C O V E R S T O R Y
With the emergence of young pastoral
leadership within the jurisdiction, collectively,
leaders have set sight on embracing the millennial
talent through extensive mentorship programs.
“As the Jurisdictional Bishop, I go into their
churches as a leader training leaders. It is my
obligation to these young pastors to train them
as I am only a few years past the millennial
bracket. My goal is to ensure they are equipped
with the tools to grow their churches. Beyond
raising offerings and having the traditional
scope of services, my desire is to see people
built and ministries developed”, stated
Dillard.
Fresh Fire.
Forums, outlets and platforms for leaders
are eminent in this jurisdiction. Due to its
vibrant flair, even in the reflection of the
logo, Tennessee Metropolitan Jurisdiction
has implemented inimitable elements within
its framework. The “Summit of the Saints,”
which combined the Jurisdictional AIM
Convention and Holy Convocation, presented
a healthy balance of church, civic and
community alliance, also known as “C3
Initiative”. During this innovative initiative,
the community effort was spotlighted by a
block party that offered record expungements,
free haircuts, school supplies, games, sports,
staffing and employment, prayer and fellowship.
From the civic perspective, two Town Hall
Meetings were hosted, the first initiating a
forum focused on gang violence and reform.
Young men, who were known as ex-gang
members stirred the hearts of young people
as they willingly shared their experiences.
From this conversation, many young men
were blessed and the impactful lessons
were well received. The second forum
concentrated on forging positive
relationships between law enforcement
and civilians.
Another strong component of the Tennessee
Metropolitan Jurisdiction is highlighting the
successes of their Pastors who are diligently
engaged in community involvement. “They
are doing the work. Paying light bills,
subsidizing rent, feeding the hungry, clothing
the destitute – they are doing the work – but
no one knows it.
I endeavor, at all cost, to showcase the
soldiers of our communities who extend
themselves beyond the borders of the
building, exclaimed Bishop Dillard.
With the immense wave of the world,
pastors must be knowledgeable in the
areas of finance, advocacy, banking
procedures, legal proceedings, family
and marriage, human resources, managing
personalities, as well as general church
administration. Thus, upon the incipience
of the jurisdiction, Values and Vision, also
known as “V2” were placed in motion and
is the guide for all leadership trainings and
the development of churches:
EFFECTIVENESS - To promote Spirit-led
relevance and significance while establishing
and building both the local church and
ministry leader.
EDUCATION - To promote a very
comprehensive and academically balanced
educational platform that will prepare and/or
polish the ministry leader theologically through
the various Bible College and Leadership
Institute venues.
EDIFICATION - To inspire and influence
leaders to discover and develop their Christian
worldviews through guiding purpose, passion
and practice.
RESPECT - To treat all pastors, ministry
leaders and members with mutual respect
and sensitivity, recognizing the importance
of diversity. We respect all individuals and
value their contributions.
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