The Tribune

BAHAMIAN pastor Wilfred T Adderley Sr received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching, with honors, from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at a graduation ceremony last month.

As one of the 170 graduates, Dr Adderley was hooded by Dr Clifford Jones, Dean of Theology, while his wife prayerfully and joyfully observed the historic moment.

In a statement issued to Tribune Religion, Dr Adderley spoke about his dissertation project, entitled: "A Biblical Model of Testing Visions and Dreams in Christian Ministry in the Bahamas" on November 8, 2011.

According to Pastor Adderley, he conducted surveys among seven leading church denominations in Nassau from June 2010 to February 2011. The survey, taken from forty-four persons, confirmed that lay members and church leaders are experiencing true visions and dreams from the lord.

"It was also established that about ninety percent of those surveyed, believed that true visions and dreams are utilised by god to send special messages to his church and also, to warn, guide, deliver and comfort his people in times of distress," said Pastor Adderley.

In the same study, it showed that of those persons surveyed: Ninety three percent agreed that dreams occur when a person is asleep; twenty four percent agreed that skepticism of all visions and dreams are good due to Jeremiah's warning (Jere. 23:11-32) of false dreamers and false prophets, but sixty one percent rejected this view.

He said ninety three percent also agreed that all visions and dreams should be tested according to biblical principles (1 John 4:1-3); while eighty five percent prefer sermons which include visions and dreams in its content and presentation.

Dr Adderley's dissertation panel was headed by Dr Bruce Bauer, the lead professor and Dr Martin Hanna, the second reader. Both professors were pleased with the level of scholarly research and presentation submitted by Dr Adderley. It is expected that within the very near future Dr Adderley's book will be available for the public's edification and benefit.

Dr Adderley is married to Sheila Adderley, a human resources manager in the Ministry of Youth and they have two sons: Wilfred Jr and Matthew.

Dr Adderley serves as the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director of the South Bahamas Conference of SDA and Pastor of the Redemption SDA church, Kool Acres, off Hanna Road.

The SDA Conference family along with many other Christian churches, including the Baptist and Pentecostal communities, congratulates Dr Adderley and his family.