Rev. Dr. Marvis Davis
Rev. Charles Dorsey
Rev. Dwayne Knox
By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Sentinel Religion Editor
[email protected]
The 12th Annual Pastorís and Lay Leadership Conference will feature strategies and programs to enhance ministries for youth. The event takes place January 28-29 at Christ Our Redeemer (COR) A.M.E. Church, 46 Maxwell St., in Irvine.
ìYoung people are key components of a vibrant, viable and growing church. To ensure their attendance and participation, we are presenting sessions to strengthen and improve activities directed at children, teens and young adults in your ministry,î said Rev. Mark Whitlock, host pastor.
The ecumenical symposium is co-sponsored by COR, the University of Southern California and the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Vicinity (BMC). Rev. Dr. Marvis Davis, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church of Venice, is BMC President.
Rev. Charles Dorsey will discuss Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Rev. DeWayne C. Knox will instruct a Music Ministry Workshop, and Edward Thomas will teach Gang Intervention and Prevention.
Rev. Dorsey is Youth and Young Adult Pastor at COR where he founded the Young Adult Choir and Bible Study, initiated New Generation Praise Youth Church, and launched a monthly ìJam Sessionî that provides a platform for artful expression. He also serves as pastor of COR West, a satellite location led by young adults. A graduate of University of California at Irvine, Rev. Dorsey also received a masterís of divinity degree from the Claremont School of Theology.
Rev. Knox is currently consulting Minister of Music and Worship Arts at COR. Ordained in 1995, he previously served as Minister of Music and Arts at Mount Moriah Baptist Church and on the staff at First A.M.E. Church. Rev. Knox received masterís degrees in African Studies from UCLA and Music from California State University ñ Long Beach.
In addition, the conference will offer workshops and strategies on evangelism, finances, community outreach and legal aspects of ministry.
ìOn Friday, January 28, we will hear preaching by Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, pastor of Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, the largest A.M.E. Church in the denomination. After the preaching moment, there will be a leadership plenary session with successful pastors and leaders in the faith community will talk about church development, management and maintenance,î said Rev. Whitlock.
The speakers will include Dr. Flake, Rev. Dr. Cecil ìChipî Murray, Professor of Religion at USC and retired pastor of First A.M.E. Church-LA; Rev. Xavier Thompson, pastor of Southern Missionary Baptist Church; and Bishop Noel Jones, founder and pastor of City of Refuge in Gardena. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland Sr., presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, is also scheduled to participate in the conference.
Saturdayís agenda will feature Dr. Lula Ballton, co-founder and CEO of West Angeles Community Development Corporation; Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church ñ LA; Rev. Dr. Steve Johnson, CFO of Faithful Central Bible Church; Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church ñ Fontana. Additional workshops will be instructed by Rev. Hermia Whitlock, Attorney Scott Chaplin, and Rev. Mark Whitlock.
ìWe invite everyone to come out ñ Baptist, A.M.E., and Church of God in Christ, Apostolic, Lutherans, and Catholics – itís an ecumenical opportunity. This conference will offer services to churches to help them find financing, build structures, establish community development programs, and better manage their church.
ìOur goal is to offer, not just inspiration, but also resources for church leaders, as well as lay leaders who are not ordained, to help guide Godís church in the 21st Century,î said Rev. Whitlock.
Conference registration is available for a $35 donation which includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Register online at www.corchurch.org or call (949) 955-0014.
