Conference Status Formally Introduced to Lay Leadership on the Island

February 8, 2020 • • in News

Elders retreat is an annual feature on the calendar of the Saint Lucia Mission. However this year’s exercise was different, not only because of the participation of the former executive secretary of the Caribbean Union Pastor Cyril Horrell, who was the main facilitator, but we were officially informed of the administration’s desire to apply to the Union for territorial adjustment for Saint Lucia.

The retreat was well attended, as elders and in some cases their wives, descended on the Marc SDA church from Friday night, January 31^st to Sabbath February 1^st. From all indications the presentations were well received and were interspersed with regular pauses for intercession and prayer. Each presentation gelled into the other as we focused on the theme “A Church United: Preparing for the Lord’s Return.”

Elder Danny Moonie, from the Des Barras church, addressed the topic “Unity” on Friday night, while Pastor Caius Alfred presented on the church as an organism during the Sabbath-school. The subject of Conference Status was introduced by Pastor Roger Stephen, the President and Stewardship director, accompanied by Pastor Theodore Jaria, the Development Officer. Pastor Stephen clarified what it means to be a conference and briefly touched on the Biblical basis for self-reliance, supported by quotes from the pen of prophecy. Pastor Jaria alluded to the journey which began twenty years ago, with the agitation for Mission Status, and the need to finish the journey. He made the comparison with the South Leeward Conference, who began as a Mission just a few years ago, though smaller in membership, was able to realize their milestone in 2019, with an income of over ten million in tithes. The Mission’s plan going forward is to continue the education process in the churches, with the eldership giving full support.

The guest speaker did not disappoint as he dwelt on the subject, “The Elder’s role in Preparing the Church for the Lord’s Return”, explaining the difference between being ready and preparing for the second coming. The audience soaked in the presentation from the experienced administrator and preacher as he gave us a fresh glimpse of the subject of “Righteousness by Faith”. The consecration service was just as riveting as Pastor Horrell exegeted on “Treasure in earthen vessels” 2 Cor. 4:7, “cracked pots” as he called it.

In summary, it was a weekend well-spent, with the Ministerial Secretary, Pastor Alfred Joseph, under whose supervision the eldership is placed receiving kudos for his planning and organization of the event. The elders left inspired to execute their charges in our 52 congregations, with new enthusiasm under the unction of the Holy Spirit. We look forward to intense Conference Status education in the weeks ahead.