These are the three pillars I propose to build upon as an Episcopal Servant of our beloved Zion:
1. Embrace our Legacy: We stand on the shoulders of our Fathers and Mothers who forged ahead by their living sacrifices without compromise to create a future. We have not attempted to erase nor eradicate bridges that have brought us to where we are but continue to celebrate our legacy, the best of th
e African Methodist Episcopal Church brand, a church of Liberation and Reconciliation. A Church that stands upon the premises: God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Holy Spirit our Comforter, and Humanity, our Family. To preserve our legacy, for our collective sustainability, we mustbring forth our collective best to reinvigorate, fortify, empower:
a. Historic Infrastructure
c. Historic Mission
2. Enhance our Present: The Church of Allen has not failed to be a church to serve our calling to fulfill the present age. We have not compromised the gospel to meet the needs of all people. Instead, through the best of our legacy, we have networkedthrough a powerful connection to apply the social gospel of Jesus Christ to meet people’s needs wherever and whatever they are: socially, economically, environmentally, and politically. Therefore, we must enhance, build upon, and upgrade ministries to improve our ability to:
a. Affirm all: Seniors, adults, young adults, and youth. Strengthen the Connection
c. Assure Technological Support
d. Foster Pastoral Care
e. Foster Congregational Support
3. Engage our Future: We have not flinched from confronting the next-us, the next generation. We have to forge a New Theology for a New Reality, merging our strengths with new trends and embracing innovation to make better a people of God. Because we know that God is a loving God, he does not turn people down nor frown because of their choices. God is a loving God who cares for creation. Therefore, we should engage our community for a brighter future amid paradigm shifts to be a part of the fellowship of God no matter who, where, or what; we know God loves us all. To guarantee our future, we must:
a. Develop a Support System for Youth and Young Adult
b. Affirmation Everybody is somebody
c. Reconciliation despite our differences
d. Transformation from Revelation to Relevancy
In bringing together our best, I believe our future and the plans God has for us as a connectional church are brighter and B.I.G.G.E.R. than we can imagine. Fifth District, I invite you to “Think B.I.G.G.E.R. with Booker, stand with me as we Believe In God Granting Every Request.