Newly re-elected president of the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Nevail Barrett, has called conference workers to renewed humility and commitment for the 2026-2030 term, to honour the trust of the membership and God Himself.
At the quadrennial session held July 6-7, delegates chose to re-elect several administrators including those holding the roles of president, executive secretary, treasurer and several departmental assignments. The elections also included two first-time directors.
Addressing 40 administrators and office staff members at their first planning meeting held July 14 at the conference’s headquarters, the president thanked returning officers for their sacrifices during the previous term while urging them to move forward with fresh vision rather than complacency.
"Your late nights, your care for members, pastors and workers did not go unnoticed. God has given us an opportunity to do it all over again, and we must embrace this opportunity with humility. We have been returned, but it cannot be business as usual. We have to come with a different mindset, be in step with the times and focus on solutions to the challenges before us."
Barrett also welcomed newly appointed leaders, emphasizing that each person had been called to strengthen the church's ministry across the conference's 220 congregations and more than 114,000 members. He reflected on God’s faithfulness through the challenges of the last four years.
"We faced hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, global crises, crime and violence—so many things that impacted us significantly. Yet we were able to achieve most of the goals and objectives that we had set, and we give no one else the credit but God.”
The president noted that they might face even more difficult challenges in the coming years, but that God’s power would carry them through.
He urged staff to work collaboratively in advancing the gospel mission, not allowing differences to divide the team. He appealed for the pursuit of excellence in every endeavour.
"Don't give 25 per cent when you can give 100 because your reputation is at stake. Give your best in service to God and His people. We can't simply glory in the past because the future is ahead of us and the expectations of the people are even greater. Let us do our work with professionalism, kindness and integrity."
As the constituency anticipates the continued dedication of the conference to God’s work, Pastor Barrett asked the workers to first affirm their commitment verbally.
“Turn to your neighbour and say, ‘Neighbour, we are ready for the task. We are humans, but God is willing and ready to use us to carry forward its mission. Let's move together’.”
The meeting marked the official beginning of the conference's new quadrennium as leaders reviewed the past term and outlined priorities for strengthening ministry, supporting churches and preparing the next generation of Seventh-day Adventists throughout central Jamaica.