YACM AME ZION

“Episcopal Candidates Corner”

By

Rev. George William Whitfield

YACM Public Relations Committee Member

Associate Minister at Spradling Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Louisville KY

It’s a beautiful day here in Louisville, KY and I am glad about that.  

If you were at the 2011 CED Winter Meeting in Los Angeles, California then you will agree with me when I say that today’s Episcopal Candidate preached a mighty word during the YACM Mid-Day service. He opened our eyes to a whole new understanding, regarding God turning his back on us.

I would like to introduce to you today’s Episcopal Candidate, the Reverend Dr. Kenneth Q. James. He is a native of New York City and the second son of three children born to the late Earl M. and the late Joan E. James. He is a 1976 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, NY; Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill, South Carolina (1978); graduate (with honors) from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina (1980); and Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina (1984, M. Div.; 2006, D. Min.).

Nurtured in the Mother A.M.E. Zion Church in New York City, Dr. James entered the ministry in 1975, was ordained a Deacon by the late Bishop Herbert Bell Shaw in 1978, and ordained an Elder by the late Bishop Ruben L. Speaks in 1984. He was pastor of Pierce Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Clarkton, North Carolina, Blackwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Jamestown, New York, Bailey Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, Buffalo, New York (which he organized in 1987), Duryee Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Schenectady, New York, and currently, Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Rochester, New York. 

Dr. James has been committed to working with youth through the Christian Education ministries of the A.M.E. Zion Church.  He is the Director of Evangelism for the Western New York Annual Conference, Secretary of the Western New York Annual Conference, and was appointed by Bishop George E. Battle, Jr. to serve as a board member representing the Northeastern Episcopal District on the Bureau of Evangelism of the A.M.E. Zion Church.  Dr. James is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Preaching at Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, and the author of The First Yes: Rediscovering the Integrity of the Call to Preach, Strength for the Journey, and recently released A Principle Within: An Earnest Appeal to Persons of Reason for Methodism in the 21^st Century. He has one son, Frank, and two granddaughters, Ajaya and Ajanae.

The following is how the Rev. Dr. James answered the questions:

1.      Why do you think we have a lack of young adult involvement in our church?

The reason for the lack of young adult involvement may be that in general, young adults find that the church does not speak to their issues. It may be that the current climate regarding worship and church is negative across the board. Perhaps it is that churches are involved in an unfortunate competition with each other and the AME Zion Church is not keeping up. Or it may be that young adults find the church’s “traditions” boring and out of date. I doubt there is any one “silver bullet” solution or easy answer, and this question deserves careful consideration from all persons concerned and willing to resolve the matter.

2.      As Bishop what will you do to engage the young adults?

A few years ago, I attended a seminar in Chicago where the presenter, E. Stanley Ott said that if you are over 39, you are a “foreigner” in this culture. There are many things I can learn from young adults regarding life and ministry that I am out of touch with. And there are also many things that I can teach, and have an obligation to do so. I want this relationship to remain vital. I make a conscious effort to engage youth and young adults in dialogue and conversation so that I can keep my finger on the pulse of what is happening in their lives and help my ministry have an impact on them in theirs. If done well, it is a “win/win” for all involved.

3.      Currently, what ministries are you doing at your local church that engages young adults?

Unfortunately, my local church is not doing nearly enough to engage young adults. We have a very small number of young adults in the church in what is predominately an older congregation. We do have an annual “Youth Explosion” in March; young adults are involved in media ministry and I have appointed some to positions of leadership as Stewards, for example. But sadly, when the young adults try to get involved, participate or contribute in ways that are meaningful to them, often their efforts are met with lack of support, harsh criticism or at worst, resistance. It is one of the more disappointing aspects of my ministry here.

4.      Where do you see our church in the next 10 years?

I remain convinced that the church will thrive. Of course, there will be challenges for the denomination and the local church, and these challenges will mean some “retooling” in many areas; but I am hopeful because the young adult population is engaging and speaking up about Zion’s future, which means that the generation to which Zion’s legacy will be bequeathed will not let the church decline or die.

If you would like to contact Reverend Dr. Kenneth Q. James he can be reached at kuumba58@aol.com.