October 5, 2021 | St. John’s, Antigua | Chalvar Henry
In response to the current pandemic’s impact on stewardship, the Caribbean Union Conference convened an advisory on October 5, 2021, on Stewardship, Planned Giving & Trust Services, and Adventist-Laymen Services and Industries (ASI). This advisory brought together pastors and Stewardship leaders from across the Caribbean region. The full-day session commenced with devotions by Dr. Kern Tobias, president of the Caribbean Union Conference, followed by remarks from Dr. Roberto Herrera, director of Religious Liberty and Public Affairs department, associate for Stewardship & Trust Services, and coordinator for Revival and Reformation within the Inter-American Division.
Dr. Elias Zabala, treasurer of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, led the first session. He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to discuss money and the faithful use of possessions.
In the next session, Elder Aniel Barbe, associate director of the Stewardship Ministries department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (General Conference), discussed, “Appeals for Giving During a Crisis.” Using Paul as an example, he demonstrated how leaders might mobilize resources under challenging circumstances. He also pointed out that giving in crisis is an act of charity, which fosters unity and expresses the “exchange principle.” Additionally, those who have received the riches of God’s grace through the knowledge of Jesus Christ have a “duty to minister” to others “in material things” (Rom 15:27). Participants were encouraged to respect the giver even while reminding them of this obligation.
Elder Marcos Bomfim, director of Stewardship Ministries of the General Conference, discussed the correlation between stewardship and membership retention. He established that heart retention was the foremost concern of our Lord as He taught the principles found in the sermon on the mount, (Matt 5).
Elder Dennis Carlson, director of Planned Giving and Trust Services for the General Conference, discussed “Planned Giving.” He stated that “The most important goal of planned giving is passing on our values and goals to our children.” He further stated that, “The planned giving ministry encourages members to respond to God’s grace in the crowning act of stewardship with the preparation of an estate plan by every family in the church.” Elder Carlson shared a report that showed that in 2020, the area with the highest amount towards planned giving was the West-Central African Division. This division reported an amount that was three times that of the North American Division.
Dr. Philip Baptiste, departmental director of Adventist-Laymen Services (ASI) and Industries for the North American Division (NAD), and the secretary/treasurer of ASI, concluded with the topic of “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace.” “We are called to sacrificial discipleship,” he noted, and have the responsibility of empowering lay leaders who can work with the clergy to move the mission forward. Elder Baptiste encouraged participants to become influential leaders who possess a growth mindset, ask questions, aren’t afraid of feedback, leverage digital communication to increase engagement, and create direction, alignment, and commitment.