David DW Steede II will be installed as the new pastor of the Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Church on January 20.

Decisions were made in 2023 to commission some pastors to new congregations within the Bermuda Conference.

Mr Steede said: “It’s one of the major responsibilities the president of any conference has, the assignment of pastors to the churches in that particular conference. Presidents are more inclined to move at times that best suit the needs of various churches.”

After receiving the commission, Mr Steede is preparing for his installation and a consecration service. “Our president, Kenneth Manders, has the solemn duty of installing me as the new pastor of Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Along with that comes the fact that I am asking for the deacons, deaconesses, elders, and leaders of the church to come forward because once they install me, I want to reconsecrate them to God’s house as we start this new year.

“So, part of that consecration has a lot to do with the fact that it is the beginning of a new year. With the start of a new year, you have new officers, new people in place, and you want to consecrate them to God’s house.”

Serving as pastor of the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church for the past six years, in combination with his many years of service in two different conferences in the United States, Mr Steede is excited to bring his methods, strengths, and experience to the Southampton congregation.

“The biggest takeaway for me is the same God that was with me in the United States – for some people they may see it as a shock – but He actually came across with me to Hamilton,” Mr Steede said.

“The same God that was in the US is also here in Bermuda. Leading Hamilton to financial greatness reminded me that the same God that helped me lead all these other churches came with me, and it's kind of special to know that He operates the same in all countries.

“I came to Hamilton, having witnessed these principles work in all these churches in the States. I asked if it would work here, and it did. So, as I come from Hamilton to Southampton, I’m not wondering; I already know it works, so it’s just time to go to work and give this church my utmost best.”

In partnership with the leaders and congregants of the Southampton church, Mr Steede is looking forward to the way God will move and the gifts that will be used. “I am very excited about the team I have been blessed with here at Southampton,” he said.

“I will get accustomed to the newness of it and the different culture here at Southampton. One of the exciting things I found is that people have a lot of gifts. They have a lot of hidden gifts.

“I feel like, as the pastor, I have the responsibility to try to pull those gifts out and use them best for God’s service. I am always amazed and surprised at the talent in congregations that so many don’t know about.

“I'm excited about finding out what people's gifts are and what their strengths are. I believe it is a reflexive relationship. I believe that a lot of times when we go into churches as pastors, where that church is weak, we are strong, but it also vice versa; where we are weak, oftentimes they are strong, and so it becomes a thing where both parties have this unique opportunity to grow together.”

Another aspect of this new position is the Southampton Church pastor's closeness with the corresponding school, Bermuda Institute, something that excites Mr Steede.

“Bermuda Institute is my alma mater,” he said. “I attended from kindergarten through 12th grade. I am very excited about working closely with them and doing my part as the Southampton pastor to strengthen and support them as a school.

“So many memories have been made right here on this campus. Even now, as I see the kids running out, going gym, being dropped off and picked up – the whole nine yards – it brings many warm memories.”

Mr Steede is looking forward to “spending time with our seniors, spending time with our young people, and visiting the homes of many saints of this great congregation”. He added: “I look forward to ministering to them.”

All members, former members and the local community are invited to join the fellowship on January 20, as Mr Steede and the Southampton Church begin ministry together.

“In terms of encouragement to the Southampton congregation, we look forward with great anticipation for what God will do through us and in us, because we are faithful to Him. The excitement that I feel about the 20th is unreal. On January 20, we will begin the relationship and I believe it will be very fruitful.”