General Departments
The structure of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church includes general or connectional ministries and operations to promote the needs and interests of the denomination. These ministries and operations are known as Departments and are headed by General Secretaries.
During the interim of the General Conference, each department reports annually to the General Connectional Board regarding the conduct and administration of their respective offices.
Each connectional department is designed to administer to local congregations and the church and has a standing committee which consists of both lay and clergy representatives from the respective Episcopal Districts.
The departments are divided into Connectional Ministries and Connectional Operations. Connectional Ministries are those departments that are designed to minister directly to the local congregations, district conferences, and annual conferences. Thus, these ministries exist on all levels of the Church. The Connectional Ministries Programmatic Departments are Christian Education, Lay, Evangelism, Mission and human Concerns.
The Connectional Operations departments are designed to serve the Church at the Connectional level and keep the denomination operational. These departments are Finance, Publications and Personnel Services.
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
General Secretary, Department of Christian Education
4466 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38186-7100
901-345-4109
Fax: 901-261-3289
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Chair
The Department of Christian Education provides “cradle to the grave” nurture in the Christian faith for the members of the CME Church. In addition to those activities normally associated with Christian, this department prepares, selects and recommends all literature and materials to be used in CME churches especially for Sunday Church schools, membership training classes and children, youth and young adults. The Department also prepares, selects and recommends leadership training and promotional literature for ALL the areas of the life and witness of the CME Church. It promotes programs of Christian nurture by keeping the CME Church informed about such activities as Christian Education Week and National Youth and Young Adult Week.
The Department promotes Sunday Schools, Christian Youth and Young Adult Fellowships, Vacation Bible Schools, adult education courses, Bible Study Courses, and so forth.
Through the General Secretary, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, the Department serves as the official liaison between the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the colleges and the theological school which are under the auspices of the CME Church.
Dr. Clifford Harris
General Secretary, Lay Ministry
15485 Prairie Bell Road
Okmulgee, OK 74447-8690
Voice: 918-519-4233 Home: 918-304-1999
Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr.
Chair
The Department of Lay Ministry, one of ten (10) General Departments within the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, is led by General Secretary, Dr. Clifford L. Harris.
The Department aids the CME Church in equipping and enabling her members to engage in effective ministry in the Name of Jesus Christ by focusing on The Laos (the whole people of God). The Department, thus, develops information and promotes initiatives that will strengthen and empower “God’s People” to provide meaningful and effective ministry, particularly at the local level of the church. By promoting the Lay Ministry Beliefs of Studying, Seeking, Sharing, and Serving, the Department of Lay Ministry seeks to live out its mission to “Reach, Teach, and Minister to All of God's People, - Equipping Them For Greater Works and Service For Him.”
The Department utilizes the efforts of the Connectional Lay Ministry Council, Connectional Stewards, Connectional Stewardesses, and Connectional Ushers to further assist God’s people enhance and develop their service capacities. The General Secretary provides oversight and leadership for the President of the: Connectional Lay Ministry Council; Connectional Steward Ministry; Connectional Stewardess Ministry; and Connectional Usher Ministry.
Dr. Leo Pinkett
General Secretary, Ministry To Men
2850 Shoreland Dr. SW
Atlanta. GA 30331
404-349-1722
The Department of Ministry to Men is responsible for developing and promoting throughout the church an effective Christian ministry to by men. The General Secretary is Dr. Leo Pinkett. The purpose of this department to the following:
§1. In the name of Jesus Christ help the C.M.E. Church minister to the needs and concerns of men in the church and communities in which the church is located.
§2. In wholistic ways address the chronic and systemic problems perpetrated upon African American men by unjust, racist and unequal social, economic and political conditions.
§3. In light of the Bible as God’s Word, provide guidance, hope and inspiration to men to become more sensitive to God’s will for their lives, better members of the church, and more responsible fathers, husbands and participants in the life of the community.
The Department of Ministry of Men shall provide programs, strategies, curricula and resource that shall include emphases such as the following:
§1. Systematic study of the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
§2. Effective worship through participation and study.
§3. Opportunities of Christian fellowship of men with other men.
§4. Service projects within the church and community.
§5. Bonding with other men in Jesus Christ.
§6. Mutual support groups to meet the varied challenges of life.
§7. Developing leadership potential.
§8. Facing issues of male health and wholeness.
§9. Responsible stewardship, personal finances and use of credit.
§10. Community and political involvement and participation.
§11. Mentoring & tutoring boys.
§12. Transition ng boys to men.
§13. Legacy and heritage appreciation.
§14. Growth in understanding and appreciation for CME church.
§15. Discovering and utilizing spiritual gifts.
Rev. Leon Moore, Jr.
General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions
50 Sunset Avenue NW Unit #92763
Atlanta, GA 30314
Telephone: 678-362-7549
Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr.
Chair
The Department of Evangelism and Missions develops and promotes programs that help local congregations become more aware of and involved in evangelism and social issues. The General Secretary is Rev. Leon Moore, Jr.
The department directs workshops, seminars, and conferences, at annual, district and local congregational levels on the meaning of and strategies for evangelism and the social ministry of the church. It also prepares position papers and statements on vital social, political and moral issues before the church and the world and represents the CME Church, when necessary, at conferences and seminars when these issues are being debated.
This department serves as the focal point of the ecumenical witness and involvement of the CME Church on evangelistic and social concerns.
Dr. Victor Taylor
General Secretary of the Department of Finance & Investments (DFI) & CFO
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Chair
1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224
Evanston, IL 60204
901-922-6800 Fax: 240-359-6272
The Department of Finance of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is headed by a General Secretary who administers the General Funds of the Church in accordance with the Connectional Budget approved by the General Conference and the provisions of The Book of Discipline. The General Secretary of the Department of Finance & Investments (DFI) & CFO is Dr. Victor Taylor.
All connectional funds, including the apportionments to the several Annual Conferences, approved by the General Conference, are forwarded to the General Secretary of the Department of Finance with the exception of the 12% Pastor’s Salaries and funds derived from the CME Fire and Casualty Program, the income of the Department of Publications, and subscriptions income from The Christian Index and The Missionary Messenger.
The General Secretary of Finance expends the connectional funds in accordance with the Connectional Budget. The schedule for expenditures is established by the General Connectional Board based on the budgetary needs and expected schedule of income.
The Department of Finance, in consultation with the College of Bishops, explores alternate sources of revenue to aid in underwriting the operational costs of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and presents these costs annually to the General Connectional Board for action.
Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr.
General Secretary of Publications
P.O. Box 161212
Memphis, TN 38186-1212
901-396-5400
Fax: 901-396-5406
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Chair
The General Department of Publications comprises the publishing interests of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It operates the Miles Bookstore, publishes Sunday School literature, The Christian Index, and other specialty items. The General Secretary is Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis.
The Publishing Department is the oldest Department of the CME Church.
The function of the Publishing Department is:
1. To disseminate official proclamations.
2. Publish and distribute denominational literature.
3. To act as literary mind of the church.
4. To increase loyalty through a fuller knowledge and appreciation of the history and progress of the denomination.
A record of the faithful should be among the chief historical documents in the publishing house of the church. The Publishing House has the never-ending task of safeguarding the doctrine and indoctrination of the church through the printed page. The cultivation of the church's program is also a part of the work of the Publishing Department
Dr. Tyrone T. Davis
General Secretary of Personnel Services
General Board of Personnel Services Web Portal
4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Suite 300 Memphis, TN 38116-7181
Mailing Address:
PO Box 74, Memphis, TN 38101-0074
901-345-4100
Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III
Chair
The Department known as the General Board of Personnel Services was formerly known as the General Board of Pensions of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The Department addresses the general welfare and needs of ministers and full-time lay personnel of the CME Church, covering such areas as retirement benefits, ministerial care and insurance (life, health, fire and casualty, homeowners, auto and business). The General Secretary is Dr. Tyrone Davis.
This Department has developed an expanded program which included concerns of and for the ministry in terms of support and maintenance, counseling, welfare relief, pre-retirement assistance, retirement and survivors benefits of CME ministers.
In addition to the aforementioned concerns, this Department oversees and coordinates all pension funds, insurance programs, health services, retirement plans and other related personnel services for ordained ministers in full connection and lay personnel working full-time for the Church. It keeps records and vital statistics of all clerical personnel in full connection.
The Department administers those programs of the CME Church that are related to the Department of Superannuated Preachers, Widows and Orphans (SPWO), Department of Personnel Services, the Ministerial Salary Supplement Program, the CME Fire and Casualty Program and any other programs of pensions and insurance that may be established by the Church.
General Board of Personnel Services Web Portal
General Secretary, Chair and Board
Rules and By-Laws Governing the Board
Application for Participation in CME Retirement Plan
Summary Plan Description of the CME Retirement Plan and Trust
Articles to CME Periodicals: The Christian Index and The Missionary Messenger
2021
Article - 2021-11 - Have You Updated Your Profile ...
Article - 2021-10 - School Days in a Covid World!
Article - 2021-09 - Retirement Plan Growth!
Article - 2021-08 - Additional Retiree Spousal Insurance Benefits
Article - 2021-07 - It Bears Repeating - Retired Pastors
Article - 2021-06 - What Covid has Wrought
Article - 2021-05 - QCD's & RMD's
Article - 2021-04 - The Early Bird ...
Article - 2021-03 - Enhanced Spousal Insurance Benefits
Article - 2021-02 - Church Contributions as Tax Deductible Gifts
Article - 2021-01 - An Important Resolution!
2020
Article - 2020-01 - How to File a Disability Claim!
Article - 2020-02 - Is Your Church in Your Will!
Article - 2020-03 - 403(b) New Custodial Company!
Article - 2020-04 - The Coronavirus and the CME Retirement Plan
Article - 2020-05 - Surviving the 'Stay at Home' Mandate!
Article - 2020-06 - Coronavirus - Cautions and Scams
Article - 2020-07 - The Markets, The Virus, The Future...
Article - 2020-08 - JAWS (Life Imitating Art)...
Article - 2020-09 - Barnes Appointment
Article - 2020-10 - Key Person Insurance
Article - 2020-11 - Update! Do it NOW!
Article - 2020-12 - How Safe is the Harbor
2019
Article - 2019-01 - Why I Chose to Move into Safe Harbor!
Article - 2019-02 - The Expanded Key Person Insurance Plan!
Article - 2019-03 - Zion's Receives Additional Historic Marker
Article - 2019-04 - Assignments - Another Benefit of the CME Retirement Plan Insurance
Article - 2019-05 - Policy Revisions - Benefits to Retired Supply Pastors
Article - 2019-06 - Do You Know. If Not ... (Corrected)
Article - 2019-07 - Dr. N. Charles Thomas
Article - 2019-08 - Retirement Plan - Investment Policy
Article - 2019-09 - Retirement Plan - Online Enrollment
Article - 2019-10 - Retirement Procedures
Article - 2019-11 - Life Ins. Claim Procedures
Article - 2019-12 - Life Insurance Claim Procedures
2018
January 2018: The Rationality of the 2nd Amendment
February 2018: A Synopsis of CME F&C New Insurance Program
April 2018: “Rock A Bye …”Woe the Markets!
May 2018: The Church and Wakanda!
June 2018: The Retiree Insurance Plan of the CME Church!
July 2018: From Where I Sit …”The Fire & Casualty Insurance Plan Renews –NO INCREASE!
August 2018: “From Where I Sit ...”A Compliment to our Staff
September 2018: From Where I Sit ...”A Centennial Celebration – 100 years of Service!
October 2018: "CME Employee Life and Disability Insurance"
November 2018: "Claim Procedures for Life and Disability Insurance"
December 2018: "Safe Harbor and the Trump Administration"
2017
December 2017: How Is It With Your Soul - Testimonials
October 2017: What You Need When the Flood Comes
September 2017: The Duality of Discipleship!
August 2017: A Hundred Years of Change!
July 2017: A Preacher's Membership
June 2017: New Fire Casualty Plan
May 2017: From Where I Sit …” The CME Retirement Plan …“A Comprehensive Comparison”
April 2017: CME Retirement Plan …Are You In … Or Are You Out?”
March 2017: From Where I Sit …”Spring Planning”
February 2017: What Do We Do Now?
January 2017:“Life Imitates Art …”Does The Church Imitate Politics?
2016
December 2016: Brenda M. Anderson Celebrates 40 years of Service to Personnel Services
November 2016: Coming Full Circle with Five Educational Institutions
September 2016: Timing is Everything
August 2016: A Personal Investment Testimonial
July 2016: The Importance of Having a Will!
June 2016: A Follow Up on the 403(b) Plan
May 2016: What Have I Missed Most Since Becoming a General Officer?
April 2016: What I Miss Most...
March 2016: Long Term Care Insurance...Why You Need It
February 2016: How's My Money Doing?
January 2016: Vesting: A Five Year Requirement
2015
December 2015: Reviewing the Plan...Before Joining the Plan
November 2015: The Conference of Authority...For the Minority Regarding Retirement
October 2015: General Officer Receives NAACP "Diamond Life" Award
September 2015: The Markets - Up and Down
August 2015: Same Sex Marriage...And Then What
July 2015: Why Pre-Enrollees Must Enroll in The CME Church Retirement Plan
June 2015: Some Frequently Asked Questions about The CME Church 403 (b) Plan (as Revised)
May 2015: A Letter From A Widow ...In The CME Gift Plan
April 2015:Free At Last...From Bonded Debt
March 2015:Unity Summit 2015...A New Paradigm
February 2015:Changes to Retiree Insurance Plan
January 2015: Steps to Receive Your CME Retirement Benefits
2014
December 2014:Retirement Planning...What to Do at 62!
November 2014: General Secretary Speaks to Students at Rust College
October 2014: The Gift Fund...Why We Still Have It!
September 2014: The Investment Factor...The Present Generation
August 2014: What Do We Believe?...Affirmation or Recitation?
July 2014: Seven Whirlwind Days and...Thank You!
June 2014: What Should We Know...
May 2014: Retirement Plan Sets New Record!
April 2014: Are You Ready To Bishop?
March 2014: In Defense of the Earthen Vessel ...!
February 2014: Now That I'm A Senior Citizen!
January 2014: Healthcare and the CME Church!
2013
December 2013: Education is Still Important!
November 2013: General Officers Meet With CVS Caremark Officials on Partnership with the CME Church
October 2013: Living 'Through' Extraordinary Times
September 2013: CME Health Care and the Affordable Health Care Act
August 2013:A Whisper in the Ear of a Minister's Spouse
July 2013: Things I Remember About Communion
June 2013: The Basics of Retirement Investing
April 2013: Membership 'Does' Have Its Privileges...Like SafeChurch
March 2013: Fifty Years Later...Now What
February 2013: A Pastor is Converted to the CME Retirement Plan!
January 2013: This Too Shall Pass (The Fiscal Cliff and the Federal Debt Ceiling)
2012
December 2012: Changes in the CME Retirement Plan and Trust
November 2012: Guide One Insurance Part I - What's the Story!
October 2012: We Did Good...But we can do better!
September 2012: Let Me Be Clear
August 2012: What About Social Security?
July 2012: How Do I Get My Money!
June 2012: CMEs and COGICS Set the Pace!
May 2012: The Importance of Naming Beneficiaries
April 2012: Obamacare...and Hospital Costs
March 2012: The Life Insurance Benefit...Of the Retirement Plan!
February 2012: A Wise Decision for the CME Retirement Plan!
January 2012: Who Do I Call?
2011
December 2011: Year End Tune-up
November 2011: Retirement and Pension ... A Difference in Practice
October 2011: Safe Harbor ... - A Retirement Option
September 2011: Zion Community (Cemetery) Project, Inc.
August 2011: The CME Gift Fund "What's It All About...?"
July 2011: Improving Your Fire and Casualty Insurance Plan
June 2011: Connectional Copier Program
May 2011: 403 (b) Savings Plan
April 2011: CME Travel Assistance Program
Reference Data
Travel Assistance Brochure
Safe Handling of Church Funds
Field Trip Safety
Fire Prevention
Fleet Safety Memo
Guidelines for Lightning Safety
Safety Assessment
Safety Program Self Assessment for Churches
Security Action Planning
Dr. Ore L. Spragin
Editor, The Christian Index
4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38116
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Chair
Subscribe to The Christian Index
The Liturgical Calendar 2019-2020
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX is the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX was established in 1867 and has been in continuous publication.
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX is a member magazine of the Associated Church Press, and a subscriber to Religious News Service. is published monthly by the CME Publishing House. Members and friends of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church are encouraged to submit articles for possible publication in The Christian Index.
The Christian Index publishes all official announcements, notices, communications and decisions of the church as directed by the General Connectional Board and/or College of Bishops.
Although The Christian Index is published on a regular schedule, special publications may be authorized, as the General Connectional Board deems advisable. The edition and publication of The Christian Index is under the supervision of the General Connectional Board’s Standing Committee on The Christian Index and is constituted as provided by the Discipline of the CME Church.
The preparation, edition, promotion and publication of The Christian Index is the responsibility of the Editor who: prepares the manuscripts for publications, including format, selection of materials and editing of materials; manages the circulation of the paper, including promotion, securing and processing subscriptions; supervises all details related to the publication, including printing and mailing as directed by the Standing Committee on The Christian Index; distributes news and informational public relations materials to promote The Christian Index and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Pene' Woods
Executive Secretary
Post Office Box 1536
Cordova, TN 38088
(901) 489-9253
The office of the Executive Secretary serves as the conduit of the CME Church by providing centralized and efficient execution, coordination and follow up of denominational programs. It also handles correspondence, questions and concerns either for referral or for action.
A native of Jefferson Davis County, Carson, Mississippi, Dr. Pene’ Carol Gray Woods was the first born and only daughter of a civil rights activist and educator, the late Wardell Gray and the late Mrs. Quillie Ross Gray, and the great-niece of the late Bishop Roy L. Young, 24th Bishop of the C.M.E. Church. She attended the public schools of Jefferson Davis County and graduated the top of her class from Prentiss High School.
Dr. Pene’ Woods was baptized at the Blackmon Temple CME Church of Carson, MS where she served as President of the Youth and pianist starting at the age of 13. She was active on the district and annual conference level. Bishop Joseph Johnson, Jr. and the late Mrs. Katie Johnson were her mentors during her teenage years. In 1976 in Memphis, Tennessee, she was elected President of the National Youth Conference. She represented the denomination at the World Methodist Council in Dublin, Ireland, and other Youth and Young Adult ecumenical meetings in Canada and other parts of the United States. She presented the resolution to the General Conference to start the Young Adult Division under the direction of the late Dr. William R. Johnson, General Secretary of Christian Education at that time. She has been the speaker for various Annual Conference Lay Day and Missionary programs along with conducting workshops on church development and financing.
Pene’ is a graduate of St. Dominic School of Nursing with a degree in Registered Nursing and the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In May of 2016, Texas College presented her the Doctorate of Humane Letters. Her previous work experience includes Emory University Department of Plastic Surgery, Cadet Schools (School Nurse), Delta Airlines (Marketing Director, Memphis); U.S. Airways (Director of Automated Marketing-East Coast Region, Boston, MA); Harvey Hotels (Manager of Executive Sales for 3 properties in Jackson, MS); Lane College (Interim Director of Title III Programs and Director of Freshman Studies). She is the founder and President of Equitable Wisdom LLC where she finances new church construction, renovations, and refinancing along with church development and capital fundraising.
She is married to Curtis E. Woods, Sr. They have four sons; Christopher George, Dominic Sadat, Curtis Jr., Jason, and three grandchildren; Caitlyn, Chris II, and Dominic II.
Mrs. Jacqueline I. Scott
International President, Women's Missionary Council
The Women's Missionary Council Web Site
Bishop James B. Walker
Patron Bishop
The Women's Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is one of nine programmatic departments.
The Council was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in September, 1918 and celebrated its 100th year in ministry in 2018!
Historically, women had been denied leadership roles in the church – they sang, prayed, shouted and raised money. Mrs. Carolyn Poe, President of the Women’s Missionary South of the East Texas Conference, started a movement toward a larger and official role for women in 1882. In 1890, the Women’s Missionary Society became official.
The Connectional Woman’s Society was formally organized on September 3, 1918 at Capers Memorial Church in Nashville. Dr. Mattie E. Coleman was its first president. This organization is known as the Women’s Missionary Council. It is a Connectional Ministry. Thus, Missionary Societies are a part of all local congregations, District Conference, and Annual Conferences.
Dr. Princess A. Pegues is the International President of the Women's Missionary Council.
The Missionary Messenger is a monthly publication by and for missionaries. White and royal blue are the missionary colors.
…In the Ministry:
In 1918, the General Conference gave authority to license women as local preachers. Today, women serve as pastors, associate pastors, presiding elders and exhorters.
…In the Church:
Women hold various positions in the CME Church among which are stewardesses, trustees, ushers, Sunday School superintendents, Directors of Board of Christian Education and musicians, just to name a few.
…As Delegates:
The 1930 General Conference granted women the right to be delegates, though they did not have full rights equal to those of men. Today, women comprise an apportionate share of the delegates to the General Conference.