Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy Set for February 12-13 at Claflin University

“Hurting Communities, Hurting Leaders: Meeting the Next Decade of Challenges in Ministry” will be the topic of discussion during the 2015 Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy at Claflin University.

The academy will take place Thursday and Friday, February 12-13, in Claflin’s James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel. This year’s featured speakers are Rev. F. Dr. Douglas Powe Jr., professor of Urban Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.; Rev. Dr. Robin Dease, district superintendent of the Hartsville District of the South Carolina United Methodist Conference; Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale; and Retired UMC Bishop Violet Fischer.

Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, February 12, in the chapel. The day will continue with official launch of Claflin’s Young Clergy Initiative, with an overview of the program from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by workshops from 3 to 5 p.m. in Elmore Chapel.

Last year, Claflin was awarded a $100,000 grant from The United Methodist Church’s Young Clergy Initiative Fund to encourage and support young individuals answering the call to the ministry. The grant will support a recruitment effort and program at the University that is centered on introducing rising high school seniors to the ordained ministry in the UMC, as well as foster partnerships with Claflin and faith communities across the region.

The following events will round out this year’s Granville Hicks Leadership Academy. All events will take place in Elmore Chapel unless otherwise noted:

Thursday, February 12

• 7 p.m. – Keynote Address.

Friday, February 13

• 8:30-9:30 a.m. – Prayer Breakfast. 1869 Club.
• 9:30-11 a.m. – Morning Worship Service.
• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Panel Discussion. Moderator: Claflin University Chaplain Rev. Kevyn J. Amos.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Luncheon and Lecture. Ministers’ Hall.
• 1:45-2:45 p.m. – Workshops.
• 3 p.m. – Closing Lecture.

The Granville Hicks Leadership Academy honors the Rev. Dr. Granville A. Hicks, a 1957 Claflin graduate who has been recognized for his leadership as a pastor and district superintendent in the South Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The purpose of the academy is to equip laity and clergy for ministry and leadership within the church. It works to empower individuals with biblical knowledge, intellectual growth and theological reflection, thus enhancing church development, renewal and mission outreach. It unites laity and clergy, establishes church leadership, increases awareness of the role of Christian education in the church, offers cross-cultural experiences within the church and enhances the church-University relationship.

Continuing education units are available upon request. For more information about the Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy, contact Tanedra Washington at 803-535-5186 or tawashington@claflin.edu.

Celebrate Religious Emphasis Week at Claflin University, Feb. 8-13

Claflin will observe Religious Emphasis Week at the University February 8-13, 2015, under the theme, “Hurting Communities, Hurting Leaders: Meeting the Next Decade of Challenges in Ministry.”

The following services and events are planned for the week:

• Sunday, February 8 – 9:30 a.m. – Dr. Lewis Brogdon, assistant professor of philosophy and religion
• Monday, February 9 – 6 p.m. – Rev. Kevyn J. Amos, University chaplain
• Tuesday, February 10 – 6 p.m. – Rev. Connie Barnes, director of the Wesley Foundation
• Wednesday, February 11 – 6 p.m. – Rev. Darvin A. Adams, visiting pastor from Toledo, Ohio
• Thursday, February 12 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Young Clergy Initiative Launch featuring registration, a drop-in, conference and workshops by Mr. Edward Long Jr. A book signing by Dr. Johnny Hill, interim chair of Claflin’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, and Dr. Brogdon will follow
• Thursday and Friday, February 12-13 – Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy

For more information about Religious Emphasis Week, contact Tanedra Washington at 803-535-5186 or tawashington@claflin.edu.