Delegates to the 18th. Session of the Caribbean Union Conference.
The Sabbath School Ministry of the Caribbean Union remains a cornerstone of spiritual nurture, discipleship and mission across our territory. As a foundational ministry of the local church, the Sabbath School continues to shape faith, strengthen biblical understanding and mobilize members for active service in alignment with Christ’s Great Commission.
This preamble introduces a summary of key initiatives implemented during the period July 2022 to December 2025, which contributed to the growth, renewal and strengthening of the ministry. Framed through the metaphor of “A SCHOOL”, with Jesus Christ as our Divine Principal, these initiatives reflect a deliberate focus on spiritual formation, leadership development and mission-driven engagement.
Outlined are major training programs, spiritual congresses, symposiums, and developmental tools drawn from the strategic plan of the Caribbean Union Conference. Collectively, these efforts have strengthened leadership capacity and enhanced participation and engagement at every level of the Sabbath School ministry across the Caribbean Union.
The Sabbath School Ministry of the Caribbean Union Conference can be likened to a vibrant and dynamic school – a spiritual institution where the principal is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.
As the Chief Shepherd and Master Teacher, he guides his appointed Sabbath school officers and teachers in nurturing disciples, fostering biblical literacy, and transforming lives from the inside out.
In this school, the local church becomes the classroom, members are the students and Sabbath School directors and teachers serve as the facilitators.
Through the dedicated leadership of conference and mission directors, and local church officers, the Sabbath School ministry continues to foster Bible study & prayer, fellowship, and mission; the three pillars of our Sabbath School Alive.
Over the past quinquennium, the Department has experienced tremendous growth, collaboration and innovation.
However, during the COVID 19 pandemic 2021-2022, the closure of churches and the suspension of in-person Sabbath School posed significant challenges to spiritual nurture, fellowship and structured Bible study across the territory. However, this period of disruption became an opportunity for strategic renewal and training.
The Caribbean Union Conference in collaboration with the Inter-American Division intentionally conducted focused training for Sabbath School field directors and officers through the virtual platforms.
From international training of directors at the General Conference to regional empowerment programs such as “Retaining More Of The Gains” and “The Art Of Teaching Like Jesus”, and from the digital discipleship tools like the Inverse Study to impactful mission trips such as the Guadalajara Mission Outreach, our commitment to making disciples and strengthening the body of Christ has deepened.
Strengthening Sabbath School Through Christ-Centered Training
As in any thriving school, professional development remains essential. During this mission-focused journey, directors were equipped with tools and strategies in several areas.
“The Retaining More of the Gains” Symposium and “The Art of Teaching Like Jesus” program equipped leaders with biblical foundations, practical methodologies, and Christ-centered teaching principles aimed at strengthening discipleship and member retention. These training sessions, hosted in collaboration with the Inter-American Division, not only enhanced leadership competence and adaptability during the Covid 19 crisis, but also positioned the Sabbath School to emerge more resilient, mission-focused and effective in the post-pandemic church.
Training sessions for Sabbath School officers were conducted across local fields, including Grenada Conference, Tobago Conference, North Caribbean Conference, East Caribbean Conference and South Caribbean Conference. Particular emphasis was placed on the small group concept, highlighting the Sabbath School class as the foundational unit for fellowship, discipleship, Bible study and mission. Officers were encouraged to use the Sabbath School class as a dynamic “action unit”, fostering deeper relationships, nurturing members in the faith and engaging communities in ministry.
The Caribbean Union hosted a Sabbath School Congress from July 21-22, 2023, at the University of the Southern Caribbean. Dr. Joe Reeves, Assistant Sabbath School Director of the General Conference visited the Caribbean Union for the first time accompanied by Dr. Samuel Telemaque, Sabbath School Director of the Inter-American Division who played a major role over the weekend.
This spiritual convocation brought together delegates, leaders and members from the local fields under the theme “I will Go – Transforming Lives From The Inside Out”. The Congress reinforced the ministry’s commitment to holistic discipleship, incorporating presentations on:
One of the defining experiences for Sabbath School directors across the Caribbean Union was the opportunity to participate in a historic Leadership Advanced Training program from March 05-10, 2024, at the headquarters of the General Conference in Maryland, United States. This event marked a milestone in leadership development and affirmed the global interconnectedness of our work.
During this transformational visit, the delegation had the distinct honor of meeting and learning under the guidance of seasoned world church leaders, including:
The sessions explored practical and theological dimensions of the Sabbath School ministry – equipping directors with fresh approaches to Bible study facilitation, member engagement, inter-generational ministry, and the integration of digital resources in the local church context. Elder Wilson’s warm and personal interaction with our directors served as a spiritual boost and underscored the sacredness of our calling.
“You are not just planning programs, you are shaping eternity in the lives of those you lead,” Elder Wilson reminded us.
This encounter reignited passion and renewed commitment across the Caribbean Union to make Sabbath School the heartbeat of every congregation.
The Art of Teaching Like Jesus, delivered in both online and offline Sabbath School was a strategic focus for the Caribbean Union Conference during the quinquennium. This initiative was intentionally designed to elevate the competency and spiritual effectiveness of Sabbath School teachers, ensuring that teaching remains Christ-centred, disciple-making and mission-driven.
To support this initiative, during the closure of churches during the pandemic, all Sabbath School directors across the Union participated in structured training, utilizing the resource material written by Dr Samuel Telemaque, Sabbath School Director of the Inter-American Division. This resource provided a biblical and practical framework for teaching modelled after the ministry of Jesus.
Each director was required to successfully complete 20 contact hours of training in order to effectively train and mentor Sabbath School teachers within their respective conferences and missions.
As a direct outcome of this training, the Caribbean Union Sabbath School Ministry Online Teachers’ Certification Program was launched and implemented during 2024 and 2025. Through this program, over six hundred (600) Sabbath School teachers successfully completed the required coursework and graduated. These certified teachers now serve across the Caribbean Union, strengthening Sabbath School as a primary platform for Bible study, fellowship and intentional disciple-making.
This initiative stands as a significant milestone in the Caribbean Union Conference’s ongoing commitment to reviving the vision of Sabbath School as a school of discipleship, equipping teachers not only to teach lessons, but to shape lives for Christ.
In April 2025, a Discipleship Symposium was held in Barbados to strengthen the church’s commitment to intentional disciple-making and spiritual growth. The symposium featured Dr Samuel Telemaque as the special guest presenter who shared biblical principles on how members can actively engage in making disciples within their churches and communities. In addition to the keynote presentations, Sabbath School Field Directors delivered presentations, sharing strategies, testimonies and practical approaches for nurturing members and strengthening discipleship at the local level.
A major highlight of the event was the Friday evening Inverse Bible Study Experience hosted by young adults from the Caribbean Union and conducted in a hybrid format. This brought together over four hundred (400) participants both in-person and online from the Inter-American Division territory for an engaging and interactive exploration of scripture.
Another special highlight of the symposium was a moment of celebration and appreciation as we honored several Sabbath School trailblazers – individuals and groups whose outstanding contributions have significantly strengthened and enriched the Sabbath School ministry across the territory.
Those recognized included Pastor Margaret Ramsarran and Sis Gem Rohlehr (Guyana Conference); Angela Wyllie (East Caribbean Conference); Dr. Sean Joseph (South Leeward Conference); Dr. Henry Peters (North Caribbean Conference); Beverly Khan-Alexis, Director of Cocoyea Drama Group, and Mary Sankar (South Caribbean Conference).
Through these training initiatives, Sabbath School officers and members were inspired to implement the principles of Sabbath School Alive, revitalizing participation, strengthening spiritual growth, and advancing the mission of the church within the local congregations.
Further contributing to the spiritual growth and engagement of young adults ages 19 to 35, the Inverse Study Experience held weekly via zoom by the Inter-American Division has become a vibrant and interactive platform. I am pleased to say that Caribbean Union Conference hosted three of these sessions with over four hundred young persons in attendance; the highest attendance from any Union within the Inter-American Division. This initiative not only bridges the gap between generations, but provides a safe space for the study of the Word, discussion of social issues, testimony sharing and mutual encouragement.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department supplies the Sabbath School Mission Quarterlies every quarter for the local churches in the Caribbean Union territory. Notably, in the 3rd Quarter of 2024, the Caribbean Union Conference was featured in the Mission Quarterly. We had four (4) stories from Dominica and two (2) stories from Trinidad in the Adult Mission Quarterly, and five (5) stories from Dominica and one (1) story from Trinidad in the Children’s Mission Quarterly. The quarter’s thirteenth Sabbath offering supported six (6) projects in the Inter-American Division, one of which was the construction and refurbishment of a new and larger Ebenezer Elementary School in Roseau, Dominica. We thank God for the young men and women who freely shared their testimonies about the goodness of God in their lives.
In August 2025, the Caribbean Union Conference participated in an impactful eleven-day mission trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, resulting in 125 baptisms and the planting of ten (10) new churches to the glory of God. The mission trip brought together young adults of the Inverse age group (19 to 35) from across the Inter-American Division territory, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. The Caribbean Union was represented by a dedicated contingent of eight (8) young adults, who worked alongside Sabbath School officers from Guadalajara in evangelism, community outreach, and health and compassion ministries.
Through prayer, service, and cross-cultural engagement, the mission strengthened local congregations, expanded the Seventh-day Adventist presence in the territory and reaffirmed the Caribbean Union’s commitment to holistic mission and leadership beyond its borders.
The Sabbath School ministry across the Caribbean has continued to serve as a vital avenue for spiritual growth and evangelism. Through the intentional study of God’s Word, nurturing fellowship, and active engagement of members in the Sabbath School Action Units and small groups, 102 individuals were led to baptism.
During the last five years, our Sabbath School family has experienced the loss of devoted members who laboured faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard. These men and women served with quiet dedication – teaching, mentoring, praying, giving and nurturing souls for the kingdom. We honor their legacy of commitment to Sabbath School and their confidence in the promise that when the Life-giver returns, they shall enjoy eternal life.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were laid to rest.
To God be the glory for all that He has done.
Most importantly, I give thanks to God for His guidance, strength, and sustaining grace throughout this period of service. His leading has made every effort meaningful and every challenge surmountable.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my Administrative Assistant, Sheryle Liverpool, whose dedication, professionalism, and faithful support contributed significantly to the successful execution of the work in the Sabbath School ministry.
I also wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr Samuel Telemaque, Sabbath School Director of the Inter-American Division, whose visionary leadership, mentorship and commitment to Sabbath School ministry helped to empower and guide me along this journey of service. His counsel and example have been a source of inspiration and encouragement.
I am deeply grateful to all Field Directors, past and present for their commitment, collaboration, and steadfast leadership in advancing the mission of the Church.
Special appreciation is extended to the Administration of the Caribbean Union Conference – Dr Kern Tobias, President; Pastor Johnson Frederick, Secretary; and Pastor Bertie Henry, Treasurer – for their leadership, counsel and unwavering support.
Finally, I extend heartfelt gratitude to my family for their patience, prayers, encouragement, and constant support which made it possible for me to serve with purpose and perseverance.
Under the leadership of Jesus, our Heavenly Principal, the Caribbean Union’s Sabbath School Ministry continues to thrive as a school of discipleship, hope and transformation.
Through ongoing training, divine appointments and Spirit-led innovation, the Ministry is well positioned to equip teachers, officers and members alike to fulfil the gospel commission.
Indeed, it is a sacred classroom where hearts are educated, spirits are uplifted, and lives are changed, one lesson, one encounter, one transformed life at a time.
As we move forward with Christ as our Heavenly Principal, may our Sabbath Schools continue to nurture disciples, strengthen faith and inspire every member to actively participate in God’s mission.
