Second District African Methodist Episcopal Church Lay Organization
Building stronger connections, empowering laity, and advancing service across the Second Episcopal District.
Penny S. Oliver for President
"Where Every Voice Matters and Every Hand Serves"
THE VISION
Better Together Through Unity and Service
We are better together than we are apart. Unity is not just our strength — it is our calling.
As laity, we must commit to supporting one another and standing in partnership with our pastors, working together to advance the mission of the Church. We are not in competition; we are in covenant.
We are called to teach, encourage, and walk alongside the local church laity — equipping, empowering, and uplifting every member to serve with purpose and confidence.
As we move forward, we honor our traditions, however we will not allow tradition to become our standard. Our standard is growth, service, and faith in action.
Together, we will build.
Together, we will serve.
Together, we will lead.
UNITY
PARTNERSHIP
SERVICE
About Penny Oliver
Penny S. Oliver is a dedicated servant leader, educator, and advocate for unity within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. A lifelong member of Springdale AME Church in Burlington, North Carolina, she has spent years working to strengthen leadership, empower laity, and build meaningful partnerships throughout the church and community.
Her leadership journey has included service at the local, conference, district, and connectional levels of the AME Church. From Christian education and mentorship to organizational leadership and community outreach, she remains committed to helping others discover their purpose and serve with confidence, compassion, and faith.
As President of the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization, Penny continues to focus on strengthening communication, encouraging collaboration between clergy and laity, expanding leadership development opportunities, and advancing ministry through service in action.
- Christian Educator
- SEDLO President
- Community Leader
- Servant Leader
Her mission is simple: to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and ensure every voice matters within the life of the Church.
A personal message from Penny S. Oliver
GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE
I’m just a country girl from Snow Camp, North Carolina — blessed with a son, two beautiful grandchildren, two brothers, and a 91-year-old mother who still keeps us grounded.
Like many families, mine has known both joy and hardship. We have experienced loss, heartbreak, struggle, and seasons that tested our faith. Earlier this year, I lost my father. My family has faced the pain of addiction and the hurt that division can bring. However through it all, God has remained faithful.
In 2018, I received a call from Bishop James Davis of the Second Episcopal District asking me to serve as Lay Coordinator for the Mirroring Project. I was humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve. Later, I was asked to serve on the General Board of the AME Church — another moment that reminded me that God often calls us into places we never expected to go.
Years later, during the 52nd General Conference, I was appointed Team Leader for the Western North Carolina Conference Lay Delegation during a difficult season within our Church. Painful revelations surrounding misused funds deeply impacted many pastors and leaders across the denomination. During that time, Sister Cynthia Gordon Floyd and I wrote a “love letter” titled Forgive Us, asking clergy to forgive the silence of the laity and calling for healing, accountability, transparency, and renewal within our Zion.
Not everyone supported those efforts. I was warned there could be consequences for speaking up — and there were moments when it felt like doors were closing.
However, God had another plan.
Less than two weeks after that General Conference, I received a call informing me that the President of the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization had resigned, and as First Vice President, I would now serve as President.
That moment reminded me of something powerful:
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in His name.
I used to believe God only called people who had all the answers, all the wisdom, or all the confidence. However over time, I realized that God does not call the qualified — He qualifies the called.
God doesn’t need me, however, I surely need Him.
He lives in me.
He walks through my feet.
He touches through my hands.
He speaks through my lips.
So when I show up — God shows up.
When I walk in — God walks in.
Vision & Platform
Building a stronger, more connected Lay Organization through unity, education, service, and leadership.
UNITY THROUGH CONNECTION
Goal:
Build stronger relationships across every conference and local society.
Build stronger relationships across every conference and local society.
✓ Host fellowship and listening opportunities across the District.
✓ Encourage open communication between local, conference, and district leadership.
✓ Promote collaboration, encouragement, and shared support among societies.
Key Message:
We are one body, working with one purpose.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PASTORS
Goal:
Strengthen the relationship between laity and pastoral leadership throughout the District.
Strengthen the relationship between laity and pastoral leadership throughout the District.
✓ Encourage healthy communication and cooperation between pastors and lay leaders.
✓ Support church ministries through visible service and active involvement.
✓ Promote mutual respect, accountability, and shared mission.
Key Message:
We stand with our pastors, not apart from them.
EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT
Goal:
Equip laity to lead, serve, and grow with confidence and purpose.
Equip laity to lead, serve, and grow with confidence and purpose.
✓ Provide leadership development and ministry training opportunities.
✓ Teach AME doctrine, polity, and connectional structure.
✓ Mentor emerging leaders and encourage youth and young adult involvement.
Key Message:
An informed laity is an effective laity.
HONORING TRADITION, EMBRACING PROGRESS
Goal:
Respect the foundation of our church while preparing for the future.
Respect the foundation of our church while preparing for the future.
✓ Preserve meaningful AME traditions, history, and values.
✓ Embrace technology and innovative outreach opportunities.
✓ Encourage younger generations to engage in leadership and service.
Key Message:
Tradition should inspire growth, not limit it.
SERVICE IN ACTION
Goal:
Make the work of the Lay Organization visible through ministry and outreach.
Make the work of the Lay Organization visible through ministry and outreach.
✓ Support mission projects, outreach efforts, and community partnerships.
✓ Encourage local societies to serve within their own communities.
✓ Promote service initiatives that reflect faith in action.
Key Message:
Faith must be demonstrated through service.
Leadership in Action
Leadership is more than holding a title — it is about service, consistency, and a commitment to strengthening both the Church and the community. Through collaboration, communication, leadership development, and ministry initiatives, Penny S. Oliver has worked to build stronger connections across the Second Episcopal District while empowering laity to serve with purpose and faith.
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Active Lay Members
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Active Lay Organizations
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Virtual Convention Attendees
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Biennial Delegates, Alternates & Observers
Leadership Development
Focused on equipping laity through leadership workshops, ministry education, mentorship, and discipleship training opportunities designed to strengthen service across every level of the Church.
Communication & Growth
Expanded district-wide communication efforts through virtual events, newsletters, leadership collaboration, and increased engagement across conferences and local societies.
Service & Outreach
Supported mission initiatives, fellowship opportunities, outreach efforts, and partnerships that encouraged faith in action both inside and outside the Church community.
Every Voice Matters. Every Hand Serves.
The strength of the Church is found in the people who are willing to serve, lead, encourage, and walk together in faith. When we work in unity and purpose, we strengthen not only our local churches, but the entire body of Christ.
Together, we will build.
Together, we will serve.
Together, we will lead.
For questions, encouragement, or to stay connected, please contact Penny S. Oliver.
penny.oliver52@yahoo.com