WHAT IS A CLASS LEADER?

Class leaders are disciples or under-shepherds called to minister to the body of Christ.  Class Leaders support the Pastor in praying and ministering to the individual needs of Reid Temple AME Church members.  Class Leaders perform the functions of calling, listening, praying, and visiting sick members.  They also provide ministry information.

FUNCTIONS OF A CLASS LEADER

Class Leaders of Reid Temple attend to the needs of the members.  They exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). They provide information and direction to members and support during life issues.

Class Leaders

• Call: Class leaders communicate with their assigned members each month. (Philippians 2:4)            
• Listen: Class Leaders listen in confidence to their members concerns and questions without bias or opinion. (Galatians 6:2)
• Pray: Class Leaders pray for and with the members.  A class Leader demonstrates commitment to a joint spiritual partnership with regular prayer and acts of worship. (Acts 2:42-47)
• Visit: Class Leaders visit members in the event of hospitalization, convalescence or bereavement. (Matthew 25:40)

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The Class System is a basic organizational unit of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church that connects each member of the local church. Since the beginning of the A.M.E. Church, the Class System has played a vital role. Richard Allen, the founder and first bishop of the church, adopted the Methodist doctrine, including the Class System at the first A.M.E. General Conference.

The Class Leaders Ministry at Reid Temple AME Church serves by connecting members to the church and supporting the members’ walk with Jesus Christ.  Each member is assigned a class leader upon completion of the new members’ orientation.