This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
Powered by
A UMNS Report
By the Rev. Sheron C. Patterson*
7:00 A.M. EST Feb. 7, 2011
The Rev. Jasmine Smothers.
A UMNS photo courtesy of Atlanta
First United Methodist Church.
View in Photo Gallery
The Old Testament prophet Elijah had urged the people of Israel to
worship God instead of Baal, and now King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were
after him.
Misunderstood, frustrated — and in danger for his life — Elijah fled and hid in a cave. But God prodded him to come out.
“I have things for you to do,” God said.
The Bible story of Elijah leaving his cave (1 Kings 19:1-18) provided
the theme for a recent national gathering of African-American United
Methodist clergy in Nashville, Tenn.
Some 320 clergy devoted four days to confronting and confessing their
personal and professional “cave” experiences at the event sponsored by
the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. Many participants admitted
that they, like Elijah, sought shelter from negative situations in
figurative caves.
Some clergy talked about their struggles with feelings of isolation
and what it is like to be the only African Americans in their
congregations.
One such clergywoman was the Rev. Jasmine R. Smothers, associate pastor
of First United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
“I was certainly in a cave before the convocation,” she said. “I’m at
a crossroads of some major decisions. I’ve been released from the
paralysis of the fear of dealing with (what) I need to deal with and to
hear God speaking.”
She said she felt “a renewed sense of connection, which is so
important throughout the sometimes-felt isolation of cross-racial
ministry.”
Another participant, who like Smothers has served a predominantly
white congregation, said she often was aware that for many of the
members, she was “their black experience.”
Recognizing, celebrating and confronting differences
The Rev. Vance P. Ross, an executive with the Board of Discipleship, said, the convocations serve a great need.
“The pastors flock to them because they truly need the rest, revival and restoration that are provided,” he said.
The Rev. Gennifer Brooks.
A UMNS photo courtesy of Garrett
Evangelical Theological Seminary.
View in Photo Gallery
The events draw African-American pastors, district superintendents
and bishops as well as annual conference staff and leaders, seminarians
and pastoral candidates. For many participants, the gatherings are like
family reunions, providing support and opportunities to network.
Along with informing, inspiring and encouraging African-American
pastors, Ross said, the convocations affirm participants’ gifts, address
their specific concerns and provide “resources for ministry growth and
assistance.”
“In a system that by nature minimizes difference, the convocation
recognizes, celebrates and confronts distinction and what it means in
pastoral ministry,” he added.
Participants also focused on the critical need for growth in black congregations.
Several African-American United Methodist clergy and worship leaders inspired those in attendance.
The Rev. Carlyle Fielding Stewart cautioned attendees, “Don’t confuse
‘nonprofit’ with ‘non-prophet.’ Let justice roll down like water, and
not bottled water.” He serves Hope United Methodist Church in
Southfield, Mich.
Gifts support black colleges, Africa University
The Rev. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks, a faculty member at
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill., reminded
participants to take control of their lives and their futures.
She asked, “Are you hiding in plain sight? What is your cave? What Jezebel has you on the run?”
Then she urged participants, “Step out and move on, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
The Rev. Melvin Amerson, stewardship ministry consultant for Texas
Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas, described the event as “a
blessing.”
“It enabled me to become more spiritually centered and invigorated,” he added.
At Holy Communion worship, led by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer of the
Illinois Great Rivers Annual (regional) Conference, participants shared a
$6,000 offering. It was divided evenly between the United Methodist
Black College and Africa University funds.
*Patterson, a clergy member of the North Texas Annual (regional) Conference, is director of communications for the conference.
News media contact: Barbara Dunlap-Berg, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5489 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
About UMC.org
RSS Feed
Press Center
Contact Us