Five Journey to the Dominican Republic on AMEC Ministry & Mission
Revitalization Effort
Submitted by Rev. Stephanie Butler
16th Episcopal District Consultant on Missions & Outreach
December 22, 2006
From December 12th to the 20th, 2006 Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District,
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and a small delegation embarked on a week-long teaching mission
to the Dominican Republic. The group was hosted by local Presiding Elders Rev. Abraham
Rodriguez Jones and Rev. Jamie Coplan Shepard.
Accompanying Bishop Tyler Guidry were: Dr. George Flowers, Executive Director of Global
Witness and Missions, Bro. Carlos Perkins, Minister to Youth for Greater Mt. Nebo AMEC in
the 2nd Episcopal District, Sis. Celestine Palmer, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop,
and Rev. Stephanie Butler, Assistant Pastor in Jamaica and 16th Episcopal District
Consultant on Missions & Outreach.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church began in the Dominican Republic in the city of
Samana in 1824 with the help of African American families from South Carolina and New
Jersey. Today, there are 21 AMEC congregations that span from the capital city of Santo
Domingo, to LaRomana and the widely known tourist areas of Samana. The Dominican Republic
is a Spanish-speaking country which shares the same landmass as its sister nation of
Haiti.
Since her appointment to the 16th District two years ago, Bishop Tyler Guidry has sought
to unify all seven conferences of the District through consistent, clear dialogue,
inter-active leadership, emphasis on strong Bible teaching, and the re-establishment of
foundational, historical truths of the AME Church, and how these same truths are made
relevant to all generations in today’s changing society.
In Dominican Republic (DR), the goal and commitment of the delegation was to strengthen,
encourage, and comfort the AME Church pastors, laity, and communities, through practical
teaching of AMEC Doctrine, polity, liturgy, mission and outreach, affirmation of faith,
stances of our denomination on various topics, and sound bible preaching.
Observations:
Throughout the Caribbean but particularly in DR, the growing influence of Pentecostal
doctrine and prosperity teachings from Word and Non-denominational churches has had a
considerable impact upon many of our congregations. As a result, most if not all of the
traditional AMEC doctrine has been lost or replaced. For example, several of our
Churches are operating as an AME church in ‘name only’—no portion of their order of
worship is indicative of an AME Church—traditional or contemporary. In addition, many of
the AME churches have removed the altars from their sanctuaries, believing that they are
no longer necessary.
Some of our DR pastors had ceased the practice of baptizing infants, not understanding
that as AME’s, infant baptism is an intricate part of our tradition which we embrace as
a sign of covenant relationship with God, regeneration, and preparatory church
membership.
Also, congregations who were familiar with the traditional Order of Worship in general
had been approaching it from a ‘ritualistic’ point of view. Not unlike many of our
congregations across the U.S. and Africa, although the order of worship is being adhered
to, the spirit, vibrancy, and true understanding of its various tenants are not fully
celebrated. Reasons for this are undoubtedly vast, but can probably be traced to the need
for on-going, consistent time spent teaching and discipling the people.
This problem becomes exacerbated when we have AME congregations in nations who do not
speak English fluently, and they have not been adequately provided with the necessary
tools, resources, and literature in their own language with which to teach. Now the
challenge is greater, and the process may be more in-depth, but it can be done!
With the valiant assistance of local bi-lingual congregants (one of which was a
professional U.S. baseball player), and Presiding Elders, Bishop Tyler Guidry and her
delegation tackled these and other issues and concerns of the members and the future
growth of the AME Church in the Dominican Republic.
The Bishop patiently taught, shared, listened, and responded with a balanced rod of
compassion and correction when necessary. Dr. George Flowers lent his wisdom and advice
from the perspective of his role as a Connectional Officer of the church, which was very
enlightening. Bro. Perkins and Rev. Butler assisted the Bishop with various teaching
sessions, and were responsible for the preached Word during afternoon and evening worship
services.
Sis. Celestine Palmer, who is also a retired educator, worked with the small children in
reading and storytelling.
In all, the Delegation taught and ministered in 5 AME Churches in 3 different cities over
the 7-day teaching mission. (Bishop Tyler Guidry, Sis. Sandra Anthony of Trinidad and Bro.
John Thomas of the U.S.A. spent two weeks in August 2006, teaching in “cluster” groups so
that all the congregations in DR have been reached).
Strengths of the AME Churches in DR:
In worship:
As it is with most persons of the African and Caribbean Diaspora, our brothers and sisters
of the Dominican Republic have a vibrant, lively and authentic style of worship. Every
church our delegation visited had at least one set of conga drums, and drummers who could
play you straight to the Motherland! This sound, accompanied by meringue rhythms,
hand-claps, tambourines and Spirit-filled Spanish praises in song and dance infused
everyone with joy and hope—And yes, all of this done in the African Methodist Episcopal
Church--What an experience!
In the Word:
During times of informal dialogue with Bishop Tyler Guidry, she asked various members of
the congregations why they became AME’s. Without fail, we heard the same testimonies
within the different congregations: although persons had visited different churches and
denominations, it was at the AME Church where they found sound doctrine and preaching
that was in line with the Word of God. For some, it was in the AME Church where they first
gave their lives to Christ, and they stayed there since. These testimonies truly made us
all proud and we praised God for the pastors and leaders responsible for biblical
discipleship of new converts.
In resilience & vision:
The Churches in DR have been resourceful and creative in their utilization of space in
which to hold their services. Two of the churches visited have transformed small garages
into Sanctuaries. Another is in a ‘store-front’ atmosphere in the heart of a busy side
street, and just a stone’s through from the local nightclub, betting shop, hairdressers,
and apartment/flats. The parsonage is a small, modest room attached to the church, which
serves as the pastor’s office and living area.
Another congregation, Bethel AMEC in Santiago has also converted a small garage into a
place of worship. This congregation had recently undergone some difficult times as its
former pastor resigned from the AME Church. The people were scattered, but with the
wisdom of P.E. Shepard, a dynamic young couple has been appointed to replace him. Now,
the church is healing, growing, and seeking to purchase a wonderful piece of land on the
corner of one of its busiest streets!
Glori á Dios! (Glory to God!)
In the Children:
The AME Churches will never be without children…they are everywhere! Lots of babies and
toddlers, beautiful and bright teens that love to praise the Lord. The children are
uniquely sensitive to the worship experience, and to the Spirit. From an early age, they
watch and listen to the Word and are energetic in their praise. They are bold,
inquisitive, quick learners and even better teachers, as several of them taught a few of
us from the delegation that “hablar espanõl es muy facile” (to speak Spanish is very
easy!) The Dominican Republic has led the District in the number of candidates and
licentiates entering the ministry—many at a very young age.
Summary:
The journey to the Dominican Republic was eye-opening, and only makes those of us who
saw and experienced what we did, even more committed to the Kingdom of God, the work of
His church, and the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church world wide. While
most Americans and Europeans may know the DR as a beautiful vacation get-away, this
nation is also plagued with poverty, corruption and desperation.
It is not enough to promote African Methodism across the globe, and plant churches in
much-needed parts of the world, we must also fully equip, train, and maintain connection
with our brothers and sisters—regardless of the distance abroad, language challenges, and
financial resources. It can be done when we operate as one unit—each area bringing their
expertise and ideas to the table so that we ALL move ahead progressively and in unity.
There is a huge opportunity for the African Methodist Episcopal Churches in the Dominican
Republic to rise up and take it’s place in the forefront of that nation. The people,
young and old seem poised for a strong resurgence of spirituality, celebration of rich
heritage, going to another level in God, and yes, even experiencing financial freedom,
empowerment, and prosperity.
We believe that “He who began a good work in the Dominican Republic through the
African Methodist Episcopal Church is able to complete it until the day of His
coming!” It can be done!
The 16th Episcopal District encompasses the nations of Suriname-Guyana,
Windward Islands, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, London, Holland, and Jamaica.
The Presiding Prelate is Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and the Supervisor of Missions is Mr.
Donovan Guidry. If you, your organization, church auxiliary, or youth group wants to serve
in an outreach/mission/ministry capacity throughout the 16th District, please contact Rev.
Stephanie Butler via email (info@stephaniebutler.com). If you are a professional
businessperson, or a skilled laborer in the areas of carpentry, architecture, and you would
like to partner with the 16th District on current/future church growth and development
efforts, please contact Bishop Tyler Guidry via email (girlbishop122@aol.com)
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