MINISTERS
Rev Andrea P Smith
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Rev. Andrea was born as an only daughter to the parents of George and Bonwith Ferguson on the island of New Providence, Bahamas. She grew up with three younger brothers on Crooked Island Street in the Grove, and went to school at Big Pond Primary, S.C. McPherson, and The Government High School where she graduated in 1981.
Andrea achieved academically in school, but she was also an athlete, playing the sports of softball and volleyball. It turned out that her favorite sport would be volleyball, and this helped her to receive an athletic scholarship to St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. On her return to New Providence, she pursued her career in Banking, where she would spend almost 30 years moving up through the ranks.
Through all of this however, there was a spiritual call on her life that she could not ignore. Knowing that this initial calling was dealing with young people, she worked in her local church as the Children’s Church Leader for over 20 years. She also worked beside her husband who was then a Youth Pastor at the Southland Cathedral Church of God under the leadership of the late Bishop Teuton C. Stubbs.
When her husband was elected as Senior Pastor of the Independence Drive Church of God, she was also called up higher, when she became the local Women’s Discipleship President where she is responsible for the Girls Club, the Inner Circle, and the Women’s Ministry. She is also responsible for Children’s Church and the Dance Ministry. Since her appointment, she has positively impacted the lives of the members and followers alike. Rev. Smith also currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the National Women’s Discipleship under the leadership of Rev. Cynthia Johnson, and was recently appointed as the Women’s Discipleship President for the Western District
Andrea P. Smith has made valuable contributions to her church and community. She leads a life that is open and honest and continues to be a prime example to her children and family, to young people, and to people in general.
She is married to Bishop Joseph Andrew Smith and together they have two children…their son Justin and their daughter J’Sanne.
Rev. Tiffany Newman
The energetic, passionate, and gifted Rev. Tiffany Newman attends the Holy Ghost fire-filled Independence Drive Church of God where she presently serves as the Church Administrator and Inner Circle President teaching and reaching our young women in body, mind, and spirit.
She grew up in IDC and as such, has served in numerous capacities including Sunday School Superintendent, Girls Club Counselor, Evangelism Minister, Youth Leader and so much more.
Currently, Rev. Tiffany is a member of the Pastor’s Council, Finance Team and has assisted in successfully launching the building component of Vision 20/20, a strategic spiritual and physical church improvement program.
In addition, she assisted the late Evangelist Dr. Dorothy Bain in Feeding the Whole Man on the National Benevolence Team. She lives by the word of God and enjoys teaching the word of God as she mentors her students on the platform of Akhepran International Academy High School, or as a current Sunday School teacher for the collegiate class at the Independence Drive Church of God.
Her work for Christ goes beyond the four walls of the Church as she is the founder and President of the Holy Ghost Revival and Deliverance Center – an outreach ministry mandated by The Government of the Bahamas to care for the less fortunate in our Bahamian Society. Rev. Tiffany and her husband are presently working on the construction of an orphanage and training institute and with the assistance of Bishop Moses Johnson, COG National Overseer and Bishop Joseph Smith, COG National Treasurer, they have successfully planted a Church of God Mission on that site. She is also very proud to have partnered with Prophetess Jennie Humes in the launching and establishment of the John & Jennie Humes House of Refuge.
Her achievements, awards, and certifications include but are not limited to First Female Physical Planning Inspector of the Bahamas, Conquering Lion Award, an Outstanding Customer Service Award, IDC Mother of the Year, IDC Ms. Inner Circle, BA Secondary Education and Architecture, Certificate of Competency in Carpentry along with numerous Public Service Training certifications.
Rev. Newman is the loving wife of Mr. Dion V. Newman and is also the proud mother of four amazing children whom she adores dearly. She is thankful for what God has done, and is excited about what God will do next in the lives of the saints!
Pastor: Joseph Smith
Women of Purpose President-Rev. Andrea Smith
Special Assistant to WOP President- Rev. Delarese Allen
Women of Purpose Executive Board-Rev. Tiffany Newman, Rev. Muriel Lightbourn & Min. Paige Ferguson
Women of Purpose Secretary, Treasure-Sis. Lavanda Bethel
Girls Club Coordinator- Min. Paige Ferguson
Children’s Church-Rev. Andrea Smith-Assisted by Vanessa Miller & Nekayla Pratt
Prayer Band Leader-Mother Loretta Lewis-Assisted by all ministers
Marriage Ministry-Deac. Martin Bain & Deac. Fifika Bain
Praise Team– Min. Bessy Rolle– Assisted by Min. Lavette Smith
Usher- Sis. Margarette Newbold
Evangelist GO Team-Rev. Muriel Lightbourn– Assisted by Rev. Jenson Bethel Sr. & Rev. Leonardo Allen
Life Builders President– Deac. Martin Bain– Assisted by Rev. Leonardo Allen
Boys Club- Rev. Jenson Bethel– Assisted by Min. Sanford Rolle Jr., Rev. Leonardo Allen & Rev. Jovan Saunders
Youth Ministry- Rev. Jovan Saunders
Music Ministry (Minister)- Min. Sanford Rolle Jr.
F.T.H. Director- Rev. Leonardo Allen
Audio & Media Ministry- Jason Ferguson, Vanreko & Johnelle Lewis – Assisted by Roscoe Gibson & Brian Rolle
Choirs-Min. Bessy Rolle & Min. Sanford Rolle Jr.