By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
Under the theme “Let Him Lead the Way,” the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) executive committee held its first of two annual governance meetings in person in Nassau, Bahamas, and virtually during May 20-21, 2025. The agenda included reports on daily operations and long-term strategies aimed at advancing the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Atlantic Caribbean region.
This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the final mid-year gathering before the union’s quinquennial session set for December 6-7, 2025. ATCU President Peter Kerr emphasized the meeting’s focus, stating, “We are here to accomplish 3 things: mission, mission, mission.”
Field Reports
Leaders from the four administrative fields of the unionpresented reports showcasing their mission-related initiatives. President Kerr expressed enthusiasm over the updates, noting that they reflected a church actively engaging with its community and seeking innovative ways to involve all members in outreach efforts. “These reports are very encouraging, and we want to thank God for what He is doing and continues to do,” he remarked.
Evangelism Highlights
Evangelism was a key focus during the meetings with discussions on strategies for disciple-making initiatives. Dr. Kent Price, ATCU’s assistant to the president for evangelism, reported that 709 baptisms had been recorded so far, representing 36% of the union’s baptismal goal for 2025.
The executive committee approved the establishment of an intra-union disciple-making coaching institute set to launch in 2026. Dr. Price explained, “The aim is to ignite the calling of every member to use their gifts and talents in mission.” Each year, one field will benefit from this initiative with experienced pastors and Bible workers providing training and coaching to enhance members’ effectiveness in evangelism, culminating in proclamation meetings.
Key areas of focus will include strengthening members’ commitment to God and mission, ensuring consistent use of their gifts and talents, and preparing the ground for spiritual growth and outreach.
Secretariat’s Statistical Report
Dr. Cheryl Rolle, the executive secretary, provided an overview of the union’s progress in fulfilling its mission. As of early 2025, the ATCU’s membership stood at 28,234 with churches actively engaged in outreach and evangelism.
Membership Trends and Baptisms
– In 2024, there were 1,062 baptisms, achieving 59% of the year’s goal of 1,792.
– By the first quarter of 2025, membership had increased to 29,892.
– During the first quarter of 2025, 491 new members joined the Adventist church through baptism.
– The union comprised 85 churches and 6 companies as of the first quarter of 2025.
– From 2021 to 2024, a total of 3,954 individuals were baptized.
Dr. Rolle acknowledged the need for ongoing planning and reminded the committee of Psalm 31:3 which is a reminder of God’s steadiness in difficult times. She urged members to seek divine guidance and remain focused on their mission, echoing the mantra of former General Conference executive secretary GT Ng: “lose none and disciple all.”
Financial Report
ATCU treasurer, Roderick Sands, began the financial report by expressing gratitude to God for the resources provided to fulfill the mission. He presented a 15-year financial overview since the union’s establishment in 2010, noting a 33.95% increase in annual tithe intake during that time. Sands concluded by thanking God for the blessings that have enabled continued support for mission and ministry across the territory, stating, “To God be the glory for the great things He has done.”
Policy Matters
The committee voted to implement new policies aimed at facilitating mission work and guiding the church’s operations in the region.
Voted Actions to Facilitate Mission
The committee endorsed the distribution of the 2026 missionary book of the year, “Words of Hope: Stories of Everyday Living,” to aid in spreading the gospel. They also supported an illustrated version of the 2026 book of the year, “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,” to enrich members spiritually through appropriate Adventist literature.
To foster youth involvement in the Publishing Ministries department, two initiatives were approved: (1) the establishment of colporteur clubs in schools to teach youth the skills of selling magazines and books, and (2) the continuation of the summer literature evangelist incentive plan to encourage students to participate in selling literature during the summer months.
Recognizing the importance of digital media, the committee also backed a digital strategy for mission, encouraging churches to effectively share the gospel online and connect with those seeking Jesus.
The ATCU, based in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, serves a membership of 29,892 across four fields: the Cayman Islands Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the South Bahamas Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, is co-owned and operated by both ATCU and the Jamaica Union.