Leadership

The Rev. Austin J. Young is a native of Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from the historic Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa. Additionally, Rev. Young obtained a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., specializing in African American Church Leadership Studies.

Pastor Young is an Ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion Church). He started his ministry at a very young age. After maturing and developing, he served as the Administrative Minister at the Union Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C. Rev. Young then became the pastor of the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Media, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Young is currently the John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church pastor in Southfield, MI. Within the international AME Zion Church denomination, he is the Assistant Director of Small Group Discipleship and the lead of the Connectional Community Development Team. He also serves as the Administrator for the Midwest Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. Ecumenically, Rev. Young is a council member of the World Methodist Council and the World Council of Churches.

He is married to the beautiful Mrs. Aysha Young.

Coupled with ministry, Rev. Young is also involved in community engagement. Young’s work is motivated by the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who paraphrased Matthew 10:16, “To have a tough mind, and a tender heart.”

The Administrative Minister assists the Senior Pastor in providing an efficient and effective overall ministry. The Minister provides leadership to all of the ministries,  worship planning, and to provide assistance in church management. 

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees serves as similar to a "Board of Directors" leader. The Trustees are responsible for the physical church property and to uphold the laws/practices of the church.

The Chairman of the Steward Board, leads to the board in management of the finances and care of the pastor and family.

The Pastor's Steward is chiefly responsible for the care of the pastor and family. Additionally, serves as a voice and representative for the congregation.

admin@jwamezsouthfield.org

finance@jwamezsouthfield.org

The Minister of Congregational Care is to assist the Pastor with providing Christ-like care to all members of the congregation. Through visitation, hospital visits, and regular communications with members.
Contact: revwillie@jwamezsouthfield.org

The Minister of Discipleship is to assist the pastor with leading the church to grow deeper in their relationship with God. To help focus the church on the Great Commission and the tenets of development/growth in God.
Contact: revpolly@jwamezsouthfield.org 

The Minister of Outreach and Public Relations is responsible for ensuring that the church stays connected to the community. Representing and marketing the church in various spaces throughout the Detroit Metro area. Additionally is the manager of the Gloo Platform - worldwide online outreach ministry.
Contact: revalinda@jwamezsouthfield.org

The Music & Fine Arts Minister is to schedule, arrange, and oversee all music, dance, mime, theatrical, etc. components of the church.
Contact: revjudie@jwamezsouthfield.org 

The Minister of Prison Ministry is tasked with starting a prison ministry and partnering with other community organizations to provide spiritual support and encouragement to the imprisoned population.

The Ministerial Intern is a training position to give insight and lesson of pastoral ministry. Under the guidance the pastor, the Intern is an observatory position to explore the various avenues of active ministry within the local church. The position will be inclusive of witnessing:. Additional ministry training will be provided on a regular basis.
Contact: revlakeasha@jwamezsouthfield.org 

Rev. Frank W. Jackson, IV is on Loan to the United Christian Church.

carltonlyles@gmail.com

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