Ushers for Christ Ministry Commissions 142 in First Caribbean Union-Wide Inauguration
The Adventist Ushers for Christ Hospitality Ministry (AUFCHM) commissioned 142 participants during its first Caribbean Union-wide inauguration, graduation, and investiture ceremony, held simultaneously across four territories on June 7, 2026, under the theme “Hospitable in Service.
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Ushers graduate from the East Caribbean Conference. Pictured fifth from left are Mrs. Linda Tobias, associate ministerial secretary of the Caribbean Union Conference; Dr. Kern Tobias, president of the Caribbean Union Conference; and Mrs. Denise Fontenelle-Holder, founder of the ministry. [Photo: East Caribbean Conference Communication Department]
The Adventist Ushers for Christ Hospitality Ministry (AUFCHM) commissioned 142 participants during its first Caribbean Union-wide inauguration, graduation, and investiture ceremony, held simultaneously across four territories on June 7, 2026, under the theme “Hospitable in Service.”
The historic event established four new AUFCHM chapters—the East Caribbean Conference, Grenada Conference, South Leeward Conference, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission—bringing the total number of chapters across the Caribbean Union to six. The other two established chapters are the St. Lucia Mission and the South Caribbean Conference. Coordinated from Barbados, the regional service was livestreamed and downlinked to participating territories, allowing all four fields to celebrate simultaneously as graduates received certificates, were invested into the ministry, and commissioned for service in their local churches.
Church leaders said the initiative reflects the Caribbean Union Conference’s commitment to equipping members for discipleship and service while strengthening hospitality ministries throughout the region.
Ushers graduate from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission. [Photo: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission Communication Department]
A Growing Ministry of Hospitality
Founded in 2007 by Mrs. Denise Fontenelle-Holder in Saint Lucia as the SDA Ushers for Christ, the ministry was officially inaugurated in 2009 and renamed the Adventist Ushers for Christ Hospitality Ministry (AUFCHM) in 2016, broadening its vision to serve the wider Caribbean Union. Today, the ministry trains church members to provide Christ-centered hospitality that fosters fellowship, discipleship, and member retention.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mrs. Fontenelle-Holder reflected on the ministry’s 19-year journey and celebrated its continued growth. She noted that the latest graduating class brings the total number of certified AUFCHM ushers across the Caribbean Union to 893.
“What we started on the island of Saint Lucia under the Lord’s guidance is realizing its purpose, touching lives and impacting people,” Mrs. Fontenelle-Holder said.
She described the ministry as an important avenue for involving members—especially new believers—in meaningful Christian service.
The training program combined biblical hospitality, leadership, communication, protocol, and practical ministry. Participants also completed field assignments that evaluated the experience of first-time visitors, helping them understand how genuine hospitality influences whether guests return to church.
Graduates of the Adventist Ushers for Christ Hospitality Ministry (AUFCHM) in the South Leeward Conference present a musical item during the graduation and investiture program. [Photo: South Leeward Conference Communication Department]
Hospitality as Ministry
The central service in Barbados featured Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Kern Tobias, patron of the ministry, who delivered the keynote address emphasizing that hospitality is both a biblical mandate and a powerful expression of Christian witness.
“Hospitality must be executed,” Dr. Tobias said. “The training and assignments you have completed will mean little unless they are practiced in the daily life of the church.”
He reminded participants that every interaction provides an opportunity to reveal the character of Christ.
“When people come among us, they must be treated with respect, dignity, and the love of Christ,” he said. “May you continue to inspire others to make hospitality a way of life because of your love for Jesus Christ.”
East Caribbean Conference President Pastor Anthony Hall, who served as master of ceremonies, welcomed participants gathered in Barbados and those joining virtually across the Caribbean Union territory.
“Ushers are more than attendants,” Pastor Hall said. “They are the first faces of welcome, the hands of service, and the guardians of order in the house of God.”
Music throughout the ceremony was provided by the Barbados Pathfinder Band. Organizers also recognized Sister Flora Parkinson, the ministry’s longest-serving usher in Barbados, for her years of faithful and dedicated service.
Ushers graduate from the Grenada Conference. [Photo: Grenada Conference Communication Department]
Commissioned to Serve
Representatives of the ministry and conference leaders participated in ceremonies across the four territories.
In Grenada, Pastor David Holder joined conference administrators led by Pastor Enoch Isaac in recognizing graduates. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Pastor Shane Franklyn, Sister Debra Felix, and Sister Nadine Johnson participated in the investiture and presentation of certificates. In the South Leeward Conference, Dr. Wayne R. Knowles joined other conference leaders and Sister Avril John in encouraging participants as they accepted their new responsibilities.
During the regional service, Pastor Royston Philbert, communication director of the Caribbean Union Conference, delivered the charge and offered the consecration prayer.
Pastor Philbert challenged participants to view hospitality not as a task but as a ministry, reminding them that every greeting, every act of kindness, and every interaction has the potential to influence someone’s journey to Christ.
Dr. Knowles reminded the graduates that they are often the first and last people visitors encounter during worship services.
“God has called you to this ministry for such a time as this,” Knowles said.
As the Caribbean Union begins its second century of ministry, leaders said the inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Adventist Ushers for Christ Hospitality Ministry. With four new chapters established and additional training cohorts planned, the ministry is expected to strengthen local churches by creating welcoming environments where every visitor can experience the love of Christ and the hope of His soon return.
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