The Young People's and Children's Division (YPD) is a youth organization within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, established in October 1915. It operates under the auspices of the Women's Missionary Society (WMS).
YPD units can be found in most local AME churches throughout the Connection, which spans across the United States, the Caribbean, South America, England, India, and Africa. The YPD works closely with the WMS on various projects throughout the year.
Seal of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Mission and Purpose
The YPD provides meaningful youth training programs and leadership experience opportunities in all areas of church life. By providing training in Evangelism, Christian Social Relations, and Education programs, the YPD connects youth more fully to the mission of the church and increases knowledge of the African Methodist Episcopal Church history and the scriptures.
Read also: History of the AME Church
The purpose is to provide meaningful youth training programs in all areas of church life. Educational programs are designed to increase knowledge of the AME Church History and Scriptures. To provide opportunities for leadership experience.
Motto and Colors
The YPD motto is "Grow, Glow and Go for Christ." The YPD colors are Forest Green and White. Green represents growth and Christian vitality, while White is symbolic of purity, light, and faith.
"Grow, Glow and Go for Christ"
Divisions within YPD
The YPD is structured into different divisions based on age:
Read also: Trinity AME: Faith and Freedom
- Mother Sunbeams: Ages 2-6
- Allen Stars: Ages 7-12
- Young People Auxiliary: Ages 13-17
- Adult Division: Ages 18-26
Young adults are encouraged to transfer to the Senior organizations of the Church.
Organizational Levels
The YPD operates at various organizational levels:
- Local: Aids the Young People’s Conference Branch in its work and stimulate the interest of Young People of the church in Missions.
- Area: Area YPD unifies the work in the local church, connecting link to the Conference, Episcopal District, and Connectional Organization
- Conference: Connecting link between the Local, Area, Episcopal District, and Connectional organization
- Episcopal District: Coordinate and unify the work of the District.
- Connection: Purpose To provide meaningful youth training programs in all areas of church life. Educational Programs designed to increase knowledge of the AME Church History And Scriptures. To provide opportunities for leadership experience.
The following table summarizes the YPD divisions and their respective age groups:
| Division | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Mother Sunbeams | 2-6 years |
| Allen Stars | 7-12 years |
| Young People Auxiliary | 13-17 years |
| Adult Division | 18-26 years |
YPD Pledge
Members of the YPD commit to the following pledge:
“I pledge my willing and untiring service to all efforts of the Young People's and Children's Division to aid needy and suffering people, regardless of race color, or creed. I further pledge to take the Bible as my guide, to aid my church, and to attend meetings regularly.
Read also: The Story of Little Rock AME Zion
I will be brave and strong and true! I will be brave! I will be strong! I will be brave! I will be strong! I will be brave and strong and true! I will be brave and strong and true! I will be brave! I will be strong!
What We Believe - the Apostle’s Creed
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead; and buried. The third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the live everlasting. Amen.
The 2025 Connectional YPD "I Have a Dream Showcase"
Benediction: “In the name of the Triune Goud, may the Spirit of Christian Missions enter every heart. This we ask in Jesus’ name” AMEN
