Reverend Dr. Michael Turnbull is set to become the next senior pastor of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church (CGBBC) while his wife Minister Shondrea Turnbull will become the First Lady.
This was confirmed by the church in a social media post on Tuesday, November 8, which said the appointment is set for April 2023.
According to the post, the transition became official on November 2, 2022, after members of the church unanimously agreed and accepted the proposal.
Speaking on the announcement, the current Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Melvin Turnbull said he was elated about the transition as it represents a promising future for the church.
He said, “The year 2022 is a very special and historic movement for CGBBC. Our 2022 theme is “Elevated” and we continue celebrating 60 years of faithful ministry to God and humanity. There have been several announcements made throughout the year. There have been several transitioning moments as well, and I am thrilled about this transition as it means that as a church, we continue to grow!”
The post further revealed that Senior Pastor Turnbull also anointed the couple on the evening of November 2, stating that he asked God to prosper their steps and asked the couple to remain committed to doing what is right.
“As a Church, we have committed to cover, love, and support them as they take CGBBC to the next level.”
The transition is one that has been taking place for seven years, with the first announcement occurring on Sunday, July 18, 2022, to the congregation of the church both in person and online.
Following that announcement, the post said that the Board of Directors of CGBBC unanimously approved the transition in their meeting on October 19, 2022.
Subsequently, on October 19, 2022, the ordained Ministers of CGBBC unanimously approved the Board’s decision for the transition, which will start in 2023 following Dr. Michael Turnbull’s installation.