How it all started...
John Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was established in 1924 in Detroit, Michigan. John Wesley was born out of the hearts of members who wanted to worship near their homes on the westside of town. It was named after the Bishop at the time who was Bishop John Wesley Martin. Initially meeting in each others homes and rented locations, in 1937, they acquired a building at 6419 Beechwood, Detroit Michigan and worshiped in the basement of this building. By 1953, members were able to worship in the sanctuary for the first time.
The congregation moved to its current location 28001 Evergreen in Southfield MI in December of 2001. JWC is a Christian community called to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, to edify the body of Christ, thereby fulfilling the great commission as mandated by the Lord Jesus Christ.
The congregation moved to its current location 28001 Evergreen in Southfield MI in December of 2001. JWC is a Christian community called to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, to edify the body of Christ, thereby fulfilling the great commission as mandated by the Lord Jesus Christ.
THE YEAR TO ORGANIZE!
2026: ORGANIZE
In 2026, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church is living out our theme, Organize, as we align our church and our lives for sustainable growth and greater impact. Through Order, we will strengthen ministry structure with clear purpose, roles, and simple goals, build reliable systems and workflows, expand discipleship beyond worship through Grow Labs, and prepare our church house to serve with excellence, including readiness to host others well. Through Ownership, we are calling every member to active participation by completing a spiritual gifts inventory and church assessment, then committing to serve in at least one ministry of service and worship so the work is shared and each person can serve where they are most fruitful. Through Overflow, we will widen our capacity for mission by taking faith-filled steps toward expansion, including exploring an additional campus and beginning the long-range pathway toward future building plans so we can create more space for discipleship, care, outreach, and effective ministry.
In 2026, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church is living out our theme, Organize, as we align our church and our lives for sustainable growth and greater impact. Through Order, we will strengthen ministry structure with clear purpose, roles, and simple goals, build reliable systems and workflows, expand discipleship beyond worship through Grow Labs, and prepare our church house to serve with excellence, including readiness to host others well. Through Ownership, we are calling every member to active participation by completing a spiritual gifts inventory and church assessment, then committing to serve in at least one ministry of service and worship so the work is shared and each person can serve where they are most fruitful. Through Overflow, we will widen our capacity for mission by taking faith-filled steps toward expansion, including exploring an additional campus and beginning the long-range pathway toward future building plans so we can create more space for discipleship, care, outreach, and effective ministry.
Where we are headed...
2024, Grow as we Go
In 2024, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church embraced Go, a year of renewed movement and faith in action. We focused on stepping outward with intentional outreach, strengthening our worship life, and inviting people into a deeper walk with Christ through clear next steps and community connection. Go set the tone for forward momentum, reminding us that growth requires courage, obedience, and a willingness to move when God says move.
2025, Grow as we Reset
In 2025, our focus became Reset, a year of spiritual renewal and strengthening our foundation. We prioritized restoring what needed attention, re-centering our church around prayer, discipleship, and healthy ministry rhythms, and addressing internal needs so we could move forward with greater unity and stability. Reset was about realignment, clearing distractions, and allowing God to refresh our hearts, our leadership, and our church culture.
2026, Grow as we Organize
In 2026, we are living out Organize, bringing order and clarity to how we function as a church. We are strengthening ministry structure with clearer purpose, roles, and simple goals supported by workflows and SOPs. We are also expanding discipleship beyond worship through Grow Labs, family classes that put faith into practice, and we are preparing our church to host others with excellence as we get our church house in order for major moments ahead.
2027, Grow as we Work
In 2027, we will focus on Work, turning our renewed vision into consistent, measurable action. This year will emphasize faithful execution, leadership development, and strengthening ministry effectiveness so that our efforts produce lasting fruit. Work will mean deepening discipleship, expanding consistent community engagement, and building a culture where serving, giving, and spiritual growth are not occasional, but part of our ongoing rhythm.
In 2024, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church embraced Go, a year of renewed movement and faith in action. We focused on stepping outward with intentional outreach, strengthening our worship life, and inviting people into a deeper walk with Christ through clear next steps and community connection. Go set the tone for forward momentum, reminding us that growth requires courage, obedience, and a willingness to move when God says move.
2025, Grow as we Reset
In 2025, our focus became Reset, a year of spiritual renewal and strengthening our foundation. We prioritized restoring what needed attention, re-centering our church around prayer, discipleship, and healthy ministry rhythms, and addressing internal needs so we could move forward with greater unity and stability. Reset was about realignment, clearing distractions, and allowing God to refresh our hearts, our leadership, and our church culture.
2026, Grow as we Organize
In 2026, we are living out Organize, bringing order and clarity to how we function as a church. We are strengthening ministry structure with clearer purpose, roles, and simple goals supported by workflows and SOPs. We are also expanding discipleship beyond worship through Grow Labs, family classes that put faith into practice, and we are preparing our church to host others with excellence as we get our church house in order for major moments ahead.
2027, Grow as we Work
In 2027, we will focus on Work, turning our renewed vision into consistent, measurable action. This year will emphasize faithful execution, leadership development, and strengthening ministry effectiveness so that our efforts produce lasting fruit. Work will mean deepening discipleship, expanding consistent community engagement, and building a culture where serving, giving, and spiritual growth are not occasional, but part of our ongoing rhythm.
