Great leadership calls for great service and those who are privileged enough to lead must be humble enough to serve their country, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said Tuesday night.

“Leadership is all about the people,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

Prime Minister Minnis said he and newly-elected Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President, Bishop Fernander, share a common destiny.

Bishop Delton Fernander, the Senior Pastor at New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, and his team were installed during the service.

“God, in His wisdom, has called both of us for such a time,” the Prime Minister said. “This is indeed a new season, not only for the Christian Council, but for The Bahamas. We are both here because of the grace and mercy of Almighty God. We must both approach our office and duties with humility, focus and an attitude of service. We must both pray for God’s continued wisdom and understanding.

“I congratulate you and your team. I commit not only my support, but you have my pledge to always be open to your spiritual counsel.”

Addressing the Bahamas Christian Council’s Service of Installation held at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street, Prime Minister Minnis said the BCC is important to the wellbeing and development of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas should be thankful we have an organization called the Bahamas Christian Council, filled with spiritually strong leaders who love their God and their country. The Bahamas should not take these gifts for granted,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“I firmly believe that a great part of the national change we all desire will only come when we truly follow Christian values and principles.”

Prime Minister Minnis said Bahamians and The Bahamas have a great deal to be thankful for and should not lose sight of the many gifts God has bestowed on citizens and country alike.

“The bible tells us to give thanks in every circumstance,” Dr. Minnis said. “The people of The Bahamas have a great deal to be thankful for. We should thank God that we live in one of the best countries in the world. We should thank God that even though we face challenges, we are a strong, talented and courageous people. We should thank God for our religious freedoms that allow us to pray and worship without fear of persecution.”

Prime Minister Minnis congratulated Bishop Delton Fernander on his ascension to the presidency of the Christian Council and for Bishop Fernander’s “faithful and exemplary service to your own church” (New Destiny Baptist Cathedral) and his country.

“I give God thanks for your election to the office of President of the Bahamas Christian Council. I wish you and your team God’s favour and grace as you lead this important organization.”

The prime minister also commended outgoing BCC President Dr. Ranford Patterson for his tenure as BCC president.

“Dr. Patterson has been a passionate, outspoken, thoughtful and fearless spiritual leader,” the prime minister said. “(He) and his team have provided sound, biblical guidance for our people on important national issues.”

The Christian Council has established several commissions to investigate “such matters as the council may refer to it or such other matters that fall within its term of reference” for 2017.

These include areas such as theological and bible studies, education and culture, economic development, health and wellness, crime and justice, moral and social matters, family life (the role of men), children, youth and young adults, pastoral education and ethics and women (church women) among others.

The council was constituted to promote understanding and trust between various parts of “Christ’s Church” in The Bahamas at all levels, to further Christ’s mission of service by the joint action of Christians in The Bahamas, and to witness for the Christian community in The Bahamas on matters of social and common concern.

Bishop Fernander’s team will include Archdeacon James Palacious (First Vice-President); Reverend. Dr. Beverley Strachan (Secretary); Pastor Ronald Campbell (Treasurer); Bishop Moses Johnson (Second Vice-President); Bishop Gregory K. Minnis (Third Vice-President); Bishop Gloria D. Ferguson (Fourth Vice-President); Reverend Irene Russell (Radio and Television Coordinator); Pastor Roslyn Astwood (Administrative Assistant to the President) and Bishop Albert Hepburn (Historian).

Apostle Leon Wallace, Reverend Dr. Vaughn Cash, Pastor Mario Moxey, Reverend Ednol Minnis and Dr. Anthony Farrington are the executive officers.