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

The 2012 General Conference will be here before we know it and its time to truly start thinking about who will become the next Bishops of our church.  With the Rt. Revs George W. C. Walker Sr, S. Chuka Ekemam, and Warren M. Brown retiring there will be three spots open on the board.

During the 2011 CED Winter Meeting in Los Angeles, California there was an “Episcopal Candidates Forum” that was attended by many. The Young Adults in Christian Ministries (YACM) understand that a lot of young adult delegates to the general conference were unable to attend the winter meeting. This is why we decided to bring the candidates to them via the internet. We pray that the next few blogs will give you some insight on where the candidates stand in regards to the young adults of our church.     

Today’s candidate is the Rev. Dr. Seth O. Lartey, pastor of Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion church in Winston- Salem, NC. His education background steams from Liberian Baptist Seminary, Livingstone College, Duke University Divinity School and Drew University.

Rev. Dr. Lartey serves on many boards throughout the Winston-Salem community. Some of them include Prodigal’s Community, Forsyth County Foster Care, Smart Start, YMCA, United Way, World Council of Churches, Forsyth Futures & Juvenile Justice, North Carolina Council, Winston-Salem State University Foundation, Liberian Organization of the Piedmont and Camp Dorothy Walls Conference & Retreat Center, Inc.  

Rev. Dr. Lartey is the Founder and President of Goler Institute for Development & Education Inc. and the Goler Community Development Corporation. He married to Mrs. Jacqueline Inez Williams-Lartey and the proud father to three wonderful children: Solomon, Alicia and Victoria.

During an over the phone conversation with Rev. Dr. Lartey he stated that he is grateful for this opportunity and that he is excited about how we are taking ministry to the social network sites.

The following is how Rev. Lartey answered the question:

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

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a great church with a significant worldwide mission. I think that the reason young adults have not been allowed to be as involved is directly related to the marginalization of our mission.  Whenever we take very seriously our mission, it will be evident that we need everybody.

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

As a Bishop, I will first of all embark upon a vocational/career bank; so that I know the talent and gifts in the house.  Based upon the gifts and talent, young adults will be employed in the areas of evangelism, Christian education, economics and leadership.

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

In the local church, young adults are engaged in the Board of Trustees, Stewards, Christian Education, Lay Council, Evangelism, Ushers, Deaconess, Ministry to the Poor, Music Ministry, Couples and Single Ministries, and the Community Development Corporation.

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

Ten years from now, I see the A.M.E. Zion Church as a connection embracing its mandate to convert the world, transform societies, advancing the cause of Christ and celebrating indigenous leadership.

If you would like to contact Rev. Dr. Seth O. Lartey he can be reached at solartey@aol.com.