In her second year as the First African Methodist Episcopal Church’s (FAME) Director of Lay Activities (DOLA), Maria Thompson has taken member training to an exciting new level. Thompson was appointed to the DOLA position in 2021—her third year as an active Lay member.
In addition to organizing and presenting one of the most spirit-filled Annual Lay Day celebrations, Thompson has successfully developed or facilitated training in five subject areas with additional training on the Zoom horizon. Attendees have included both active and inactive Lay members, many publicly expressing their sincere gratitude and praise for the informative sessions. To date, topics have delved into the role of the AME Laity, issues facing the church and the nation, the AME Annual Conference in review, voter education, and generational growth of the church. The 2022-23 training sessions will conclude with the roles and responsibilities of church trustees and stewards.
Thompson said that she believes it is the responsibility of all church members to educate themselves on how their church operates.
“Every member of the church, regardless of denomination, is considered a Lay member,” proclaimed a determined Thompson. “It is my prayer that the training we have presented and will continue to present will help to bring people back into the church.”
“Spiritual training,” she explained, “helps people who are now struggling to develop their own Christian path. It is a personal goal for me. I want to get people—especially young people—involved in the church again because COVID took so much of that away.”
Thompson reflects that Lay training should be designed with the goal of getting people excited about being a Christian and about “loving the Lord.”
For more information regarding upcoming training sessions or FAME Lay events, log on to FAME.org and select Lay Activities.
