The Department of Church Growth & Development, in partnership with the Connectional Lay Council: Evangelism Certification Program

 

Greetings Zion Family,

The Department of Church Growth & Development, in partnership with the Connectional Lay Council, is excited to share that registration is open for our Evangelism Certification Program, beginning September 8, 2026.

This program is designed to equip Christians with the biblical foundation, practical tools, and hands-on experience needed to confidently share their faith, disciple new believers, and train others in evangelism and discipleship.

And this isn’t just another virtual course. Participants will move from learning → practicing → doing through a combination of:

Virtual instruction exploring the biblical, theological, and practical foundations of evangelism

Practical training in apologetics, spiritual preparation, digital ministry, witnessing, discipleship, and local church evangelism

Hands-on, in-person outreach where participants will put newly developed skills into practice in the field

Evangelism & Discipleship Plan development that can be implemented within the participant’s own local church

A culminating Service of Commissioning celebrating successful completion of the program

Download the course brochure for more information. Everyone is welcome to attend and view the course sessions, whether you are pursuing certification or simply want to grow in your understanding and practice of evangelism.

However, participants who wish to receive Evangelism Certification at the conclusion of the program should understand that this is a structured course of study. Attendance will be tracked, assignments will be required, and certification requirements must be successfully completed.

If you are ready to become more confident in sharing your faith, more intentional about making disciples, and better equipped to help your church engage its community, this course is for you.

Course Begins: September 8, 2026

Weekly Virtual Sessions via Zoom

In-Person Evangelism Lab: October 24, 2026

Service of Commissioning: November 8, 2026

Don’t just talk about evangelism. Get equipped to do it.

REGISTER TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:  https://us.list-manage.com/dBFTAEHZ03A?e=081dc5f242&c2id=d838a9873e8cd73e807adcfb428d3572

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE:  https://us.list-manage.com/9TvVZIy0xLK?e=081dc5f242&c2id=d838a9873e8cd73e807adcfb428d3572

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather
Executive Director
Department of Church Growth & Development
The A.M.E. Zion Church

The Department of Church Growth & Development and the Department of Records & Research: The Book of Discipline: The Interworking of the Local Church

 

Greetings Zion Family,

SAVE THE DATE! The Department of Church Growth & Development and the Department of Records & Research are excited to announce a new course curriculum:

THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE: THE INTERWORKING OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Building on our popular Blessing or Burden? You Decide. series, which provided a high-level overview of the Book of Discipline, this new course will take us deeper—moving beyond simply knowing what the Discipline says to examining how its principles, structures, ministries, and practices are intended to work together to strengthen the local church and advance the Great Commission. These sessions will kick off on Monday Nights Beginning September 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM (ET).

Throughout this extended course, we’ll explore topics including:

The purpose of the Book of Discipline and the foundations of Methodism

Christian doctrine and the Articles of Religion

The General Rules and Methodist discipleship

The roles and responsibilities of local church ministries

Leadership development for clergy and laity

Biblical stewardship, budgeting, and church finances

Developing relevant and transformative ministries

Vision casting, teamwork, conflict resolution, and church revitalization

And much more!

Whether you are a pastor, clergy member, local church officer, ministry leader, or layperson who simply wants to better understand how the A.M.E. Zion Church is designed to function, this course is for you.

For now, save the date and spread the word! Additional information, including registration details and the complete course schedule, will be shared soon.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather

Executive Director

Department of Church Growth & Development

The A.M.E. Zion Church

Wilmington District Lay Council: 5th Sunday Fellowship Service

 

Back to School

Wilmington District Students, as you step into a brand‑new school year, remember that you are capable, gifted, and covered by God’s grace. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover more of who you are becoming. Walk into your classrooms with confidence, kindness, and a determination to do your best. Even when challenges arise, know that you have the strength to overcome them and the support of a community that believes in you. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and let this year be one where you rise higher than ever before.

Lord, cover every student in the Wilmington District with Your wisdom, peace, and protection. Strengthen their minds, steady their hearts, and guide their steps. Help them learn with confidence, lead with kindness, and shine with the purpose You’ve placed within them. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Wilmington District Lay Council 

The Wilmington District Men of Zion are proud to announce Julian A. Robbins, a member of Johnson Chapel, as the recipient of the Rev. Dr. Alexander L. Jones, Sr. $1,000 scholarship for the academic year.

 

Wilmington District Men of Zion: Congratulations scholarship recipient Juilian A. Robbins

 

AME Zion Christian Education Department

 

Important updates from CED and beyond!

ELEVATE 2026 is headed to Phoenix, Arizona! Get ready for another unforgettable experience filled with transformative teaching, powerful preaching and faith-filled fellowship as we come together to ELEVATE! Convention registration and the official hotel room block opens on September 1st. See the flyer for Hotel rates & accommodations and travel discounts. Start making plans now, gather your church family, and prepare to meet us in Phoenix. More information is coming soon.

Introducing the 2026 CED Month Theme!  Strong Ministries. Strong Churches. "So we built the wall...for the people had a mind to work." — Nehemiah 4:6 This year, we're embracing God's call to build ministries that are spiritually healthy, mission-focused, and equipped to strengthen the Church for generations to come. When God's people unite with faith, purpose, and a willingness to serve, there is no limit to what He can accomplish through us. Join us throughout CED Month as we embrace the third emphasis from our Board of Bishops, "Concentrating on our Ministries." We will grow, learn, and build together around this powerful theme.  Join us for our Thrive on Thursday Teaching Series beginning September 3rd at 7PM EST. Come be inspired, equipped, and empowered as we strengthen ministries, strengthen churches, and strengthen the Kingdom—together.

Join us for the next CED Family Meeting! Mark your calendars for September 14th at 7:00 PM EST as we come together for an important time of connection, updates, and fellowship. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and connected with the CED Family. Zoom Meeting ID: 870 3745 3157 Passcode: CED2026 Dial In: 1-309-205-3325 Passcode: 0617329#

Zion University Official Program and Report Book   Thank you to everyone who registered for the 26th Quadrennial Convention on Christian Education! Click below to download the official Zion University Report Book. This resource gathers the reports of our various ministries and auxiliaries, along with the report of the General Secretary-Treasurer and the Episcopal Directors of Christian Education. We invite you to review these reports as a witness to the work accomplished across the connection and as a glimpse of the vision guiding us into this next season.

Download the ZU Report Book

Vacation Bible School Anytime 2026 is now available for purchase! Harvest Time is coming, and workers are wanted!  Get ready for Vacation Bible School 2026 with Harvest Time: Workers Wanted. This exciting resource will help churches prepare to teach, inspire, and engage children, youth, and families in meaningful Christian education. Purchase your copy today through the AME Zion Publishing House website and begin preparing for a fruitful VBS season! Pre-order the Physical copy here (includes access the digital pack) Purchase the digital copy here

Upcoming CED & Zion Events - More information coming soon! CED Month September 2026 Thrive on Thursdays Teaching Series Every Thursday in September at 7:00pm EST Connectional Lay Council Evangelistic Retreat October 9-11, 2026, Daytona Beach, FL Elevate Winter Meeting December 26-30, 2026, Phoenix Sheraton Downtown. Registration & room block open September 1st.

Wilmington District Men of Zion: Meeting

 

Evergreen: Homecoming & Church Anniversary

 

Wilmington District WH&OMS 4th Mass Meeting Stoling Ceremony

 

The zconnectional Lay Council: Evangelistic Retreat

 

Freedom Fund Banquet

 

Presiding Elder, Rev. Terry L. Jones Appreciation Service

 

Wilmington District Conference

 

Price Cathedral: HOMECOMING 2026