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