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Black clergy address unique concerns

 
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7:00 A.M. EST Feb. 7, 2011



The Rev. Jasmine Smothers. A UMNS photo courtesy of Atlanta First United Methodist Church.
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.
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.



The Rev. Vance Ross. A UMNS photo courtesy of The General Board of Discipleship.
The Rev. Vance Ross.
A UMNS photo courtesy of The
General Board of Discipleship.
View in Photo Gallery

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.

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