President

It is with unparalleled joy, peace and the love of Christ, that I greet you officially as the Second International President of our beloved Connectional Lay Council. The Oath of Office, statements of allegiance and loyalty to an organization, is a solemn promise, a divine witness regarding the future demeanor of the elected officers. The oath taken on August 4 in the Centennial Ballroom of the Atlanta Hyatt Regency Hotel, a public commitment, wherein we are accountable for ethical actions, behavior and decisions, signifying a promise of united efforts towards the momentum we will gain in performing duties and responsibilities. As we continue to function in our elected roles, charting a new course of action for the Council, as your leader, I am grateful for the awesomeness of God, for His sustaining power and the opportunity granted to provide servant leadership. We must rely upon healthy communication to build relationships among the cabinet of officers and across all Regions/Episcopal Districts, promoting the mission and objectives of the Connectional Lay Council. This will ultimately prepare laity spiritually for lay ministry while developing knowledgeable, effective servant leaders. It is germane to review in its entirety, Article V–Duties of Officers to remain in compliance with operating in your respective roles as you serve the Council for the new quadrennial. As part of my responsibility, I shall be scheduling a Transition Session within thirty-days or sooner, for all incoming and outgoing officers and staff, for the purpose of a smooth transition. As has been practice and authority of the President, I will be appointing the Regional Directors; Executive Assistant; Parliamentarian; Editor of “Laity Speaks” column in the Star of Zion, and the “Connection” Newsletter, and a Historian. Other appointments may be necessary to facilitate operations in the future. Continue to be encouraged and consider what our purpose is, both our personal purpose and our collective purpose. If we keep in mind a two-fold purpose, whether individually or collectively, that of glorifying God and edifying humankind, we can stay on the right track. We must continue to refocus on our mission, which may necessitate the evaluation of our current practices and retooling for consistent success. Our mission is to prepare and equip laity for life discipleship in the Kingdom of God by maintaining effective ministries that evangelize, encourage and edify laity. Catch the vision for Christian leadership, accountability, stewardship and Christian service so that, together, we might usher in the Kingdom of God. By His Miraculous, Magnificent, and Marvelous Grace, your Servant Leader, Joseph King Davis, Jr. International President.