The Tribune

THE Highway Church of God (Bahamas) recently marked a glorious note in its history with the installation of Bishop Lonford L Bethel as its fifth general superintendent.

The service was held at the historic Church of God Temple on Coconut Grove Avenue and Bishop KD Josey Way.

Before witnesses representing every church of the denomination and from every major island, immediate past General Superintendent Bishop Robert A McPhee delivered the charge to Bishop Bethel and presided over his investiture.
Rev Dr Timothy Stewart, pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church, delivered the spoken word, and with his attendance continued the long-standing ecclesiastical relations between Bethel Baptist and ‘the Highway’, as it is fondly known. 
Rev Stewart made it clear that “only God can build the church”, He admonished church leaders to get back to the basics of good Christian leadership, which uses prayer as a foundation for everything.

The newly installed general superintendent in his response to this charge said that “successful leadership starts with a compelling vision that people can believe in”.

He provided an outlook of what his intentions are for the organisation and has drafted a strategic plan with a focus on four key objectives: a focus on expanding and maturing the church; a greater resolve and effort in shaping the lives of our young people the reshaping of financial administration and fiscal responsibility of the organisation, and the development of 21st century leaders, both in New Providence and throughout the Family Islands.

Bishop Bethel is a native of Lisbon Creek in Mangrove Cay, Andros, and the son of the late Livingstone Bethel and Aravilda Bethel. He has served as pastor of the Church of God Temple on Peach Tree Street in Freeport since 1980 and is married to Associate Pastor Judy Bethel. Together, the couple have 10 children.

Bishop Bethel will be assisted by an executive team commissioned on the same occasion. The team includes First Assistant Bishop Winslow Moss, Second Assistant Bishop Rudolph Pinder Sr, General Secretary Bishop Karven Bain, General Treasurer Rev Eric Josey and Assistant General Secretary Rev Dr Ronald Campbell.

The Highway Church of God is a Christian organisation that encompasses churches and organisations throughout the archipelago. It has established relations and fellowships with other denominations and churches in the region. Past general superintendents are the late Bishop John Davis, the late Bishop KD Josey, Bishop Hubert A Pinder and Bishop Robert A McPhee.