Church Ministries
Choir
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into the Lord’s presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2
The Ward Chapel Music Ministry under the direction of Lynette Ward, Minister of Music ushers in the spirit each Sunday as they lift their voices in song and collective praise of God. The Adult choir in the tradition of the tribe of Judah sets the atmosphere for worship each week. There is also a Sunbeam Choir for children to 6 years of age and a Youth choir for those 7-20.
Class Leader
“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Individuals who provide spiritual support to those assigned to their class. They maintain regular contact with those assigned to their class, praying with and for their assigned members. They encourage regular participation in worship and support of the church. Class leaders are the liaison between class members and the pastor.
Lay Organization
“But you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord who called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Comprised of anyone who is not ordained clergy. The Lay Organization works to instill a love and appreciation for the history, traditions and principles of African Methodism in the congregation. They also advocate for the needs of the members and encourages the support of the programs of the local church. They also provide training to the disciples on issues impacting the church. They teach, train and empower disciples for lay ministry and service in the church of Jesus Christ.
Social Action Commission
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Coordinates activities in the areas of social, racial, and economic relations working collaboratively with other organizations at times. Promotes social and political awareness through educational opportunities and materials regarding the electoral process, ballot initiatives, voter registration and community initiatives. Encourages voter and civic engagement with the community.
Trustees
“So we rebuilt the wall and all the wall was joined together to half its height; for the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6
The Board of Trustees is elected to oversee the temporal needs of the church. The Board of Trustees ensures that the facilities are maintained in good working condition. They ensure the property is properly deeded, make improvements as needed, oversee any purchase or selling of church property and ensure housing for the assigned pastor.
Women’s Missionary Society
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
The Sarah D. Irons Women’s Missionary Society of Ward is composed of women called to discipleship to grow in knowledge and experience of God through Christ Jesus, committed to supporting the mission of the church and God’s mission in the world. They are an intergenerational group who work advocating for issues of peace, justice and human rights. They provide leadership training and education for women of all ages to develop visionary leaders to carry on the work of mission. They develop, plan and implement outreach programs to meet identified needs in the community to enhance and improve the quality of life of all people.
Christian Education Commission
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Establishes the Christian Education needs for the church. Review curriculum to be used in various teaching ministries. Plans and implements educational programs including Church School, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.
Health
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2
The Health Ministry is comprised of licensed nurses and lay members who desire to improve the health of the congregation by providing health education and training to the congregation. They collaborate with community health agencies and associations for health promotion programs and projects. The licensed nurses also provide first aid as needed during church activities.
Mission & Welfare
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Matthew 25:35
The Commission on Mission and Welfare currently oversees the Ward Chapel Food and Clothing pantry. Providing food and clothing for anyone in the community who is in need. In addition to being open during the month they also prepare and distribute special baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Steward Board
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
The Steward Board is appointed by the Pastor. They are persons of strong spiritual and moral character who are charged with overseeing the spiritual health and well being of the congregation. They are also responsible for the fiscal health of the church and maintain the official documents of the church. Stewards work closely with the pastor and provide leadership to the congregation in the absence of the pastor.
Usher Board
“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to live in the tents of the wickedness.” Psalm 84:10
The Usher Ministry is vital to help to ensure a smoothly running worship service. Ushers provide one of the first impressions of our church to visitors as they warmly greet each person who enters. Ushers assist with seating of congregation, distributing bulletins, provide direction to the congregation and collection of the offering. They help to minimize distractions during the prayer, scripture reading and the sermon by encouraging limited movement during these times.
Young People’s Division
(YPD)
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
YPD Motto: “Growing, Glowing and Going for Christ”
The YPD is a part of the WMS and is the official youth ministry program for the AME Church. The YPD is the training arm for children ages 2-26. They provide training and education in biblical principles, evangelism, Christian Social Relations, education and leadership development. Membership in the YPD helps to foster a sense of community in which children, youth and young adults come to know each other, minister to each other and partner in servicing and witnessing for Christ. YPD is age specific: Mother Sunbeams (2-6 years) Allen Stars (7-12 years) Youth Auxilliary (13-17 years) Young Adults (18-26 years)
Church School
The mission is to teach, train, and nurture members of all ages in God’s Word and prepare God’s people for Christian service employing Christian principles.
Intercessory Prayer Team
“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
A group of committed Christians who meet regularly to pray on behalf of the congregation, the pastor and the community.
Praise Dancers
“Praise the Lord with tambourine and dance…” Psalm 15:4
The Liturgical Dance Ministry is composed of youth and young adults who express praise and worship of God through dance, mime and movement.
Stewardesses and Deaconesses Board
“These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:41
Women who are nominated by the pastor and approved by the Steward Board to assist the Steward Board relative to the rituals of baptism and the Lord’s Supper by providing the implements and elements for Holy Communion and Baptism. They also support the pastor when making pastoral visits to administer communion to hospitalized or homebound disciples. Deaconess are women who are have been recommended by the pastor and Official Board to the Annual Conference for consecration as a Deaconess. They encourage, foster and improve the general interests of the church and are the prayer warriors of the congregation.
Ward Chapel Community Service Foundation
“Carry one another’s burdens; in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
The Ward Chapel Community Service Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. The Ward Chapel Food Pantry operates under the auspices of the foundation. The Ward Chapel Scholarship Fund established to provide scholarships for Ward disciples graduating from high school and attending college is also managed through the foundation.
Stewardess and Deaconess Board
“These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:41
Women who are nominated by the pastor and approved by the Steward Board to assist the Steward Board relative to the rituals of baptism and the Lord’s Supper by providing the implements and elements for Holy Communion and Baptism. They also support the pastor when making pastoral visits to administer communion to hospitalized or homebound disciples. Deaconess are women who are have been recommended by the pastor and Official Board to the Annual Conference for consecration as a Deaconess. They encourage, foster and improve the general interests of the church and are the prayer warriors of the congregation.
Ward Chapel Community Service Foundation
“Carry one another’s burdens; in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
The Ward Chapel Community Service Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. The Ward Chapel Food Pantry operates under the auspices of the foundation. The Ward Chapel Scholarship Fund established to provide scholarships for Ward disciples graduating from high school and attending college is also managed through the foundation.
Sons Of Allen Men’s Ministry
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Sons of Allen is the Men’s Ministry of Ward Chapel. They are a group of men who meet regularly for the purpose of encouraging men in deeper engagement in the study of the bible, learning how contemporary issues are addressed in the scripture, discussion of issues relevant to living as man in this society and helping other men to grow in their faith walk.