Ministries, Auxiliaries and Boards

Steward Board Ministry

Sharon Tunson
Al Lewis

The Steward Board Ministry is appointed annually by the pastor and confirmed by the Quarterly Conference. Stewardship is a theological belief that humans are responsible for the world and should take care and look after it. In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, stewardship refers to the way time, talents, material possessions, or wealth are used or given for the service of God by the local church.* The pastor appointed by the presiding bishop to the local church is the chairperson of the Steward Board. He may appoint a chairperson pro tem to act in his absence.  Al Lewis and Sharon Tunson are the current co-chairpersons of the Payne Chapel Steward Board.


*For more details and a full outline of duties, refer to “The Doctrine and Discipline of The African Methodist Episcopal Church”


Young People’s and Children’s Division

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Psalms 127:3

Our Young People’s Mission and Purpose is to give their time and talents to bless others and share in the blessings they’ve received through Family, Fellowship, and Love. The YPD is part of the Women’s Missionary Society.  It is designed to help develop young people and children of ages 2-26.  It has 3 groups: Allen Stars, Mother Sunbeams, and Young People’s auxiliary.

It was started in 1916 and the goal was to grow, glow and go for Christ by providing youth with foundational principles of the bible, living a life for Christ and the AME church principles and Richard and Sarah Allen. We believe in the Apostle’s Creed and are governed by the WMS.

Activities:

  • October: Annual Coat Drive
  • November: Fall Festival
  • December: Holiday Service, Angel Tree  (Because of Jesus we Have)
Lisa Toney/YPD Director

Sons of Allen

The AME Church created the Sons of Allen Men’s Fellowship to foster closer relationships between men of the church and to equip them for meaningful service, to reach unchurched men, and to present positive role models for our youth.

The mission of the Sons of Allen Men’s Fellowship is to lead men to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to focus on the life, mission, and ministry of our ancestral father, Richard Allen.

Current coordinator – Bro. Lionel Calvin

Church School

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Our 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. We use methodologies for effective Christian growth and maximum participation of each student.

Classes:  All ages are welcomed and range from Sunbeams through Adults.

Teaching Materials

Adults – Liberating Faith Studies from AME Sunday School Union

Youths – Urban Ministries Teaching Guides, Video Presentations, and various other methods/tools to enhance spiritual growth.

Superintendent: Bernadette Welsh

Young Adult Ministry

Brief History

The Young Adult Ministry (Y.A.M.) was formed under the leadership of Reverend Leslie R. White on Thursday, February 20, 2020, with four members.

Mission and Purpose: The mission and purpose of the Young Adult Ministry are to discover/discern ways and means to reach other young adults, inactive members, and new members for Christ.

Current Activities:

Zoom Video Conference Meetings are held every 4th Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.

Understanding our role in history and exercising our responsibility to VOTE! Each Sunday a member of the Y.A.M. Welcome our Guest and provides a brief Mental Health tip to bring awareness and encouragement to our church family during these unprecedented times.

Current President: Stephanie Symonette

Mae Dell Yates-Thomas Women’s Missionary Society

Brief History:

We are women called to discipleship, to grow in knowledge and experience of God through Jesus Christ, and committed to supporting the mission of the church.  Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are challenged to help one another engage in ministry and action, to grow and respond in faith to God’s redemptive plan for the church, the society, and the world around us. 

We strive to build an intergenerational community of caring women in all levels of the WMS and other women’s organizations that will work collaboratively, ecumenically, and globally on peace, justice, and human rights issues.



Locally, there are several community outreach projects of which our WMS actively supports. They include: donating to the Care and Share Food Bank, partnering with the local chapter of Church Women United during their annual Easter Basket Drive, to provide baskets for underprivileged children.  We also support “The Place” which is a shelter for unhoused teens.

Mission and Purpose Statement:  We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the Ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.

Current President: Sister Cheryl V. Franklin

Fellowship Ministry Group

Established 2016 by the Former Pastor Arthur Carter Jr. (deceased). for the purpose of establishing and ensuring community interaction with other churches, groups, etc. Also to promote fellowship opportunities such as Coffee Hours, Community Meals, Game Nights, and Sporting events.


Payne Chapel Usher Board

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of the wickedness

The Payne Chapel Adult Board has been in existence for over 50 years. The first Usher Board was created in the early 1900’s and now have a membership of twenty.

Our Mission and Purpose:
Our vision is to follow the leadership of our Pastor, Rev Lesley R. White. We are a body that works together towards the vision that God has given to our Pastor for the church. We are faithful in our position and duties required of Church Ushers.

  • We greet the guest and members with a pleasant smile, a warm welcome, and direct them to comfortable seats.
  • We try to assure that perfect order is always kept in and around the church during the service.
  • We make sure that fans, bulletins, church literature, collection envelopes, and all necessary items needed for an effective worship experience are distributed to the congregation.
  • We always guard the doors to the Sanctuary during the service.
  • We help our guests and members experience the sacredness and joy of worshiping God.

COME JOIN US! WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU WORSHIP WITH US!!