SONS OF ALLEN

The Sons of Allen Ministry, the official Men's Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church fosters an atmosphere where men are inspired through worship, study and prayer to have fellowship and relationship with God and their fellowmen. The Sons of Allen will build men as providers, protectors, producers, and priests for their families and the community of the faithful.

Among the several goals of the ministry, the chief goal is to lead men, especially black men in the 21st century, into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Their relationship with God is nurtured through learning about the power of prayer, experiencing the wonder of worship and sensing the sacrifice of service to others. Their salvation in Christ makes men priests for their family and community.

The Sons of Allen has programs that enhance men in their abilities to serve God and God's people through social outreach, Godly civic leadership, and vital Christian testimony. Men will be developed as leaders and role models for youth. Men will be encouraged to participate in local and connectional church activities. Men will know and appreciate the enormous contribution of the African Methodist Episcopal Church through its history, aims, beliefs, and programs. Men will commit to building the Kingdom of God on earth as protectors, producers and providers.

The Sons of Allen Ministry seeks to galvanize the latent power of men for the worship of God and service to God's people equipping them through the vital, vibrant, spiritual, and social message of God and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

MUSIC & CHRISTIAN ARTS

To promote music in the AME Church, educate the leadership, and preserve the musical heritage and tradition of the AME Church.This department has a rich history and significance within the church. It provides multiple opportunities to members of all ages and abilities to praise God through the gift of music while adding a uniquely inspiring dimension to worship services and programs. The music ministry also collaborates extensively with the local church and local district’s professional musicians, ensembles and liturgical dance ministry within the Eighth Episcopal District.

CHURCH SCHOOL

The Church School classes are designed to present members with a challenging and comprehensive look at God's Word, and to make God's Word alive in their life. The Church School’s mission is to teach, train, nurture, prepare and recruit adults and children in God’s word for Christian service. The Church School emphasizes Christian principles which are essential for effective Christian Growth and participation. One of the main goals of the Church School is to make sure that our church school educators maintain their certification.

CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE AND MASTERS COMMISSION
MOTTO: "DAILY MAGNIFY CHRIST"
THEME: "Daily Magnify Christ As We Strive for Excellence in Character and Service"

The Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission (DMC) introduces young people to Christian society and celebrates their transition to adulthood. Through its adult advisors, the DMC reinforces the work of Christian education by providing guidance and information for relevant study and fieldwork activities. Young people participating in the DMC have an opportunity to receive regular and special study programs for personal Christian development and creative leadership in the A.M.E. Church.

The DMC focuses on the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood that many cultures consider "rites of passage". Young people desire to celebrate and symbolize their new adult status. The DMC channels this desire that enhances the mission of the Christian Church.

The Christian Debutante-Master Ceremony is the official activity under the auspices of the DMC, a solemn religious service whereby the young honorees in their period of transition celebrate their new adult status in the church. It pays tribute to the rite of passage from youth to adulthood. The Debutante-Master Ceremony, the flagship of the DMC, affords young people, ages sixteen through twenty-two, opportunity to be introduced to the church society and to dedicate their lives to greater Christian service.

RICHARD ALLEN YOUNG ADULT COUNCIL

Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) was born at the 45th Quadrennial Session of the AME Church, and is an outgrowth of the Richard Allen Youth Council (RAYC).

RAYAC is an organization that promotes young adult growth, involvement, and leadership in the A.M.E. Church. Anyone from the ages of 18 to 40 is eligible to join. The Eighth Episcopal District is concerned about the involvement of young adults in our church. So the goal of the RAYAC is to retain young adults to the Lord, the church, and to lead young adults to use their gifts and talents in the service of the Lord.

THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN EPISCOPAL SCOUTS

The Association of African Methodist Episcopal Scouts is a denominational Scouts Association recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts United States of America. Scouting is one of the ministries of Christian Education in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Membership is comprised of individuals and AME congregations who support AAMES goals.

SPECIAL EDITION

On November 14, 2008 the Eighth Episcopal District held the Dedicatory Celebration of the new Episcopal Administrative Office and Episcopal Residence.  The Service began at Pearl Street AME Church, where Rev. Gwendolyn James-Jackson brought and inspirational and moving message to the worshippers.  The Eighth District was also blessed with the presence of Retired Bishop Frank and Mrs. Martha Cummings; Bishop Paul J. Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate of the Seventeenth Episcopal District; Mr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer of the AME Church Finance Department; and Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary- Treasure of the Sunday School Union.

Immediately following the Service,  the congregation visited the two sites as the Dedication Ceremony continued.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE