The murmur of prayers filled the air as congregations gathered at riversides, in baptistries, and on beaches across the three parishes in the Central Jamaica Conference on February 22, 2025.
Families, friends, and church members stood together, witnessing a sacred moment. The "All the Family in Mission" initiative had reached a defining milestone -173 individuals publicly declaring their commitment to Christ by being baptized
The journey of faith for these 173 individuals had only just begun, but they were not alone. They had spiritual mentors, a supportive church family, and a mission-driven initiative that had set them on a path of discipleship. But what made this moment even more profound was the presence of the elders who had walked alongside these candidates, guiding them in faith, and now, with reverence, lowering them into the water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“As an elder, I have always believed in working closely with individuals and embracing total member involvement. This initiative empowers us to take an active role in leading others to Christ, and it is truly a blessing to witness the transformation in the lives of those we mentor,” said Elder Ann-Marie Williamson
This initiative, which emphasizes building relationships at every level, engages children, youth, families, young adults, couples, and singles in a holistic approach to ministry. A key component of this movement has been the mobilization of elders, with over 50 elders actively participating in this initiative. They have worked diligently with their baptismal candidates and were given the privilege to baptize them—an act of mentorship, commitment, and spiritual leadership.
A Mission with Purpose
At the heart of "All the Family in Mission" are four core components:
- Growing in Faith – Strengthening personal and communal spirituality through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship.
- Serving the Community – Reaching out to those in need with love, compassion, and tangible acts of kindness.
- Sharing the Gospel – Boldly proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Reaping God’s Harvest – Encouraging commitment to Christ through baptism and continued discipleship.
Through these dynamic components, the initiative has successfully inspired individuals and families to embrace a deeper relationship with Christ, culminating in a historic number of baptisms.
President of the Central Jamaica Conference, Pastor Nevail Barrett, praised the initiative’s success.
“This is a movement that embodies the essence of Christ’s Great Commission. Seeing our elders actively involved in both the discipleship process and the act of baptism is a powerful demonstration of spiritual leadership in action,” said Barrett.
Meanwhile, Assistant to the President for Evangelism Pastor Robert Williams highlighted the vital role elders played in this mission: “Empowering our elders to take the lead in working with their candidates and baptizing them has been a game-changer. It reinforces the principle that every believer is called to ministry, and it strengthens the bonds between mentor and disciple,” he said.
As "All the Family in Mission" continues to expand, churches and communities are being inspired to adopt similar models of outreach and discipleship. The success of this initiative serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when faith-driven individuals come together with a unified vision.
With 173 new believers now stepping forward in their faith journeys, the mission presses on—spreading the message of hope, serving those in need, and preparing hearts for Christ’s soon return.
As Pastor Barrett aptly stated, “This is just the beginning. The harvest is plentiful, and we are committed to continuing this work for God’s glory.”
For additional highlights of the All the Family in Mission Elders Baptism Day, click here