By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
Word in Black
On June 2, when thousands of ministers representing all ages, genders, and cultures descend upon Hampton University’s campus in Hampton, Virginia, the convergence will be unlike any other in the world.
For the 110th time, ministers, chaplains, pastors, choir members, organists, musicians and directors will gather with great anticipation of yet another time of worship, learning, and fellowship, to attend the school’s annual Ministers Conference and the 90th Choir Directors and Organists Guild Workshop.
Attendance at last year’s conference had not yet returned to pre-COVID numbers. But this year’s registration numbers seem to indicate that people are ready to come back — and that doesn’t include those who register on-site, as many do.
“I’m excited because of the number of women participating,” says the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, founding and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, and current president of the conference. “My goal was to increase the numbers of women in ministry as well as the young ministers and pastors of all cultures.”
Dr. Hale says there had been wisps of dissension because of the ongoing changes, but she knows her assignment. “Finally, I’m at a place where I can do what God has called me to do, and that is to position ministers so they can grow and excel.”
The theme for this year is “Tools for Transforming the Life of the Leader,” and the highly anticipated presenters for this year are:
- Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, mid-day preacher, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia.
- Rev. Marissa R. Farrow, morning preacher, associate at Allen AME, Jamaica, New York
- Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, lecturer, senior pastor
- Rev. Dr. Shareka Newton, women in ministry hour
- Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, conference preacher
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia James, senior stateswoman
- Rev. Dr. Raquel Lettsome, lecturer
The Ministers’ Conference got its start in 1914, born from the collaboration of the Negro Organizational Society, the Conference for Education in the South, the Southern Education Board, and the Cooperative Education Board. These groups, confronting the urgent issues facing African-American churches and their communities, found a powerful ally in Hampton Institute. This institution, with its strong community ties, became the birthplace of the original Ministers’ Conference, then known as The Conference of Negro Ministers.
Its first home was in the campus chapel, Memorial Church, with only 40 ministers from four denominations. By its 14th anniversary, attendance had grown to 800 ministers representing 19 different denominations. And in 1934, the conference grew by the addition of the Choir Directors’ and Organists’ Guild.
More than a century later, “We are pleased to present a stellar program of powerful prolific preachers and proclaimers of the gospel of Jesus Christ from across the nation,” Dr. Debra L. Haggins, executive director and treasurer of the Conference, said in a welcome statement online.
Hale is especially excited about the young preachers and how they worship after all the other planned activities for the day are over.
“They have their own preaching series, and it is absolutely incredible. They’re in all stages of their journeys, some in seminary, some pastoring, others preaching. They have praise and worship, but then this ring, I call it a boxing ring, in the middle of the floor in the Student Life Center; and the preacher goes up there, and they literally just circle the preacher,” she said. “There is wonderful affirmation and excitement.”
There is also much opportunity for learning during the week. Participants can attend two sessions of workshops.
“They are relevant, they are practical, and speak to their needs right where they are,” Dr. Hale says.
This article was originally published by WordinBlack.com.
