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Office of the
Executive Secretary and Matters of Interest
The recent election of former
Executive Secretary Pastor Dannie Clarke to the presidency of the Cayman
Islands Conference necessitated a replacement and therefore a special-called
meeting of the Executive Committee of Bahamas Conference was convened on
Wednesday, August 6. Guided by the Holy Spirit under the supervision of
Pastor Patrick Allen, West Indies Union president, the committee elected
Brother Kenny Deveaux as the new Executive Secretary. Brother Kenny, first
elder of the Grant's Town Church, and Conference Stewardship Director, is a
worker (and not a layman as inadvertently captioned in last week's Logos)
with 28 years of experience having served in numerous sectors of the
church. However, this article seeks to address and clarify some questions
related to Brother Deveaux's appointment.
- Was the executive
committee out of order for not bringing this matter to the wider church
body for voting?
- The Executive Committee between conference
sessions is given delegated responsibility to act on behalf of the
Conference membership or constituents to remove and reassign "with
cause" officers, directors, workers in general and service board
members. Therefore, it must be noted that there was no contravening of
policy in the recent process on Wednesday, August 6, 2008!
How can a non pastoral and
un-ordained worker be elected to such position?
Constitutionally, there are
two positions that require an ordained pastor and they are the office of the
president, and the ministerial secretary. In the local conference
constitution it clearly states that a president is to be ordained. However,
ordination or being a pastor is not required for the secretary and treasurer
positions. On the other hand that is not to say that there are not some
advantages to having a pastor elected to the position of the secretariat.
- How can a non pastoral
secretary lead pastors?
- The role of the secretary according to the
Inter American Division Policy Book is to work closely with the
president; record minutes of executive committees and ensure that all
members of the committee receive the same as well as the officers of
West Indies Union among other responsibilities. The secretary functions
in an administrative capacity within the organization. With regards to
pastors the secretary relates to pastors as he would to any or all other
workers on matters of policy and voted matters etc. and thus there is no
issue other than what may be perceived. It is the Ministerial Secretary
who works directly with pastors.
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- Who replaces the
president where there is not an ordained secretary?
- While in some instances the secretary
replaces the president, it is not automatic as this matter is left to
the delegates in session to determine who they will choose. In addition
to the secretary a selection may come from the cadre of departmental
directors who comprise of numerous ordained pastors. Our directors are
trained and exposed to leadership locally and otherwise within the
church. In fact just yesterday, August 15, our directors returned from
an officers and departmental advisory sponsored by West Indies Union at
the Holiday Inn Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
As a note of interest, I wish
to inform that Pastor Jeff Thompson, then Communication Director of our
Conference, was elected to serve as president of the Cayman Islands
Conference (then mission) in 1990. Pastor Peter Kerr became president of the
Turks and Caicos Mission coming directly from the local church district as a
successful pastor. I can cite other examples but the two ought to make the
point. Additionally, Brother Kenny Deveaux is not the first non- pastor to
fill the secretariat position in West Indies Union. In Central Jamaica
Conference Sister Edna Parchment served and in the Cayman Islands the
secretary was Maxine Goulbourne, and thus the decision of the committee was
not without precedence.
- Where do we go from
here?
- Given the souls culture emphases for our
conference, we seek to fulfill God's mandate for His church which is to
advance the good news of our Lord throughout our territory in the
Bahamas. We are indeed grateful that nearly 650 baptisms have occurred
this year. Thanks to you brethren, pastors and workers for allowing God
to use you. Let's continue to work and even to a greater degree as the
time is nearer than when we first believed. -Leonard A. Johnson,
president
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- More Than Five Hundred
Pastors and Spouses Attended WIU Ministerial Retreat
Under the theme "Refreshed, Revived, Renewed," about 550 Adventist
pastors and spouses and administrative leaders from The Bahamas,
Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands, converged at Holiday
Inn Hotel, Montego Bay, Jamaica, for a Ministerial Retreat between
August 11 to 14, 2008. It was a time truly for refreshing and renewing
of the energies and relationships.
On Monday night, August 11,
2008, Pastor Israel Laito opened the West Indies Union Conference
Ministerial Retreat with a powerful message on the importance of ministers
taking care of their own spiritual needs in order to be equipped to help
members meet and face their challenges.
On Tuesday morning the
retreat continued with an inspirational devotion when Pastor Emil Peeler
gave a dynamic presentation on "Contentment." Other presenters included Dr.
Marcia Harris (Health Issues), Dr. Barrington Davidson (Marriage), and Dr.
Ekkehardt Mueller (Theology).
New Organ Dedicated at
Philadelphia Church A new Rogers's organ was dedicated at the
Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church, Elizabeth Estates, Nassau, on
Sunday, August 3, 2008. Lynden Williams, the pastor, was excited for this
beautiful instrument to add to the worship service. Annette Dorsett, music
coordinator for the church, was excited having this wonderful instrument to
enrich music ministry in the church. Raymond Antonio, an outstanding
organist, and a member of the Bethany Church, provided sweet music on the
new organ during the dedication service.
Joint Health Weekend
August 22-24 In Attendance will be the GC Health Ministries Director,
Dr. Allan Handysides, Dr. Peter N. Landless, Director of International
Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (ICPA), Dr.
Eli Honore IAD Health Ministries Director, and Pastor Milton Gregory, Health
Ministries Director, WIU.
Friday, Aug 22: Vesper and
AHPA Consecration Services. Sabbath Afternoon: "Youth Alive" Symposium.
Sunday Morning Seminar: "Evidence based Practices v/s Alternative
Medicine." Idamae Hanna, Health Director
Men Getting Real One Day
Retreat The Adventist Men's Ministries, a service of the Family
Ministries Department, will be having a "Men Getting Real" one day retreat
on Sunday, August 24, 2008, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the British Colonial Hilton
Hotel. Men, plan your day to be involved.
Handles Messiah Choir
Rehearsal Practice sessions for the Handels Messiah continues tomorrow
(Sunday) for all singers at 5:00 p.m. at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail
Road. A special invitation is extended to choir members from all churches,
Adventist Men and anyone who loves to sing. Please come and be a part of
this historic event which is scheduled for December 14. - A Dorsett
Watch Hope TV Hope TV
is now available on Channel #653 of Cable Bahamas. You can view interesting
and informative programs produced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church 24
hours per day. To view this channel, you will ned to get a “black box.”
This will be a good investment to enhance your access to what is happening
in the world church.
Abuse Prevention Sabbath.
Sabbath, August 23, 2008, will be Abuse Prevention Sabbath in the
Adventist Church around the world. The theme for the Sabbath morning
service is "Abuse of Power." The day is sponsored by Family Ministries and
Women's Ministries. All churches are encouraged to participate. . -Family
Ministries, Barrington Brennen
Women’s Ministries
Conference-/Workshop 2008 will be held October 10 and 11, at the Wyndham
Hotel. Plan now to participate and experience the fellowship. Please
contact your local leader for the necessary information.-Miriam Knowles, WM
Director, BC
Hillview Church Trade
Exchange Graduation Today at 6:00 o’clock the Hillview Adventist Men
will be hosting its 1st Trade Exchange Graduation. All are invited to
attend. All Adventist Men are especially asked to support this service. -
Keith Rollins, Hillivew Adventist Men Leader
Early Morning Prayer
Meeting Early morning Prayer Meeting will be held tomorrow, Sunday,
August 17, at 6:00 a.m. at the New Englerston Church, East Street South.
All are invited. -R & A. Rolle
Bahamas Academy Notice
Two substitute teachers are needed at the Bahamas Academy Elementary for
September 2008.
The secondary division of the
academy is in need of a English Language, General Science/Health Science and
a Physical Education Teacher. Persons interested may call 394-0094, 393-8898
or 393-3381 -Principal
The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. Today, the Centreville Church is expected. Next Sabbath, the
Ebenezer Church is scheduled.
Brothers Love Gospel Band
Boat Cruise Tonight Brothers Love Gospel Band invites you to another
of its fantastic fun-filled family outings, aboard Tiki Island Ferry,
tonight, August 16th departing from the Prince George Wharf at 7:30.
GOD'S PEOPLE JUST WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN! Call 364-0774 for Randy Forbes of
the Bethany church for more information.
Eagle Music Ministry
Network Choir
The EMMN core choir and all
persons who participated in the recent 3rd EMMN Workshop Concert are asked
to meet today at the New Englerston Church from 4:30 to 5:00 for a brief
rehearsal in preparation for ministering in song at a funeral service to be
held on Sunday, August 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Centreville Church.
Health Ministries
Announcements Adventist Health Professionals Installations, August 22,
2008, 7:30 p.m. Centreville, SDA Church
Youth Alive Symposium &
Launching of ICPA, Sabbath, August 23, 2008 at Hillview SDA Church
Seminar
"Evidence Based Practices
Versus Alternative Medicine," Sunday, August 24, 2008, 9:00 a.m. at
Grant's town SDA Church
All are invited including
persons in Health, Education, Youth, Women and Children's Ministries. -Dr.
Idamae Hanna
Youth Announcements
Get ready for the big Adventurer Talent Explosion August 23, at 8 p.m. For
more details, call Marilyn Bonamy at 393-8507.
West Indies Union/ Inter-
American Division Bible Bowl: Each local church A.Y. leader is requested
to submit the name of a youth representative (ages16-30) to the conference
Youth department office by Monday, September 1, 2008. The Bahamas
Conference run-offs will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008. The winner
from this level will represent the Bahamas Conference at the West Indies
Union level in October, at NCU in Jamaica. The book of study is Isaiah
(NIV).
Osh Kosh Alert:
Persons planning to attend the International Pathfinder Camporee in Osh Kosh
during August 2009 are reminded to begin making financial and other
preparations now. Stay tuned for further details.
World Pathfinder Day and
Annual Pathfinder Parade/ Rally - will be held on Sabbath, September 20,
2008 in all Adventist churches. The annual Pathfinder parade and rally will
be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Softball Jamboree
Continues Tomorrow The Maranatha, Berea, Hillview, New Providence,
Philadelphia and Good News churches are asked to send their softball teams
to the Jamboree tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Hills Playing Fields.
-Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director
Up-coming All workers
of Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are reminded that Workers’
Meeting will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Venue will be
announced. -Administration
- Sun
Sets Today at 7:44 p.m.
- Sun
Sets next Sabbath at 7:38 p.m.
