The Diversity of Unity: Is the Black Church Cultural? – w/ Rev John Cager

March 7, 2024

In this episode, Kevin Mannoia interviews Rev. John Cager, the presiding elder of the Midwest North District in the AME Church. Rev. Cager shares the history and uniqueness of the Black Church, which was founded due to racial segregation. He explains that the Black Church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression and discrimination in society. The church served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for education, communication, and acceptance. Rev. Cager also discusses the influence of the Holiness Movement on the Black Church, which led to more lively and expressive worship styles. He emphasizes the importance of the church empowering people and meeting their needs beyond just providing a place to shout and celebrate.Key TakeawaysThe Black Church was founded due to racial segregation and discrimination.The church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression in society.The Black Church served as a center for education, communication, and acceptance within the community.The Holiness Movement influenced the lively and expressive worship styles in the Black Church.The church must continue to empower people and meet their needs beyond just providing a place for celebration.Helpful Bible ReferencesGalatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”Acts 2:1-47 – Demonstrates the unity and diversity of the early church, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Black Church.1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The church as one body with many diverse parts, all equally important and necessary.KeywordsBlack Church, AME Church, racial segregation, cultural expression, Holiness Movement, self-actualization, worship, diversity, unityLinks and ResourcesKevin Mannoia’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a weekly podcast for those eager to explore God’s ongoing story and find their place in it. Host Kevin Mannoia engages in thought-provoking conversations, offering practical insights and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to live dynamically, rooted in faith while actively engaging with the world.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com

FMCSC AC25 Ordination Service: Eight New Elders Called to Ministry of Reconciliation
FMCSC AC25 Ordination Service: Eight New Elders Called to Ministry of Reconciliation

Experience the sacred ordination service from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s Annual Conference 2025, where eight pastoral candidates were ordained as elders in a powerful ceremony emphasizing the ministry of reconciliation.

Bishop Kenny Martin delivers a compelling message on reconciliation from 2 Corinthians 5:18, calling the church to unity and revival through repentance, restoration, and reunion. His message sets the spiritual foundation for the ordination of eight new elders who have answered God’s call to shepherd His people.

📖 Scripture Foundation:

• 2 Corinthians 5:18 – The Ministry of Reconciliation
• 1 Peter 4:7-10 – Serving for God’s Glory
• Acts 2:38-39 – The Promise to All Generations
• Isaiah 6:1-8 – “Here I Am, Send Me”
• John 10:11-18 – The Good Shepherd

✨ Newly Ordained Elders:

• Elizabeth A. Cornell
• Brian Scott
• Eleitino A. Tuiasosopo
• Andrea G. Vaudrey
• Reginald C. Wadlington
• Jaime L. Winslow
• Meg Wolfgram
• Jessica Zittel

Bishop Martin’s powerful message emphasizes the “R’s” of ministry:

• Reconciliation with God
• Restoring relationships
• Repentance and renewal
• Reaching those far from God
• Revival through unity
• Reunion of God’s people

The ordination ceremony includes:

• The historic Wesley Covenant Prayer
• Laying on of hands by ordained ministers
• Presentation of Bibles as symbols of authority
• Commissioning to minister the Word, celebrate sacraments, and shepherd God’s people

“Judgment begins in the house of the Lord… It’s time for the body of Christ to come together.” – Bishop Kenny Martin

This service marks a significant moment in FMCSC history as these eight leaders commit to the ministry of reconciliation, joining the legacy of faithful servants who have gone before them.

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA
🗓️ May 17, 2025

#Ordination #FMCSC #MinistryOfReconciliation #FreeMethodist #ChurchLeadership
Learn more about FMCSC: https://fmcsc.org

“Generation to Generation: I’ll Go!” – Bishop Kenny Martin’s Prophetic Call at FMCSC AC25
“Generation to Generation: I’ll Go!” – Bishop Kenny Martin’s Prophetic Call at FMCSC AC25

Experience Bishop Kenny Martin’s powerful keynote message from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s Annual Conference 2025. In this transformative 40-minute message, Bishop Martin delivers a prophetic word about intergenerational ministry and the future of the Free Methodist Church.

Drawing from Acts 2, Joshua 14, and Isaiah 6, Bishop Martin challenges the church to embrace God-given revelation and cross-cultural collaboration. This message includes a spontaneous move of the Holy Spirit where Bishop Martin calls forward representatives from different generations for a powerful demonstration of intergenerational prayer and impartation.

🔥 Key Moments:

• The new Free Methodist Vision Frame and conference restructuring
• Apostolic leadership characteristics for the future church
• Powerful intergenerational prayer
• Prophetic call: “I’ll Go!” – A commissioning for kingdom work
• Personal testimony of God’s healing and faithfulness

📊 Major Announcements:

• New conference formation strategy for FMCUSA
• Updated mission measures and leadership pipeline
• Focus on multiplication and intergenerational ministry

“Your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” – This message embodies the conference theme “Generation to Generation: God’s Power, Christ’s Glory, Our Future” with a powerful call to action for every generation.

🙏 The message culminates in a spontaneous altar call where hundreds respond to God’s call saying “I’ll Go!”

Introduced by Pastors Janelle Coleman and Cameron Shepherd-Beyenberg from Commission Church

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA
🗓️ May 17, 2025

Bringing Joy Backstage at Disneyland: Shemika Draughan’s Ministry in the Marketplace | FMCSC AC25
Bringing Joy Backstage at Disneyland: Shemika Draughan’s Ministry in the Marketplace | FMCSC AC25

Meet Shemika Draughan, a dynamic leader at Light & Life West who demonstrates how to be a minister in unexpected places. In this inspiring leadership spotlight from FMCSC Annual Conference 2025, Shemika shares her unique journey of bringing the joy of the Lord to cast members working behind the scenes at Disneyland.

As Co-Lead of Operations at Light & Life West alongside Denise Edmonds, Shemika’s ministry began in the greeting ministry – the first place she served when she joined what she calls “the first church I chose for myself.” Now she’s passionate about leadership development and mentoring the next generation of women leaders.

✨ Key Insights:

• How greeting ministry shaped her leadership foundation
• Ministry opportunities backstage at “The Happiest Place on Earth”
• Bringing encouragement to those who create joy for others
• The importance of co-leadership and collaboration
• Investing in leadership training and development
• Passing wisdom to the next generation of women leaders

“People who work backstage don’t necessarily experience all the happy and joy that we bring to the guests. So myself and other members of my team try to bring that to them backstage.” – Shemika Draughan

This interview beautifully illustrates the conference theme “Generation to Generation” as Shemika honors those who invested in her while actively mentoring emerging leaders.

Hosted by Pastors Janelle Coleman and Cameron Shepherd-Beyenberg from Commission Church.

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA

🗓️ May 17, 2025

#MinistryInTheMarketplace #FMCSC #WomenInLeadership #LightAndLifeWest
Learn more about FMCSC: https://fmcsc.org