Call for Church to rise up

ECONOMIC turbulence, social dysfunction and the emergence of deviant sub-cultures are not only being seen in countries around Barbados, but have found their way onto our doorstep.

It is against the backdrop of several crumbling man-made institutions, that pastor Jacqueline Mayers is calling on Barbadians to look towards the church, which has stood the test of time.

Her comments came during a special service yesterday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chapman Street Church of God, which was held under the patronage of Governor General Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. The theme for the centenary celebrations is “Reflecting His Glory: 100 Years of Service to the Community.”

According to Pastor Mayers, “I believe that the church will give birth to intellectual and creative capital that will be a blessing to this country in this season. We can go to any amount of IMF [International Monetary Fund]. If ever a time that we need the power of the spirit in Barbados it is now.

“The Church has to be a blessing in our nation at this season. This season is crying out for something spiritual. The nation of Barbados is yearning for something different. I believe that with all of my heart God wants the Church to rise up and take its rightful place.”

She added: “Barbados needs a spirit-filled church. No less will do. Barbados needs the church moreso than the church needs Barbados. You only have to look around to realise that Barbados needs the anointed church of the Most High God.

“The environment that we are living in calls for something drastic. And I believe that the church will provide that drastic thing that we need.”

Pastor Mayers acknowledged that the Church is not without imperfections. “It is sometimes said that people wear their best clothes and their worst behaviour to church. The Church has had to deal with scandals, scourge of abuse within our walls. We’ve seen the Church become a place for unbridled selfish ambition, filled with fractures and friction. But does that nullify or negate the power of the church?” she queried.

The pastor stated that when the church is brought into disrepute, it is implicitly contributing to the downward spiral of our society. “... Because God has placed his church at the pinnacle; to set the spiritual and moral climate in a society.”

She added that the Church in Barbados, with all its limited resources, continues to punch above its weight and still has the ability to spread its influence across Barbados. “The church has within its walls, many of our educated people and they love the Lord and they are willing to be counted, seen and heard,” she assured. (JH)