THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH IN AMERICA AND AFRICA: THE MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

This project traces the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, with special emphasis upon the inception and early development of the overseas missionary work in Africa. To this dimension an assessment is given concerning the present social, economic, and religious conditions in West Africa as they affect the A.M.E. Zion Church.; It is determined that the office of the presiding bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church in West Africa is the hub around which overseas missions evolves in the Zion Church. The project shows the historical relationship and the function of the bishop's office, and uses the experiences of the present bishop to reveal some lack of rapport.; The expressions from the church conference leaders are registered by means of a survey administered by the general secretary of overseas missions. The project exposes its purpose by stating the mandate issued in 1976 during the General Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church. The bishop at that time, Ruben Lee Speaks, stated the desire of the native African to become more involved in the process of the Church. This desire calls for a review and possibly re-structuring of the Zion Connection.; A proposal for the establishment of a ministry broad enough to encompass the social, economic, and religious environment is offered. The A.M.E. Zion Church is cautioned against functioning as a personality oriented body. The Church must not relegate missions to that of a handout. Instead, it must search for the spiritual unity of God's children. Christians are commissioned to make disciples of all nations.; The culture of Africa and America must be considered equally if the Church on two continents is to function as one Church. The project brings to light the present lack of knowledge on the part of both continents and suggests a process of education which will involve the people of both America and Africa. Our present society is moving at a swifter pace and must replace the educative process of one on one. An institution for theological training has to be established on African soil.; The spirit of black liberation in the A.M.E. Zion Church calls for a reorganization of overseas procedures by the General Conference. The bishop who is the supervisor over the mission procedures must remain alert to God's pastoral call as he serves the Church.