Anglin

Acknowledging the need for change in Jamaica, the Church has been called to "re-examine ourselves, our purpose, mission, and the methods we use, mindful of the fact that the message never changes."

This was the charge given to members of the Church of God in Jamaica by its executive chairman, the Rev Lenworth Anglin, in his keynote address at the recent opening of the General Assembly at Olson Hall, Ardenne High School in the corporate area, to mark its 101st year of ministry in the island.

According to Rev Anglin, the Church today finds itself in an environment in which people are no longer "willing to accept traditions for the sake of preservation", and many are questioning the "role and relevance of the Church".

Re-order its priorities

He said the contemporary Church is challenged to "re-order its priorities" and equip members to make their witness more relevant to "life situations and languages where God has already strategically placed them".

This, he said, represented a "shift in perspective from going to church to being the Church."

Rev Anglin said this year's theme for the General Assembly, 'Empowering the Saints for Growth', recognises the need for change. He added that the Church must continue to be a model of growth "focused on the realisation of that day, when the organisation will, by the grace of God, attain the level of Christian leadership and stewardship, which will impact significantly on the healing of the nation."

During the General Assembly, the members will explore intellectual growth through "valuing education;" social or outreach growth through "engaging in community service;" and individual growth through "understanding one's sexuality." The assembly closes on Sunday, March 30, with the call to "evangelise in word and life".