At the 2025 Connectional Lay Council Convention of The A.M.E. Zion Church, Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. delivered a powerful and insightful presentation on the new Quadrennial Theme: “The A.M.E. Zion Church—Serving This Present Age.” Grounded in Scripture and tradition, Bishop Starnes emphasized that just as Jesus came to serve, so too must the Church continually find ways to serve in ways that are relevant to the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving, postmodern, and post-Christian culture. He challenged the Church to remain mission-focused and adapt its methods to remain effective witnesses in the current age.

Bishop introduced the four subthemes that frame the Church’s response: Committing to Our Mission, Being Creative in Our Methods, Concentrating on Our Ministries, and Connecting through Our Membership. Each subtheme was unpacked with biblical insight and practical reflection. He stressed the need to evaluate how church resources—time, money, and leadership expectations—align with Christ’s mandate to make disciples, preach the gospel, and nurture believers.

Creativity in ministry methods was presented as not only necessary but spiritually inspired. Bishop Starnes encouraged the Church to explore innovative worship, education, outreach, and use of technology—always rooted in timeless Christian principles. Concentrating on ministry, he said, means prioritizing service to members, communities, and making space for people’s spiritual gifts to flourish. Effective ministry should be life-giving, transformational, and centered on meeting real needs.

Finally, Bishop Starnes reminded the Church of the importance of authentic connection—through membership, discipleship, and leadership—founded on a commitment to godliness and scriptural holiness. With stirring words and hymns of encouragement, he closed by affirming that the God who brought Zion through past struggles will empower the Church to serve faithfully in this present age.