President's Report Celebrates Progress, Sets Direction for Caribbean Union's Next Chapter
Delegates to the Caribbean Union Conference's 18th Session opened their first business meeting with President Dr. Kern Tobias' final quinquennial report, reflecting on five years of ministry, growth, and service while introducing a new theme that will guide the Church's mission through 2031. The report also marked his farewell after fifteen years of leadership.
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MARACAS VALLEY, Trinidad — Delegates to the Caribbean Union Conference's 18th Session opened their first business meeting on July 22 with a review of the Church's work over the past five years and a renewed call to advance its mission throughout the Caribbean.
Presented at the University of the Southern Caribbean, the President's Report reflected on the accomplishments, challenges, and priorities that have shaped the Union during the 2021–2025 quinquennium while outlining a clear direction for the next five years.
The business session was formally declared open by Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Kern Tobias and Executive Secretary Pastor Johnson Frederick before delegates received the recommended delegate list and began the day's proceedings.
Introduced by Inter-American Division President Dr. Abner De los Santos, Dr. Tobias' report highlighted progress in evangelism, education, institutional development, financial stewardship, leadership development, and member engagement across the Caribbean Union.
"The Caribbean Union Conference continues to deal with its diversity and confront its complexity," Dr. Tobias said. "We can be optimistic and hopeful for the future because of our rich history and heritage, a compelling mission, a tradition of committed workers, financial resourcefulness, and the promises of God. We are committed to being 'Grounded in the Word and Focused on the Mission.'"
Dr. Tobias paused to acknowledge those who helped shape the Union's work during the past quinquennium. He thanked fellow administrators, departmental directors, conference and mission leaders, pastors, employees, and church members for their commitment and faithful service. Their collective efforts, he said, strengthened ministry across the territory and advanced the mission of the Church.
Throughout the report, Dr. Tobias reflected on the theme that guided the Union's work during the past five years, "I Will Go: Faithful in Service." Delegates were then introduced to the new quinquennial theme, "Committed to Discipleship: Compelled by Love," which will shape the Caribbean Union's ministry from 2026 to 2031.
The report reaffirmed the Union's vision of becoming "a Spirit-filled Church, converted and committed to Christ and contributing to all aspects of the work and ministry of the Church, living in readiness for the Second Coming of Christ." It also restated its mission of proclaiming the everlasting gospel and nurturing believers as disciples who faithfully witness for Christ.
Several strategic priorities framed the report. Dr. Tobias pointed to initiatives that have encouraged spiritual growth through Bible conferences, camp meetings, Back to the Altar prayer gatherings, and the Bible Connections youth programme. He also emphasized the continued importance of evangelism, discipleship, pastoral leadership, accountability, and strengthening the Church's institutions.
The report celebrated the Union's evangelistic efforts while recognizing opportunities for continued growth. During the quinquennium, the Caribbean Union recorded 19,316 baptisms. At the same time, leaders acknowledged the need to strengthen discipleship and member retention. In response, the Union established a Discipleship and Nurture Committee to help develop members into active and committed followers of Christ.
Responding to the report, Dr. De los Santos commended Dr. Tobias for his leadership over the past fifteen years and encouraged delegates to remain united in fulfilling the Church's mission throughout the Caribbean.
The business session also marked a historic moment as delegates officially welcomed the Tobago Conference into the sisterhood of conferences within the Caribbean Union. Tobago Conference President Pastor Vishnu Persad thanked God for His leading and recognized the many individuals whose faith and dedication made the milestone possible.
Former Caribbean Union presidents also addressed the session. Their greetings reflected on God's faithfulness through the Union's history and encouraged delegates as they undertook the work before them. Delegates later considered proposed amendments to the Caribbean Union Conference Constitution before continuing the day's agenda.
The report concluded on a deeply personal note. Reflecting on his fifteen years as Caribbean Union president, Dr. Tobias recalled feeling overwhelmed when he first accepted the responsibility of leadership.
"Over the years, I have grown to trust God more, to believe more in the processes of the Church, to genuinely love the people of God, to wait on God's providence, to respect the policies of the employing organization, and to appreciate the blessings and bounties that God has so graciously provided," he said.
Dr. Tobias then formally announced that his service as president would conclude at the close of the session.
"I am grateful that I have been able to come to the end of my tenure with no regrets, but only gratitude," he said. "It was my joy and pleasure to serve you."
He closed with a final appeal to the delegates.
"Let us continue to give of our best to the Master because He has already given His best to us! Maranatha!"
As delegates continued the work of the 18th Caribbean Union Conference Session, the President's Report served as both a record of God's leading during the past quinquennium and an invitation to move forward with renewed purpose. The Caribbean Union now enters its second century with a new theme and a renewed commitment to making disciples, strengthening the Church, and sharing the gospel throughout its territory.