Pastor Michael McLeod, who's also executive director for individual and organizational accountability, speaks during a meeting of faith community leaders at Morven Church of God and Prophecy on Saturday, March 27.
Michael McLeod, executive director for individual and organizational accountability, who's also pastor at Pleasant Hill and Elizabeth Pee Dee Baptist churches, led the meeting with help from Church of God and Prophecy Pastor Iris Tillman.
"We are reaching out to the faith-based community, helping to bring the faith-based community and our schools into a working relationship," Tillman said. "In a time like this, God has opened up doors for us."
Added McLeod, "If you wanna know where [Superintendent Dr. Greg Firn's] moral compass is, his is where yours are. He's a Christian."
McLeod went on to explain that about a year ago, the superintendent and his cabinet began looking at ways to truly make a difference in the county's schools. They came up with the new slogan, "All Means All," and also decided to bring the faith-based community in to help guide students in the right direction.
He also talked about how early in his career, he'd been an elementary school principal and was loath to move up to high school until one of the kids he'd helped lead in Boy Scouts was murdered. "Then I thought, maybe I could make a difference," he said. "God told me, 'You did it your way... I am the way.' God has that power to transcend. We need what you all have in our schools— that transforming power."
McLeod encouraged the ministers and other leaders to "beat the bushes" in their communities and get youth involved in church. He added that in years past, adults tended to "get tough" with youngsters, when that's not always the answer. "What they want is for you to listen to them and give them a choice," he said.
McLeod also reminded the audience of the school system's open-door policy. "We're trying to be transparent," he said. "If you see something, come tell us."
He added that when one looks at the data, the No. 1 demographic for suspensions and other disciplinary problems is always "black boys."
"You are the key," he told the faith leaders. "You have a voice in all this. Much more, you have a stake in this."
Tillman spoke next, giving a rousing reminder that many church leaders have "limited" themselves. "Our church houses are empty," she said. "Jesus told us if we open up, He will draw the people to Him. The Lord has abundantly blessed us because the schools have been open to us."
She also pointed out that she saw recently on the TV news that there are 826 active gangs in North Carolina. "We are losing our children, and we are losing them to gangs," she said. "The prisons are getting fuller and fuller. The cemeteries are getting fuller and fuller."
Tillman chastised several local pastors, who she said she contacted to come to the breakfast Saturday, and who knew about the breakfast well in advance, but made other plans. "We are needed and God has given us Anson County. Now what are you gonna do with it?... If we let the 21st century pass us by and we have not reaped this harvest, we have failed."
After the program concluded, several local dignitaries and politicians who were in attendance were asked to speak.
Former Morven Elementary School Principal Marilynn Bennett, who's running for the at-large seat on the Board of Education, spoke first. With 35 years in the Anson County school system, Bennett said after retiring in January, she "still felt the itch" to be involved in schools.
District Attorney Michael Parker, who's also up for re-election, said that he wasn't sure what he was coming to that morning, but "sitting back there, listening to the speakers, I feel excited about what you all are trying to do."
He added that he often speaks at schools, and remembers one in which a student asked him why he likes to put people in jail. He said he'd rather his docket be empty, but he has a job to do.
Parker praised the group for its willingness to come together to help out the county's children. "Anson County is on the cusp of doing great things," he said. "I admire you and appreciate what you're doing."
Morven Town Councilman Theodore Carr was also in attendance, and stated that oftentimes, "we can be our own worst enemy." But, he added, "I support what you're doing and I will do all within my power to help."
Morven Mayor Pro Tem Susan Woodburn admitted that she'd thought she was coming to a meeting of the new community crime watch in town, but was pleased with what the faith-based community was planning.
"I do go to church, I am a Christian, I just don't wear it on my sleeve," she said, later adding, "I think some people in the community think I'm against the things the people in the community are trying to do, but I'm not."
Mayor Carolyn Solomon, who helped cook the breakfast for the event, said she was excited about the things happening in the community. "God is moving and we are here, working together."
The program is expected to be ready for the 2010-11 school year, Tillman added, and there will be future meetings. She told those present that there are still many churches that need to be contacted.
"Right now," she said, "you all need to go inside your spiritual minds and think of things we can go to the community with."
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