Christian Education

Commission on Christian Education

Studies and addresses educational needs of the church through workshops, seminars, classes, and other appropriate methods. It provides training and support for  leadership and personnel positions, and ministries.

Church School

Church School is the arm of the AME church whose mission is to “teach, train, and nurture adults, young adults, college students, teenagers and children in God’s Word, preparing them for Christian service by emphasizing Christian principles…“ (The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2016). More specifically, it is a “home within a home” at the church. It is where fellow Christians greet each other by name and grow together spiritually in ever changing environment. It is also the place that arms Christians with the requisite arsenal (a well-defined, Bible-based curriculum) to combat spiritual warfare.

Elkins /William’s Missionary Society

The Elkins/Williams Missionary Society is a part of the Connectional organization of the Women’s Missionary (WMS). Its purpose is to help people grow in the knowledge and experience of God through Jesus Christ, by continual Christian training as well as individual and collective mission work.  It also provides leadership for the Young People’s Division (YPD).

Lay Organization

Utilizing the Holy Bible, The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2021: Fifty-First Edition; The 2023-2025 Study Guide and various scholarly works on African American leadership, The Bethel AME Church Lay Organization teaches, trains and equips Methodists for liberating service in the church, community, country and world. The Bethel Lay Organization meets on a monthly basis via Zoom and/or in person to reinforce denominational leadership principles; to provide AME-centered educational experiences, and to promote Christian fellowship. For more information, please contact Brother Kyle Harris at kyleharrisphd@gmail.com.

Vacation Bible School

Generally held during early summer, VBS is a wonderful way for adults and children to experience the Word of God through Bible-based classroom instruction, song, dance, creative art, and many other ways! Each year, a relevant theme is selected and explored through the one full week of fun-filled activities.

Young People’s Division (YPD)

Provides meaningful programs to nurture the spiritual and personal growth and development of young people under the leadership of the Women’s Missionary Society. Through evangelism, Christian education, and Christian social relation programs, it seeks to connect youth more fully to the mission of the church and increase their knowledge of scripture and African Methodist Episcopal Church history.