the faith. The ultimate meaning of the Law was made manifest in its spirit. Diversity doesn't mean division or divisiveness. Options do not mean opposition……..Jesus initiated, invested, inspired, invited, instructed, and entrusted. However, in this technological age in which we live, how we do what we do is in many ways more telling than what we do. …The means we employ say as much or more about us than our words and deeds. Without first getting the attention of those we are seeking to reach, there can be no effective communication with them. Sound and sight are major considerations in reaching the critical mass of our day. Without the appropriate means of conveyance, the message is seldom heard. We are embracing technology and we must hasten our pursuit."

EXPANSION

"The extension of our boundaries is not an option. It is a mandate. There must be no debate on if we should. The only relevant questions should address the where, the who, the how and the when. Expansion demands critical decisions being made based on a strategic plan. Best guesses, personal opinions, individual preferences, nor attempts to replicate what others are doing will not suffice. Expansion, unlike evangelism, demands that the target be in a new place. That place could be newly populated suburban areas, new kinds of people to include in the denominational mix, underserved areas, or overseas locations. We must have knowledge regarding current and long range demographic trends. Our resources, human and otherwise, must be assessed."

CONCLUSION

"We, the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church, have shared with you, the delegates to this 48th Session of the General Conference, the consensus of our thoughts, the unity of our spirits, and the vision that defines our mission, determines our goals, and directs our ministry and witness. Thus, as we embark upon another quadrennial, it is our hope that we would employ this theme, "Maximizing Our Mission by Managing Our Ministry," focusing upon Education, Evangelism, Empowerment, and Expansion. It is our earnest desire and fervent prayer that we be inspired to take seriously the challenge of our day and time. May we stand as one people, under one banner, committed in the service of our one Lord."