By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
Leaders and departmental directors from the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) convened in Nassau, Bahamas on April 20 and 21, 2026, for the union’s departmental advisories marking the start of a new quinquennium. Under the theme “Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission,” this meeting established the strategic direction for the union over the next five years.
The assembly brought together representatives from the union’s four organizational units or conferences, fostering not only planning and alignment but also spiritual renewal and a recommitment to mission.
A Vision Toward 2030: The RISE Initiative
In his opening remarks, ATCU president, Kent Price, outlined an inspiring vision anchored in the union’s guiding initiative, RISE (Renewal, Identity, Service, Evangelism). He emphasized that the journey to 2030 will culminate in a significant, unified celebration of mission, the goodness of God, and the souls won and retained during the quinquennium.
He highlighted that the RISE initiative transcends mere administration, focusing instead on spiritual growth, unity, and measurable outcomes in soul-winning and discipleship. The vision aims for transformation, urging a collective movement toward shared purpose in advancing God’s work.
A Call to Mission-Focused Discipleship
Keynote speaker Jongimpi Papu, associate ministerial secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and editor of Ministry Magazine, encouraged attendees to embrace a bold and urgent perspective on the advisory’s theme. He pointed out that being “grounded in the Bible” carries significant implications and cautioned that the fear of the Bible’s transformative power often holds individuals back from fully engaging with it. “To be grounded in the Bible means taking it seriously, and if we do, it will change us. And maybe the reason we don’t want to take it seriously is because we’re afraid of what it might do.”
He reminded leaders that the church’s mission is active, designed to reclaim lives for Christ, with the ultimate goal of overcoming the enemy. Highlighting the hope of an already-secured victory, he stated, “They overcame… The victory is not just guaranteed; it has been realized.”
From Members to Witnesses
Papu emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of testimony and sacrificial faith within the church. He called for a departure from traditional models of ministry, stating that mission is inclusive; it belongs to all believers, not just pastors. “Mission is for all… Not all will have a platform to preach, but all have a platform to witness,” he noted.
Encouraging a cultural shift, he advocated for moving beyond mere membership to active witnessing. This vision encourages every member to share their personal experiences with God, making testimony a key aspect of discipleship.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 ATCU Departmental Advisories instilled a renewed sense of purpose and alignment. Guided by the RISE initiative, the advisory urged local field directors and administrations to intentionally serve their constituencies, preparing a united body of believers deeply grounded in Scripture and engaged in mission, ready to share what God has done.
About ATCU
The ATCU, headquartered in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, comprises 27,694 members 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.