old MINUTES OF THE 61st ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE 61st ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE ASSOCIATED GOSPEL ASSEMBLIES HELD ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2021 ZOOM PLATFORM CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5: 04 pm by the chairman, Rev. Leslie Asante (Grace and Marlborough). Devotional Exercise Season of Prayer Rev. Leslie Asante (Grace and Marlborough) requested that prayers be offered. Prayers were offered by Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways), Bro Clarence Daley (Grace Christian Fellowship) and Rev. Tombari Tee (Sharon). The hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” was then sung. Exhortation Elder Owen Ferguson (Hope) gave the exhortation. He began by reflecting on the pioneers of the past and present. He acknowledged their faithfulness and dedication and being the surgeons of the word. He implored Council to guard the foundation dearly as it is rich in teaching of the word. Elder Ferguson spoke from the theme “Carrying the Torch over the past Century” and encouraged Council to faithfully carry the mandate for another 100 years. He highlighted four things that would help in the carrying on of the mandate for another 100 years. They were as follows: Justice: Elder Ferguson quoted from Micah 6:8 “he has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. Elder Ferguson said the idea of “justly” brings about the issue of justice. He said James 2: 1-4 gives an example, one we can all bear witness to and one we should guard against. It says “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” Loving Mercy: He said a person who was truly merciful as God, was quick and willing to forgive. Unforgiveness, he continued, can be like a thorn in the flesh that limits spiritual growth, specifically in relationships and affect a body of believers almost in a way similar to Achan’s sin. Humility: Elder Ferguson said, it was critical for God to do things in our lives and he can only do so when we exercise humility. He encouraged council to embrace humility. Pure Religion: He encouraged council to practise pure religion. The mandate of our church could be weighed by the treatment of our widows, shut-ins, and vulnerable people. Elder Ferguson said as we tend to the vulnerable population, James was saying that we were practising pure religion and this was what God desires. In conclusion, he said, “as individual churches, let us ensure that we do not major on the minors as the Pharisees did. We are a part of one body and each one has to play its part in ensuring this organization

moves forward. Therefore, embrace justice, mercy and humility. Shine brighter as the threat of darkness intensifies”. BUSINESS SESSION 1 Welcome Rev. Anthony White gave the welcome. Establishment of Council Bar Rev. Leslie Asante established the Council Bar by separating the delegates from the observers. A roll call was taken. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted after the following items were added:  Rescinding of the rule that a pastor cannot come from within the local church  An alternative to succession planning and delegation where it comes through President, vice president of the AGA.  Retirement of pastor  Offering collection at Convention on Ash Wednesday  Church Planting in Jamaica  Missions and Evangelism The adoption of the agenda was on a motion moved by Rev. Kevin Llewellyn (Emmanuel) and seconded by Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways). CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES The minutes were taken as read. The following corrections were made:  Dunrobin Prep, “they started a simple possession action” should be changed to “AGA had started a legal action to repossess the property”.  Under Financial report, change “there was also a lack of growth in churches” to read “there was also a lack of financial growth in churches”. The minutes were then confirmed on a motion moved by Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary) and seconded by Rev. Kevin Llewellyn (Emmanuel) APOLOGIES No apologies were tendered. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Highlights from this report were read by Rev. Anthony White, after which questions were taken from the floor. Elder John Campbell (Hebron) asked if the problem was with elder and pastor disunity or was it elders and pastors. Rev. White said elders and pastors in dealing with more than one churches. Deacon Paul Bender (Lyndhurst) asked Rev. Anthony White if he would be able to say whether Pastor Shane O’Connor would still be in ministry or future plans? Rev. White said when they had spoken, he did not get the impression that he was leaving to go to another church and that Pastor O’Connor still had some attachment to the AGA.

Bro. Ray Stennett (Grace Christian Fellowship) said he had thought that the AGA USA was in place, so he was surprised to hear they were being formed now. Rev. White said in 2019, they had had a special delegation trip to the United States to have a weekend to sit with all the churches and have the discussions and to get some clarity. One of the things that came out of that meeting was to bring that AGA USA unity into realization. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved by Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary) and seconded by Elder Stephen Francis (Rehoboth). SECRETARY’S REPORT Highlights from this report were read by Sis Fiona Wheatle. Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary) mentioned a correction. He said they did not have a meeting in the month of March due to circumstances and Sis Fiona Wheatle was not a board member at the time. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved by Deacon Desmond McKenzie (Olivet) and seconded by Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary). FINANCE REPORT The Treasurer, Elder Barrington Hibbert, gave the highlights of this report. Elder John Campbell (Hebron) said thanks on behalf of the recipients of the care packages. It had made a great impact on the environment in which the church exists. He said he also liked the criteria used in the distribution process. Elder David Hall commended the treasurer and Sis Rose Marie Robinson for keeping our treasury intact. He pointed out the matter of financial governance and the overall way each church manages its financial affairs and accounted for the receipts and donations. He asked if there were any thoughts as to how to move forward with the financial governance of the AGA. Elder Hibbert responded stating that Sis Sharon McCarthy and himself had spoken in relations to visiting a number of our churches after General Council, as it related to good financial governance. The financial committee would meet to discuss a way to move forward. Rev. Peter Garth said churches needed to notify the office when lodgments were made by taking and sending a picture of the receipt. Deacon Paul Bender (Lyndhurst) asked about the compliance rate of the twenty-five churches, and if it indicated an increase in the compliance rate. Elder Barrington Hibbert said he did indicate that there were fifteen churches that had increased their income. A significant number of small churches were compliant, and the churches had been improving. Bro. Clarence Daley (Grace Christian Fellowship) said when money is sent to Jamaica, it would not match the receipts because of the exchange rate and fees that were withdrawn. He asked what was required from the churches in sending money, for example the total offering for the month and the 10%. Elder Hibbert said something had been worked out as it related to the overseas churches and the ten percent (10%). He said it was a work in progress in regard to the cheapest way.

Rev. Anthony White said all churches were expected to give a ten percent (10%) from gross and that was the policy in place. Rev. Owen Desgouttes said there was a statistical sheet that was sent to all churches at the end of the year that asked for the full income and the overall ten percent (10%). That was submitted to the head office. Rev. Peter Garth said the compliance rate was higher this year (2020). Historically, he continued, the churches in the USA sent gifts and had never given gross/ nets or ten percent (10%). The churches in the UK actually gave to the central fund a tithe, but after a while they had stopped. It was a very complex matter in getting money to Jamaica without spending money. He added that money laundering was rampant, and churches were targeted. Furthermore, the government was going to audit churches and para-church organizations. Overseas churches would also be targeted so all books should be up to date. Rev. Owen Desgouttes (Duhaney Park) apologized for Lillyfield and said that they were working to set up a system to try to ensure they captured the data to submit funds. Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways) said they were rearranging their board and submitting their ten percent (10%). The outstanding monies would be paid. Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) asked if an account could be set up in the USA where the churches could lodge their tithes. Elder Carlton Francis asked that this matter be discussed off air. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved Rev Owen Desgouttes (Duhaney Park) and seconded by Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary). CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The overview of the Christian Education Department was read by Rev. Leslie Nembhard. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved Rev Kevin Llewellyn (Emmanuel) and seconded by Deacon Desmond McKenzie (Olivet). Break was taken at 7:50 pm and resumed at 8pm. MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM Missions and Evangelism Director, Rev. Ransford Smikle, read this report. Elder Ainsley Bennett (Light of Life) pointed out that the name on the report should be changed to Rev. Ransford Smikle. Deacon Paul Bender (Lyndhurst) asked for the status of Missionary Doris Fraser. Rev. Anthony White said in terms of Sis Doris’ wellbeing nothing much had changed. She was still doing chemotherapy. The Jamaica Theological Seminary alumni had started a “Go Fund Me” to help in whatever way they could.

Deacon Bender (Lyndhurst) asked a follow up question about AGA’s role in Sis Doris missionary effort, for example finance etc. Rev. White said Sis Fraser’s missionary venture was not an AGA commissioned effort, rather it was based on her own personal conviction. As a local church, Rehoboth had committed to helping her on her first missionary trip to give her a certain amount of financial support on a monthly basis. The AGA Missions and Evangelism department did give support and when she returned, that ended. Subsequent to her being ill and coming off the mission field, as a local church they have had members and the local churches meeting and giving her support financially. Rev. Ransford Smikle said one of the challenges they were having in the Missions and Evangelism department was that they did not have any funds at all and he was wondering if there could be a central fund that all the local churches could put something in it, that when the situation arose they would be able to reach out to those in need and help to build up the local church. He was therefore, asking Council that funding from the local church’s missionary service each month be given towards a central fund to help the weaker churches in Missions and Evangelism. Elder Ainsley Bennett (Light of Life) said there was a commitment from the Executive to undertake things related to the Missions and Evangelism program. He therefore asked Rev. Smikle to speak with the Executive Board. Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways) asked if Rev. Smikle had a team for Missions and Evangelism. Rev. Smikle said not as yet, but he was planning on having one. He added his first step was to create material that persons could use in the local church. Rev Courtney Lyn said it was a big negative sign when there was no fund for Missions and Evangelism. It is critical to have funds for Missions and Evangelism. Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) said he was disappointed in the report because the reason the report pointed to as to not being able to do anything was the very reason why many things could have been done. He said we could have had a virtual crusade, or individual churches could have been encouraged to do something in evangelism. Rev. Smikle asked how effective was the virtual crusade and the rate of success. Rev. Reid said that it was more about planting a seed and if one was reached then a difference was made. Rev. Smikle pointed out that his focus was on having proper material to help persons and to develop local churches. Elder Joseph McCarthy (Spring Village) said most churches should have a M&E committee. Elder Joseph McCarthy (Spring Village) said most churches should have a M&E committee. Dr. Carlton Dennis (Bethel) said that the matter for M&E should be tabled for the following day so proper discussions could be had. This was supported by Dr. the Rev Peter Garth who said that Rev. Smikle had a plan. Deacon Paul Bender (Lyndhurst) said a resolution had been raised at Council where each church would contribute $500 per month towards M&E efforts which would see money to fund it.

Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways) suggested that any help given to any member should be done through the AGA’s Executive. The motion for acceptance of the report was moved by Elder Joseph McCarthy (Spring Village) and seconded by Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways). PASTORAL CONCERN REPORT Sis Sharon McCarthy read this report. The motion for acceptance of the report was moved by Sis Fiona Wheatle (Portmore) and seconded by Rev. Kevin South (Spring Village). GENERAL EDUCATION REPORT Highlights from this report were read by Elder Carlton Francis. Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways) said if we want to see a change in the country and behaviour of youngster we must spend money and time on the basic school. Deacon Paul Bender (Lyndhurst) said what he understood about the basic school was that the government paid two teachers in the basic school and the other teachers were paid from fees paid. Deacon Bender asked if the AGA had reached out to the teachers in our schools who have been disenfranchised by the Covid-19 virus. Elder Carton Francis said when he had had the meeting with the principals and board chairs, that matter had come up and he has had conversations with schools that have had severe challenges. He highlighted that one of the challenges was that the teachers were making an effort, but the parents were not paying, so this continued to put the burden on the schools, especially those sponsored by the church. Rev. Kevin South (Spring Village) said that the report seemed to lack specific references to the schools that were experiencing the challenges. Elder Francis said he had deliberately chosen to use a different tack in delivering the report. Each school was to submit reports in a particular format; unfortunately, not all complied. A motion was moved for the extension of time to 9:30 pm by Rev. Conrad Reid and seconded by Elder David Hall. Elder Roy Johnson (Portmore) commended Elder Francis for the report. He asked how many schools in the AGA had started face-to-face teaching and how many were finalizing to start. Elder Francis said that as of November 2020 there was one primary school. He was not sure how many had started since but would find out and report. Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) and Elder Michael Scott (Duhaney Park) said both Portmore Gospel Assembly Prep School and Herrick Basic had started. Dr. Carlton Dennis (Bethel) sought to clarify Deacon Bender’s point on the subsidy given to basic schools. He explained the difficult of recovering the subsidy; parents did not want to pay fees although teaching had taken place. Additionally, the infant departments of primary schools did not charge fees so parents preferred to send their children to those schools. Furthermore, only trained teachers were paid by the Ministry of Education. Elder Carlton Francis then

encouraged churches with basic schools to strengthen their governance and added that he was seeing resources to assist the schools. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved Rev Courtney Lyn (Treadways) and seconded by Elder Owen Ferguson (Hope). PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER The report was read by Elder David Hall. Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) asked about the church signs. Elder Hall said more information would be given soon. The acceptance of this report was on a motion moved by Deacon Desmond McKenzie (Olivet) and seconded by Elder Stephen Francis (Rehoboth). PROPERTIES, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT Elder John Campbell (Hebron) gave the highlights of this report. Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) asked for clarity concerning the $ 2 million figure in the report. Elder Campbell said that was the tax value that the government would put on the property and he was tabling the report as read. Elder Roy Johnson (Portmore) asked if he had reached any completion stage with any of the titles so the lands could be sold. This matter was tabled for continued discussion the following day, February 6, 2021 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 pm on a motion moved by Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary) and seconded by Rev. Steve Palmer (Roundwood). Rev. Carlton Dennis closed in prayer. Submitted by: Sis Phiona South and Sis Junette Grandison Recording Secretaries Total Delegates: Eighty- Seven (87) Total Observers: Seventeen (17) Total Churches Represented: Twenty- four (24)

MINUTES OF THE 61st GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE ASSOCIATED GOSPEL ASSEMBLIES HELD ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2021 ZOOM PLATFORM CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Rev. Leslie Nembhard, at approximately 8:30 am. The hymn “To God be the Glory” was then sung. DEVOTIONAL EXERCISE Exhortation The exhortation was given by Rev. Daniel White (Bethesda). He spoke from the theme “Still Shining;” and shared from Matthew 5: 14-16. He said he would be looking at three sets of words used in the passage.  The declaration – Jesus declared to us that we were the light of the world. He said, he who declared it, is the light of the world.  Demonstration – it was expected that as Jesus declared to us that we were the light of the world, that, we should demonstrate this light so the world would see the light and come to him. He said that there may be some obstacles and listed one potential obstacle which was: o If the light was not on a hill, it may be hidden down in the valley. Our forefathers had shined and even now, we are still shining. We must continue to shine the light of Christ as was demonstrated by our saviour.  Deliverance – Those who saw the light were delivered. They would be affected by the light that was not hidden. By the light darkness was expelled.  This light will never fade- as long as we live this life in righteousness and truth, this light will never fade.  This light would never fail- it would never fail from shining  His light will not finish- The next generation would continue and look forward to another 100 years. In conclusion, he said we were to continue demonstrating this light that those in sin would be delivered. He said there would be no failing of this light, it would not go dim and would not finish after we were gone to glory. We were given a mantle that our light would so shine and they may see the light and glorify God. Season of Prayer: Rev. Leslie Nembhard (Denbigh) requested Pastor Steve Palmer (Roundwood), Sis Erica Haughton (Grace) and Rev. Floyd John Keith (Exchange) to pray. BUSINESS SESSION 1 Welcome The chairman, Rev. Leslie Nembhard welcomed everyone to the second day of Council meeting.

Establishment of the Council Bar Rev. Leslie Nembhard established the Council Bar by ensuring that the correct procedure for registration was done delineating the delegates from observers. Apologies There were no apologies. CONTINUATION OF REPORTS PROPERTIES, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT Elder John Campbell continued his report. He made reference to the items below which would explain his report:  Elder Roy Johnson (Portmore) asked about preparing lands for sale or income earning,  Rev. Conrad Reid (Portmore) asked how was it that about five lots of land in a prime area had such a small value. Elder Campbell said from the report, the land that Rehoboth and three schools were situated on from Red Hills Road to Constant Spring Road, only valued 22 million according to his records. However, he had seen a record where it valued about 400 million. Therefore, the data that was presented here, was very conservative and it had to do with the tax roll value. For the church lands in the AGA, government had not done anything to the evaluation from in the 90s. The report had some headings and the first had to do with sequential numbering, second was property, the land valuation number was there so persons could go on the website – NLA land site and find out anything about land taxes. The next heading, he said, dealt with title, land tax status, and value of the land. Regarding Elder Roy Johnson’s question, there were only four lots or parcels of land that were for sale: 1. Swansea or Jericho in St. Catherine- land had a buyer and was valued by AGA for six million dollars, the agreed price was 11 million. For the status of the land, the Executive was asked to inform Council. 2. Chudleigh in Manchester- for sale for nearly fifteen to twenty years, but late 2020, they discovered that the size of the land was not what we said it was. It was far bigger and was valued for 5.5 million by the AGA and now the land tax value was far less. There were two buyers, and the Executive board was asked to provide an update. 3. Belvedere had two small lots. The government only valued it for one million but no land in this area sold for less than 7 million. This property had been up for lease for three to four years now. The Executive board was asked to provide an update. 4. Bowers Land (Old Harbour) – someone was squatting on it and wanted to claim it. The AGA got a half of it. There were still some problems as the titles were in the AGA’s name, but half was to go to Dr. Farquharson. We were in the process of getting his name on the title because there was a subdivision plan. Even though the report had a conservative figure of 6.5Billion dollars worth of land, the lands were not up for sale. For instance, was Duhaney Park Gospel Assembly and Edith Dalton James High School was almost more than 7 acres in a prime area. That land was fully utilized and not for sale. Elder Campbell stated that there were three problems in the report that every church could identify with and there was no other method to solve them than for each church look on its report and see its problem. Problems included: 1. Church land not in AGA’s name

2. Taxes for the churches were being paid in someone’s name 3. Lands were in Albert Karram’s name Elder John Campbell said his tenure was finished and he had cleared the way so a committee could take over to handle land matters. Questions from the Floor 1. Rev. Denzel Vaughn (Faith Gospel Church) asked if there was some way that we could retain the services of Elder Campbell on the lands committee. Rev. Anthony White said that Elder Campbell said he had handed in his resignation due to a resolution passed last Council, which he (Anthony White) assumed made Elder Campbell’s function redundant. He said that it was unfortunate that that conclusion was established because when Council had passed the resolution to have a specialist committee to deal with some of the matters, it was for the specialized committee to work along with the land and building committee that Elder Campbell was the chairman for and it was not expected that Elder Campbell would have perceived that he was no longer required and as such would have sent in his resignation. He added that there could certainly be discussions with Elder Campbell outside of Council to have some clarity of understanding and possibly a retraction of his resignation. Elder Carlton Francis (Calvary) said the new action group would report to General Council via the committee that Elder Campbell was the head of. 2. Bro. Dean Forbes (Calvary) said it might be a good idea to recirculate the report of three years ago which Elder Campbell had referenced in order to get the churches’ renewed interest. 3. Elder Patrick Aiken said that in relation to the committee, they only made proposals. The decision came from the Executive or individual churches to move forward. With regard to the value of the property, the government’s value was the unimproved value of the land as it did not take into consideration the value of the building and how the land was being used. 4. Rev. Courtney Lyn asked about the update for the three pieces of land up for sale. Rev. Peter Garth said they had discovered that there was an error. Concerning Chudleigh, the AGA needed to file and apply for them to make the change. There was a buyer, paying cash and Rev. Garth said they had put on a little from what was there because they had assumed the price had gone up. There was no settlement of the price, but he, the buyer, wanted the AGA to give him the price for it. On the matter of Red Hills, Elder John Campbell would have to speak to that one. The Swansea property had been visited and there was another set of persons there; additionally, there was something that needed to be done before the land was sold. Elder Campbell said Major Aiken had informed the committee that because the caveat was so old, maybe 50 or more years, it was easy to remove and may not be a long process. The original owner had given the land for church purposes. The Belvedere land had been in the process for more than three years. They had got a team of lawyers free of cost to do the lease agreement and it had been submitted to the Office. It was in the Executive Board’s court. 5. Rev. Owen Desgouttes asked about the way forward to get the process completed. Rev Garth said that through lawyer Shirley Richards, there should be an indenture coming from Jeremy Karram, Stanley’s son, to start the process and they were awaiting the response. It was being processed and because it was in Albert Karram’s name they may

need to apply for a waiver. The good thing was that the value they had on it was not current value with the taxes. Spring Village’s land was being worked on. Major Aiken said the portion that was allocated to the church was safe but the section with the school was encroaching on the other property. 6. Elder Carlton Francis said that action committee was formed about June 2020 with a number of persons which included an attorney, a real estate agent, tax office representative etc. He had had several discussions with the group. As it transpired, the Executive Board had to deal with the issue of the land re the Credit Union for which a special Council meeting was called. Going forward the matters that Major Aiken and Elder Campbell had highlighted would be looked into while working in tandem with Elder Campbell and Major Aiken. 7. Elder Owen Desgouttes asked specifically if the land at Spring Village being used for a burying spot would pose a difficulty for AGA to get the land or not. Major Aiken said the encroachment on the side of the neighbours was the issue, not the burying ground. 8. Elder David Hall said they needed to get some clear dates and what the expectation was. The challenge was in getting some clarity and timeline from the lawyers so they could plan effectively. Rev. Garth said when it came to certain things a lawyer could only give a ballpark figure in terms of timelines as when dealing with certain things it was difficult to come up with a timeline. Major Aiken said the titles office took up to fifteen days to do a transfer. What was really holding up the process was the permission to transfer the lands from Albert Karram to the AGA. 9. Rev. Earl Wright asked what was the first step to be taken when one could not find any document for land. Rev. Garth said if one could not find documents one could get copies and get a title and that there was the need to investigate. 10. Rev. Kevin South said that the piece of land at Spring Village that had on the burial spot and the school was safer than the piece that had on the church, which was the one with the challenge. The conclusion from the discussion with lawyer Shirley Richards and Major Aiken was that when the land had been given to Henry White, the owner, when surveying the rest of the land, had not included the piece the church was on. They were seeking to get an identity and also move to get the titles for both pieces of land. Major Aiken said the land evaluation number that was given was incorrect and was corrected from the land agency’s side and the new evaluation number had been given to Ms. Shirley Richards. 11. Dr. Carlton Dennis said he hoped from the discussion Council could have an appreciation for the difficulties that were involved and that many things could not be rushed. 12. Elder Campbell said Carmel had all the problems. There was nothing on Carmel and advise Pastor Wright to come into the office to have the matters discussed. The motion for acceptance of the report was moved by Rev. Courtney Lyn (Treadways) and seconded by Desmond McKenzie (Olivet). MATTERS FOR ATTENTION Quarterly / Monthly Report Rev. Anthony White encouraged the Pastors to be reminded to do the report and submit to the Director of Pastoral Concerns, Mrs. Sharon McCarthy. Rev. Leslie Nembhard asked if there was a form and did all Pastors have access to it. Rev. Anthony White said that there was a form

and if a Pastor wanted to submit more than on then there would be no hindrance. Elder Roy Johnson (Portmore) asked if the pastor could submit the form independent of anyone from the local church signing it. Rev. Anthony White said the form had a slot for the Board Chairman to sign. Criteria for Membership Rev. Anthony White said each local church had their own methodology. He asked, if some national material could be created and made available for all churches and on our website so persons could access it? Rev. Leslie Nembhard asked if Council would be the body to appoint the committee. Rev. Peter Garth said the Executive Board should appoint that committee. He said when the committee meets, they should set the minimum guidelines, other churches may have some other things that they would not be against. Elder John Campbell suggested the AGA Executive Board create the criteria for the entire AGA. Rev. Kevin Llewellyn said it had been left in the Executive Board’s charge to get done so the board should have provided some feedback. Elder Carlton Francis suggest that we revisit section 4.8 in the Constitution with Bylaws and Procedures which spoke to membership. Elder John Campbell said the issue was how to maintain membership. Dr. Carlton Dennis said that every year the list should be cleaned and updated. Pastor’s Appreciation Month Mrs. Sharon McCarthy reminded the churches that in the month of October, each local church should plan something nice to express some appreciation to the pastor and wife for the service they give. PR Matters: 100 Anniversary Elder David Hall said there would be:  A national call to prayer. The president would be doing that and would start the week before Easter.  Shirts for 100th anniversary  Identify 100 leaders: male and female  Meeting and looking at planning and governance  Webinars 2021  Homecoming Weekend: Guest Lecture, Banquet and Church service  Magazine  100 Years and Still giving Praise  Signs and proposed cost  Love in Action II  Create a database of skilled persons/ small business  Letterhead (standard)  Website, Instagram and Facebook Accounts  Capture emails to send information to our membership. Rev. Conrad Reid asked if the webinars could be repackaged and sent out. Pastor Girvan Wright suggested a check be done in the zoom cloud or on the hard drive to locate recordings.

Rev. Leslie Asante, Rev. Dr. Owen Desgouttes and Rev. Leslie Nembhard commended the work done by Elder Hall. Elections The Nominations Committee’s chairman, Elder Carlton Francis, chaired this session of the meeting. He stated that he was reporting on behalf of the nominations committee comprising Elder David Hall, Rev. Courtney Lyn, Elder Joseph McCarthy and Rev. Kevin South. He added that the constitution clearly stipulates that voting at council was by secret ballot. This year we were not meeting in one room, and therefore, in order for us not to be able to disobey the constitution, he would like to propose a resolution that the voting can take place and it doesn’t disobey what the constitution stipulates. Elder Carlton Francis read from a proposed resolution. It read as follow: Whereas the Constitution of the Associated Gospel Assemblies stipulates that voting in elections in General Council should be via secret ballot. Whereas General Council 2021 is being held in a virtual format due to the Covid- 19 epidemic, And whereas Council seeks to uphold the dictates and tenets of the Constitution Be it resolved that this General Council hereby gives approval for elections at this 2021 meeting to be held via virtual format. Elder McCarthy asked Elder Silvera to clarify if the use of the zoom platform meant that we would have a deviation from the requirements of the constitution for this exercise to be private. Elder Silver said Zoom had the option to do poll and if that option was used it would give each person a chance to vote privately and produce the results at the end. Dr. Carlton Dennis said it would seem to be that there would be no need for a resolution. What the constitution was trying to ensure was that the vote was private and that, based on what had been explained to us by the poll, it could fit the constitution. Elder Carlton Francis said that the resolution was now null and void seeing that the zoom poll provided for privacy. Sis Fiona Wheatle explained the process of voting using the poll on the Zoom platform and a test run was done for Council to familiarize themselves with the poll. President Elect Elder Carlton Francis mentioned that in 2018, Council had passed a resolution which would come into effect in 2021 General Council, for someone to assume the position of President Elect. Therefore, when Rev. Anthony White demitted office, a year from February 6, 2021, based on the voting, whoever was elected would step into position of the presidency. Based on the criteria established in the resolution in 2018, there were two persons who had put

themselves forward for nomination to the position of President Elect – the Rev. Owen Desgouttes, Pastor of Duhaney Park Gospel Assembly and Rev. Nigel Lewis, Pastor of Elim and Galilee Gospel Assemblies. Dr. Carlton Dennis acknowledged the new era and requested that a profile be put forward for each person to Council. Elder Carlton Francis apologized for not having their profiles and stated that one of the criteria established by the resolution, for one to go up to the higher office of the President of the denomination that person would have to have served at least four years on the Executive Board; these two individuals qualified. Each person was asked to give a profile of himself. Elder Barrington Hibbert asked if the current president could be reelected to serve. Elder Carlton Francis said that when Council met in 2018 the decision was taken that going forward, there would be a president serving a three-year term instead of a two-year term. At the end of a three-year term, that president would step away, take a break for the next three years and then could come back. Therefore, the incumbent could not return for a second term. After a lengthy discussion, the following points were made 1. The nominations committee enquired if Rev. Peter Garth would be willing to serve and received a negative response. Rev. Leslie Asante was serving his first term in office and therefore he would not be eligible for the position. 2. Younger persons needed to be trained to manage the Association for the Association to grow. 3. Rev. Owen Desgouttes and Rev. Nigel Lewis were commended for availing themselves. Elder Carlton Francis announced that there were vacancies on the Executive Board namely: 1st Vice President, Director of Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and President Elect. He reminded Council that it had the power to nominate persons. The floor was opened for nominations. President Elect – Elder Barrington Hibbert nominated Rev. Kevin Llewellyn; he declined. Philmore Turnbull nominated Rev. Owen Desgouttes; seconded by Rev. Kevin Llewellyn. Kemar Hayden nominated Rev. Nigel Lewis; seconded by Deacon Paul Bender. Rev Ransford Smikle nominated Rev. Leslie Nembhard; seconded by Rev. Owen Desgouttes Voting was then carried out for the position of 1st Vice President. Rev. Peter Garth received seventy-one (71) votes and was confirmed as 1st Vice President. Elder David Hall was confirmed as Director of Public Relations after receiving seventy-five (75) votes and. Council was asked to ratify the Executive Board’s nominees for the Secretary and Treasurer. After votes were carried out, Sis Fiona Wheatle received seventy-six votes and was confirmed as the Executive Board’s Secretary. Elder Barrington Hibbert received seventy-six votes and was confirmed as the Executive Board’s Treasurer. For the position of President Elect, Rev. Owen Desgouttes received fifty-two (52) votes and was confirmed as President Elect. Rev. Leslie Nembhard was confirmed as Christian Education Director after receiving sixty-eight (68) votes. These results were shared by Elder Carlton Francis at the start of the afternoon session.

At 12:50 pm Bro. Brian Findlay (NYE president) said grace for lunch. Council resumed at 1:35pm and Rev. Leslie Nembhard, the chairman, prayed. The term, president elect, was clarified upon a request, explaining that the president elect would serve on the Executive Board in that capacity then become the president when Rev. Anthony White’s tenure had ended the following year. After serving for two years, another president elect would be selected. The chair then congratulated persons on their positions. AGA RELATIONSHIP WITH AGA AFFILIATED USA CHURCHES Rev. Anthony White said that as was stated in the report, the matter concerning the AGA-USA structure was still incomplete. Nothing much had changed from last year because we had gone straight into the pandemic, but discussions would continue into 2021. Rev. Denzel Vaughn commended the chairman, Rev. Leslie Nembhard, on the way he had conducted Council. He also endorsed the statement that the president had made and added that they were still working on it. On February 4, 2021, there was a meeting to investigate the angle of proceeding with incorporation. He pointed out a uniqueness about the situation in that they had all started as Associated Gospel Assembly churches but when Faith went to register as a religious corporation, they were told no such religious body existed, so they had to include Baptist church in it and so the legal name was Faith Gospel Assembly Baptist Church. One good thing about incorporating, was that they had introduced the AGA as a religious body and so other churches could come under that label. As it was, the scope of function of the AGA- USA had enlarged from coordinating four churches into developing as a role of representation of the Associated Gospel Assemblies in the United States. Rev. Vaughn added that transferring property from their churches incurred much legal and financial costs and as a result, he had always been adamant that the AGA seek 501C3 status in the United States citing that if, for example, Faith went out of business as a church then the asset of Faith would have to be given to another 501C3 corporation; if not, a judge would decide what should happen to its assets. He said they were pursuing with the AGA-USA relationship and asked for prayers and support. Rev. Damion Barrett gave a synopsis of the AGA USA situation. He said the process had begun in 1995 when a draft document had been created and spoke of the varied obstacles and the opportunity for them to be a unified AGA-USA and stated that there was a way for this to be done. Bro. Clarence Daley confirmed what Rev. Vaughn had said about the 501C3 and that the earlier this was done, the better it would be for the AGA. He added that if the AGA in Jamaica had a 501C3 status, they could be beneficiaries of the AGA-USA. Rev. Peter Garth requested that Brother Clarence Daley and Rev Vaughn ask lawyers in their churches to check on the 501C3 in recent times. He said he had spoken to several bishops here in Jamaica who had gone overseas and had started churches, of which they had full control, but now in 2020-2021 this was unavailable. He gave the example of Youth for Christ where the director could not get it, and so had to use that of Youth for Christ International. He said they needed to check on it.

Bro. Clarence Daley said it was a very difficult process but if certain criteria were met, it could be had. He offered to find out the process for a foreign country to own a 501C3 form in the US. Pastor Damion Barret said it may not be so difficult; rather there needed to be an amendment to the 501C3 and having it filed stating that the USA AGA churches’ assets would be subsumed in the Jamaican AGA churches. Additionally, the Jamaican AGA churches should have documentation showing that they had legal status over the USA AGA churches. Elder David Hall said he was heartened that three of the five USA churches were represented in the Council meeting. He implored that the action plan that had come out of the meeting and agreed upon be used to move forward rather than to start over. Bro. Ray Stennett (Grace Christian Fellowship) said the 501C3 was not all that difficult. And that the Jamaican AGA needed to start a charitable organization in Florida, for example, and set it up. After being incorporated, filing with the IRS, and getting a tax ID, then a 1023 for the tax-exempt status should be done. He added that the cost was $600.00 and that although the procedure was lengthy, it was beneficial. Rev. Denzil Vaughn advised getting professional and legal advice and not act in an ad hoc manner. He also suggested the AGA having an international charitable organization in order to receive property and tax deductions from the US. He noted that prevalence of money laundering acted against Jamaica and that we should return to the 2018 action plan. He further advised us to get a lawyer who operated in Jamaica and the US and added that based on current laws, even charitable organizations would have difficulty passing property outside of the country. The president then suggested a continuation of the discussion outside of the meeting. Rev. Peter Garth suggested that things were not as simple as they seemed and asked that the date on the website be checked. He also suggested getting information from lawyers in the US as there was a block that prevented things going forward, for example, Go Fund Me accounts could not be set up from Jamaica. Pastor’s Evaluation Rev. Anthony White said last year should have been an evaluation year but due to the Covid- 19 pandemic it was not possible. It would be looked at in 2021. Pastor’s Accountability Development Plan Rev. Anthony White said he was not so cognizant of the plan or anything new. Elder David Hall said it would form a part of the governance issue and future development and there would be a retreat to deal with these issues and get back to council. Policies and Procedures Elder David Hall said one of the gaps they had recognized was that when things were raised at Council that might impact our policies and procedure, there was not a seamless way to capture those issues and reflect them in an updated policies and procedures document. Rev. Carlton Dennis said there was a process, the Secretary of the Board usually note all the things said in General Council and bring it back to the Executive Board. He said there should be a policy that there was also a time factor in which the policy could be revised. Rev. Kevin South said Council was evolving and new persons were representing churches, therefore, he was asking that something be said about the power of Council.

Director of Disaster Management resolution Elder Carlton Francis that this was a position that had been noted for a couple of years and a resolution should have been brought to Council. The resolution was not ready. However, what is being proposed was that for the denomination, they create the job description who would be able to coordinate the response of the denomination whenever we have disasters affecting our country or particular part of the country. Convention Offering 1. Churches were instructed to collect the offering and then send over the funds to the central fund. 2. Convention would be virtual Church Planting and Missions and Evangelism Bro. Clarence Daley (Grace Christian Fellowship) asked where the church was in terms of church growth and made reference to the AGA’s Constitution and the late Pastor Henry White’s passion for church planting. He questioned the lack of churches in the Cornwall – St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover etc. He viewed the Executive Board as lacking that passion to spread the churches in the Association across the country. He also wanted to know how Rev. Desgouttes would push growth. Rev. Anthony White said that he understood the sentiments expressed and saw the potential but at the same time certain things would have to be in place, that this could be looked at and that the opportunity for church growth still there, but infrastructure had to be in place. He added that the Association needed a policy on builds and how they could be modernized etc. and look logistically at how the areas mentioned could be reached. Elder Tucker said he had to speak in the context of Pastor Henry White’s method of planting churches and leaving elders in charge as this contributed to the stability of the churches. He added that while he had bought in to the passion expressed, we needed to go about it in a strategic manner so we could build a work that could support itself. Rev Garth said he agreed with Elder Tucker and referred to the growth, commended the churches for what they had done and also commended the founding fathers. He noted that the Kingston churches had been placed strategically placed by them and added that more could have been done to assist the smaller churches. He further noted that we needed to consolidate what was there before we took on other places. He suggested that the Board should have a retreat for planning. Rev. Owen Desgouttes said the passion for souls needed to be in the local churches so members of the community could be impacted. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our members as the fuel to evangelize was crucial to the growth of our churches. Secondly, it was important to encourage our members that evangelism should be a lifestyle and to take every opportunity to spread the gospel. This he believed would be very effective. Rev. Courtney Lyn said there seemed to be a disconnect sometimes between the Executive and rural churches. He said there were things that took money and attracted a cost to do the work. He added that there were six parishes without AGA churches and that despite the situation, there may be persons who were inspired by the Lord to establish churches where they were called. He encouraged them to do so.

Rev. Ransford Smikle said crusade was just an arm to church growth and it was not really working out in current times. He listed the following: 1. Sustainable growth was growing the church from inside out not outside in. 2. It means you have to develop the people and allow them to know they were a part of church growth. He added that the first means of church growth is prayer. 3. The church must have a good testimony in which it serves. 4. There needed to be a connection point within the churches. 5. The membership should be built up, equipped, and sent out. Deacon Paul Bender said if we started small and established missionaries in those parishes then we could begin the work there. The question was would the AGA establish and support missionaries and whether we were willing to establish and support evangelists. That could be a strategy to look at. Start small and grow. Bro. Clarence Daley asked when was a good time to start church growth, which season. He added there was no right season so we should first have passion and pray to God and God would open doors for the work. Elder Barrington Hibbert said money was important to evangelism but there were many variables that were important to consider. He noted that some churches were not interested in growth and were lukewarm to M&E. however, if a programme was in place and help was requested, the AGA would assist but would not run the programme. Pastor Steve Palmer said there was no price that could be put on a soul. He added that the AGA had much assets in terms of land that we stood to lose yet there were rural churches with poor infrastructure. He noted that the big brother must help the little brother to equip our people and that we needed to follow Jesus’ pattern of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. He ended by asking what would we do. Dr. Carlton Dennis agreed with Rev. Smikle and said that although it seemed like the AGA had a lot of money, there were lands that one could not put churches on because of covenants in Jamaica. He added that the bible has said that the task of the pastor and leaders of the church was to equip the people for the work of ministry. No matter the programme put on, if persons were no being led by the Spirit of God, and had no passion for souls, souls would not be saved. How we prepared our people so as they go, they share their story with other people was important. Every single person must be involved in sharing the gospel. After a lengthy discussion the following points were made: 1. Equip the membership to be disciples 2. Work along the Missions and Evangelism department 3. Bro. Horace Maxwell said there needed to be a budget for missions. ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO THE AGENDA Rescinding of the rule that a Pastor cannot come from within the local church Pastor Steve Palmer asked for clarity re the rescinding of the rule that a pastor could not come from within the local church. Dr. Dennis said there was a principle in the AGA that a person who was in leadership in a church could not immediately rise to be pastor of the church.

However, even though that principle was in place, history showed they had taken them case by case because they had had those persons. Pastors’ Children Scholarship Fund Very recently the matter came up and the Pastoral Concerns Director, Mrs. Sharon McCarthy, and Elder Hibbert were expected to come back with come information. Nomination Committee Rev. Kevin Llewellyn moved a motion that the three members from the floor who had served on the nominations committee in 2020, namely Rev. Courtney Lyn, Rev. Kevin South, and Elder Joseph McCarthy, having agreed to continue should do so. This was seconded by Elder Carlton Francis. The voting members of Council voted, and the motion was carried. In response to the request for clarity on the persons who would be allowed to attend Convention physically, the response was that pastors could attend on the Sunday. The chairman thanked all who had attended Council. CLOSURE The motion for adjournment of General Council 2021 was moved by Rev. Kevin South (Spring Village) and seconded by Elder Owen Ferguson (Hope). Rev. Owen Desgouttes closed in prayer. The meeting ended at 3:53 pm. Submitted by: Sis Phiona South, Junette Grandison- Recording Secretaries Total Delegates: 91 Total Observers: 16 Total Churches Represented: 26