Leadership

The Rev. Austin J. Young is a proud native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. A graduate of the historic Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, he went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., with a concentration in African American Church Leadership Studies.

An Ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion Church), Rev. Young accepted his call to ministry at a young age. His leadership journey began as the Administrative Minister at Union Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C., and later as Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Media, Pennsylvania.

He currently serves as Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Southfield, Michigan, and as the Presiding Elder of the Trinidad District within the Trinidad & Tobago Annual Conference. On a broader denominational level, Rev. Young plays a pivotal role as the Assistant Director of Small Group Discipleship and leads the Connectional Community Development Team. He also serves as the Chief Strategist for the Midwest Episcopal District. Rev. Young’s influence extends beyond the denomination. He is an active ecumenical leader, serving on both the World Methodist Council and the World Council of Churches.

He is joyfully married to his wife, the lovely Mrs. Aysha Young.

Deeply committed to community engagement and justice, Rev. Young draws inspiration from the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paraphrasing 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.

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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.

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