Working Behind the Scenes

Invitations, confirmations, reservations, transportation, anticipations, inspiration, transformation—what do they all have in common? You guessed it: the part no one sees, the behind-the-scenes program planning, the grounds preparing. Or maybe it was the family text: “Who’s going to West Middlesex? We’re going early to get the cabin or summer house ready.” Someone else asks, “Do they still have concession stands with vinegar fries? I heard they’ve got oxtail!” Another chimes in: “Now, who’s preaching, when is the banquet, and what about the building dedication?” And let’s not forget: “Did you register or sign up for monthly giving?”

Give me Jesus.

All of this excitement is part of what happens behind the scenes as we prepare for Leadership Development Week on a hill in western Pennsylvania called Zion. We call it the Campground. We are a National Association with a campground. Honestly, it would take several articles to express all that goes into this hidden labor. So let’s call this one Zion’s Hill Program Planning Cut.

Shared Leadership, Shared Responsibility

Our Presiding Elder, Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders, is the primary visionary leader who engages and empowers us through shared leadership. Because we are a national association, parts of program planning are delegated to many dedicated leaders by Dr. Sanders in partnership with the leadership of NACOG.

Together, we serve to participate in the vision and mission as one family.

Arrival and Preparation

On Sunday, July 27, I received a text: “Rev. Pauline and I are here on Zion’s Hill and the grounds are beautiful!” —Min. Yolanda Mitchell from East NY. I responded, “I’m on my way! I had to preach this morning, finish packing, and then I’m heading out.”

You see, Rev. Pauline and Min. Yolanda are the ones who contact all the speakers, connect with the media team, ensure the green room is set up, and coordinate with Dr. Arnetta to handle details that aren’t on the service list. If we had a guest services team on Zion’s Hill, they’d be leading it!

A Rhythm of Prayer

Monday morning, July 28, the bell rang at 5:55 a.m.—a rhythm modeled for us by Bishop Gideon A. Thompson. He taught us to begin with 15 minutes of adoration to the Lord, 15 minutes of agreement with one another in tandem prayer, 15 minutes of agreement over the worship experience and traveling mercies, and 15 minutes in the Word. Pastors April and Theresa—daughters of Bishop Gideon and Pastor Yvonne Thompson—made sure the Word on Friday ended on time. Prayer set the tone for preaching. Pastor Jimmy Terry reminded us that Jesus in the morning was seeking the Father—engaged in prayer:

• In isolation

• With intimacy

• With intention

It was good to sit next to Mother Pearl Shields while waiting for the group photo. Fittingly, our prayer garden is named in her honor.

Honoring Generations

Throughout the week, I had the honor of greeting Sheryle Durham-Sanders, our current Youth Camp Director and daughter of the late Uncle Joe Durham. He used to fill the soda machines and encourage young people like me to serve the Lord back in the 1970s. Sheryle carries that same passion for youth and for the Joshua Generation, led today by business leader Izetta Phillips, working alongside our CODO, Dr. Arnetta Bailey, and Presiding Elder Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders.

This year we also dedicated the Williams-Phillips Conference Center. My Aunt Rosemary (Williams) Terry was present with extended family of Pastor Emery Williams, along with Izetta Phillips and the extended family of Dr. Russell Phillips—all gathered in strength for the ribbon-cutting celebration.

The banquet honoring my childhood hero, Presiding Elder Pastor Clifton McDowell and Lady Deborah McDowell, was simply outstanding. Their son, C.J., honored his father with words that moved us to tears. The man truly has a gift to write.

On Sunday morning, we witnessed the installation service of our Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders—anointed and appointed by God for such a time as this. She has already raised funds to complete our building project with the help of our closer, Rev. Dr. Bishop Timothy J. Clarke. Dr. Sanders also led a campfire chat and strategic conversation and continues to lead us in the Trying to Make 100 campaign.

At one point, while standing in the back in my white suit (yes, I got it on sale), a 108-year-old church mother motioned to me. I hurried over. She asked, “Are you an usher?” I smiled, “Yes ma’am, I am today.” She replied, “Well then, get me my walker. It’s time to go.”

Champions Work Together

Behind it all stands our CODO, Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, carrying the weight of operations. Like Mike and Scottie, Steph and Klay, or Bishop Benjamin F. Reid and Pastor Jethro Mosley, leadership works best in partnership. Now we add to the list of champions Presiding Elder Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders and CODO Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey. These leaders have been called for such a time as this. In a world filled with upheaval and chaos, God makes a shift and brings order out of chaos. We cannot afford to miss this moment. This is the work behind the scenes.

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A National Work

The work behind the scenes doesn’t stop at Zion’s Hill. It continues in Akron, North Carolina, Columbia, New York, California, D.C., Fort Wayne, Georgia, Mississippi, Columbus, Pennsylvania, St. Louis, Chicago, and also in Florida, Arizona, Anderson, Fisher, Denver, Alabama—and in your city, too.

This is the behind-the-scenes kingdom story of reaching more and more people so they may hear, see, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And just like that, the 109th Campmeeting 2025 came to a close, and we were headed home.

You see, we are a National Association with a campground. I love the detailed planning behind the scenes, but even more, we love the people. Together, we serve to participate in the vision and mission as one family.

By: Rev. Steve Terry, Vice Presiding Elder & Program Chair