Trini Church

The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad seems to be struggling with some of the same issues that PC(USA) is. One of those struggles is declining church membership, which was quite apparent as Kris and I visited the churches in the eastern portion of the island. Another issue the Trini church faces is a lack of pastors. There are twenty-three regions with 3-6 churches in each, and only one pastor assigned to a region. I've heard of the challenges that come with serving multiple congregations or yoked churches, but to be forced into that position sounds frustrating. I gained a whole new appreciation for the Trini church as well as pastors in the States who have the energy for that task.

Our Sunday morning started early. Now, I often complain about church being on Sunday morning, but my 10:15 am service doesn't seem so early after experiencing Trini church. Our first service started at 7am. I'm assuming it starts that early because Rev. Kimberly has to preach at three churches each week, but it seems to me they could push it back a wee bit! Turns out this was the largest congregation we would visit that day, with a whopping 100 members, though only about 30 were in attendance. They had their annual congregational meeting to elect elders and officers.



Same church politics we see in the States. Same cantankerous old guy who wants to rule the church and have it all his way. Pretty entertaining. I really enjoyed visiting this church, especially since they offered some much needed coffee after the service. We didn't have time to chat though, since Kimberly had to book it for the next church.

The next church was significantly smaller and didn't even have a church building to meet in. Instead they congregate in a Presbyterian elementary school. Only 3 members and 2 visitors were there that morning, but it was an energetic crowd. We wedged ourselves into the desks built for second graders, to sing hymns and hear the Good News.

Finally, we ventured all the way to the coast for the third worship service, again meeting in a school because they lacked a building. This church also had 3 members and 2 visitors in attendance, including Romeo, a six year old who never misses a Sunday.



They too held their congregational meeting, which meant all present were "voluntold" to take a position. All willingly obliged, probably because they all cared about their tiny congregation enough to see it continue.

That Sunday morning turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. Sure, I was running on less than an hour of sleep, but worshiping alongside these Presbyterians who remain faithful to their tradition was invigorating.