The Church of God of Prophecy, Anguilla District, hosted the Center for Biblical Leadership’s second term of the School of Practical and Advanced Studies (SOPAS) from the 9th to 11th November, 2012 at the La Vue Conference Facilities, Back Street, South Hill. Participants at SOPAS II included delegates from neighboring countries of St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and host country Anguilla.This year, there were fifty three English-speaking delegates and fourteen Spanish-speaking delegates, totaling sixty seven.
The Center for Biblical Leadership (CBL) is directed by Bishop Hector Ortiz and supported by a number of qualified and experienced Bishops including Church Historian Bishop Adrian Varlack Sr. who headed the team of instructors from Cleveland, Tennessee. The other instructors were Bishop Mark Menke and Bishop Compton Wharton. The Center for Biblical Leadership exists to provide leadership for today’s and tomorrow’s leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) worldwide in teaching and shepherding the flock (1 Peter 5:2, 3).
As an entity of CBL, the school is structured with four terms conducted in three to four day intensive training and development sessions held in state, regional, and national settings. The first term was held in Nevis November 2011 and the second term here in Anguilla. Classes covered in the second term wereGeneral Principles of Pastoral Leadership Development: Hermeneutics and Homiletics; Ecclesial Identity–COGOP History and Polity II and Theology–Doctrinal Principles of the COGOP II.
In welcoming the delegates, Bishop Michael Greenaway, Regional Overseer for Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Montserrat and Suriname, expressed that he was particularly grateful to all persons who assisted with the preparations for SOPAS; in particular to Pastor Dr. Samuel Daniel, District Overseer of Anguilla and St. Kitts, as well as the Anguillian congregation. He also expressed gratitude to the instructors from Tennessee and the delegates from the region who found it possible to attend in these challenging times. Both Bishop Greenaway and Pastor Daniel encouraged the delegates to enjoy the hospitality that Anguilla is renowned for and noted that this atmosphere was most convenient for learning.
The first two days of the studies were held at La Vue and the third day was held at the local church at West End. A closing ceremony followed with presentation of certificates to all delegates. Both the instructors and a few delegates from the English and Spanish-speaking classes made remarks regarding their involvement. Special thanks were extended to all church and community members who made SOPAS II Anguilla 2012, a success.
– Press Release
