By AFRO Staff
Nearly 2,500 participants—most of them children and youth, alongside families and adults of all ages—convened in Baltimore Dec. 26–30, 2025 for Elevate 2025: Flourish and Thrive, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church’s Christian Education Department Winter Conference. The event took place at the Hilton in downtown Baltimore. Through outstanding worship services and impactful Elevate workshops, the gathering affirmed the church’s commitment to nurturing faith, leadership and purpose across generations.
“Elevate 2025: Flourish and Thrive was truly transformative,” said Bishop Brian R. Thompson, president of the Board of Bishops, chair of the Board of Christian Education and presiding prelate of the Mid-Atlantic District of the AME Zion Church. “To witness so many young people united in worship and learning here in Baltimore was a powerful sign of how God is moving through this generation.”
“This conference reflected the very heart of Christian education,” said the Rev. Patrick Barrett II, general secretary of Christian Education for the AME Zion Church. “Through dynamic worship and meaningful workshops, our children, youth, and adult leaders were inspired and equipped to flourish in faith and thrive in purpose.”
Jayana Perry (left) enjoys a moment with Rev. Zanetta Stallworth and Araeya Harvey (right) of West Virginia. (AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Gwenita Ponder makes an appearance at the conference, representing Montgomery, Ala. (AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Garo Sheates, of Mississippi, attends the Elevate conference for youth in Baltimore.(AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Ava Swinton, of Little Rock, Ark., and Portia Jacobs, of Durham, N.C., come together at the event. (AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Towanda Harris speaks to the crowd. (AFRO Photos / James Fields) 
Praise dancers from Judah Temple AME Church put on a lively performance. (AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Shown here, Bishop Brian Thompson at the gala on Dec. 28. (AFRO 7Photos / James Fields) 
Bishop Brian Thompson (left) speaks with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the Rev. Dr. Frances “Ton” Murphy Draper, AFRO News publisher and CEO. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen) 
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott welcomes the crowd gathered for the AME Zion Church’s Christian Education Department Winter Conference. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen) 
Shown here, Rev. Patrick Barrett II, who serves as general secretary of Christian Education for the AME Zion Church. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)