About Us
Our Initiative
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion Church) is a historic African-American Christian denomination rooted in the United States and extending its presence across continents worldwide, with the exception of Australia. Affectionately known as 'The Freedom Church', the A.M.E. Zion Church proudly upholds Methodist doctrine and liberation theology as central to preaching.
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Within Zion Methodism, compelling preaching is a transformation agent in individuals' liberation and holistic spiritual formation. Connecting liberation theology and the sacred praxis of proclamation, we fearlessly proclaim the Word of God as a catalyst for social justice and spiritual awakening. Through impassioned rhetoric and soul-stirring utterance, we embody a commitment to nurturing the complete person through a wholistic approach to preaching the gospel.
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Strengthening Preaching. Supporting Clergy. Striving for Freedom.
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At the heart of our endeavor lies the A.M.E. Zion Church's Compelling Preaching Initiative—a dynamic, five-year endeavor dedicated to empowering, equipping, and engaging clergy throughout our denomination to elevate their preaching skills. Through rigorous research, customized programs, impactful events, and accessible resources, this initiative seeks to advance the art of preaching as a liberative tool for humanity's reconciliation. Our focus extends to training clergy and lay leaders for public proclamation, fostering emerging scholarship on preaching, and nurturing collaboration with fellow Black Methodist denominations and theological institutions. Join us as we continue to unleash the transformative power of preaching to build a more just and compassionate world.
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The A.ME. Zion Church Compelling Preaching Initiative is a grant initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. to support organizations that want to help Christian pastors strengthen their abilities to proclaim the gospel in more engaging and effective ways. To learn more about The Compelling Preaching Initiative, click here.
Our Goals
A 5-Year Plan to Strengthen Clergy Preaching
EDUCATE
Regional Trainings &
Denominational Events
Compelling preaching is a comprised of theory and praxis. Our initiative will provide preachers with training by leading religious scholars and practioners at denominational gatherings.
ENGAGE
Learning Communities &
Preaching Cohorts
Compelling preaching is developed in and through community. Our initiative will bring preachers together through established learning communities and mentorship circles.
EQUIP
Digital Theological
Resources
Compelling preaching is an interdisciplinary praxis. Our initiative will curate, uplift, and provide theological resources to support clergy and strengthen their preaching.
Our Values
INTEGRITY. The Zion CPI honors the history, context, and traditions of the African American religious experience, Methodism, and the black preaching tradition. We seek to be respectful, honest, and accountable in all our work to shape sacred proclamation.
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INCLUSION. The Zion CPI is committed to embracing, supporting, and equipping every person we encounter. We are intentional to create accessible resources, compassionate learning communities, and discern equity within religious systems.
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INTERDEPENDENCE. The Zion CPI will build an intergenerational colloquium of scholars, activists, practitioners, and laity to address relevant topics and enhance scholarship to advance the art of practical, compelling preaching in the African Diaspora and Black Methodism.
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IMPACT. The Zion CPI believes in the power of compelling preaching and religious scholarship to make a difference in the lives of individuals, clergy, congregations, the church, and the world. We aim to cultivate partnerships and journey alongside clergy as they change the world.
Our Approach
Zion's Compelling Preaching Initiative is established within The Department of Records and Research for the A.M.E. Zion Church. The Department of Records and Research's mission is to promote our connection in system and records by recording the actions and deeds of the movement of Zion Methodism. Through its work the department becomes a system of remembering, providing not only information, but also serves as source for research and statistical information.
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In partnership with The General Secretary-Auditor, this initiative will work to identify clergy, assess clergy needs related to preaching, and provide denominational training for public proclamation.
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Our Mission
The mission of the Zion Compelling Preaching Initiative is to empower and equip clergy and lay leaders within the A.M.E. Zion Church for transformational preaching and public proclamation in the 21st century.