Declaring that the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) is on the broad road that leads to destruction, senior pastor of the Tarrant Baptist Church, Apostle Jeffrey Shuttleworth, reinforced his commitment to the mission and the vision of the circuit he was invited to lead over 17 years ago, as the church’s council and members voted unanimously to retain him as their leader on Monday.
This decision was made public during a meeting for members of the Tarrant and Balmagie Baptist Churches. In addition to voting in support of a motion tabled to have Apostle Shuttleworth remain as pastor, the church council of both bodies and the congregation also voted to sever all ties and affiliation with the JBU. This means that both churches are independent entities.
Apostle Shuttleworth has been employed by the Tarrant Balmagie Circuit of Baptist Churches since February 1, 2008. The no-nonsense pastor has been an outspoken advocate for righteousness, so much so that his messages have often ruffled the feathers of politicians, business owners, and clergymen who oppress the poor and promote ungodly lifestyles.
During the meeting on Monday, which was well attended, Apostle Shuttleworth made it clear that he has no intention of toning down the mission.
On June 11, the JBU organised a Special Assembly where 136 ministers voted to revoke his status as an accredited minister.
“When accusation and persecution come for righteousness’ sake, we should rejoice,” the senior clergyman said.
Apostle Shuttleworth noted that the church council determined seven years ago to evangelise the nation under the banner “Jamaica for Jesus”. It was decided then that the church’s mission would be to ignite the spark for national repentance, revival, reformation, and ultimately transform the nation and nations.
The pastor documented a series of concerns he had relating to the JBU and made it clear that the organisation did not employ him or pay his salary. He said he had been very involved in that organisation over the years, but after several verbal clashes with colleague ministers over their support of the LGBTQ lifestyle and their increasing efforts to strengthen ties with the Vatican, which he referred to as the “epicentre of Satan”, he slowly withdrew from activities organised by the union.
Upon the realisation that they could not find common ground, he decided to cut ties and focus on his God-given assignment for the nation.
“We are not going the same place. They are on the broad road that leads to destruction, and we are on the narrow road,” he said.
The decision to disrobe Apostle Shuttleworth was made public in two front-page stories in the Jamaica Gleaner recently. However, the fiery clergyman seemed unperturbed by the decision to relieve him of his accreditation.
“They took away Joseph’s coat, but couldn’t take away his anointing,” he declared.
Apostle Shuttleworth is the founder of the Freedom Come Ministries International, which currently unites Christians from several denominations locally, regionally, and internationally to undertake Kingdom assignments. The movement continues to grow. So too is the number of listeners tuning in to TBC 88.5 FM, which is managed by Tarrant. Apostle Shuttleworth is host of the radio station’s flagship morning programme, Conversation, and 150 days ago, he launched an all-night prayer vigil for the nation on air. It starts at midnight.
The sanctuary is now open 24/7, seven days per week, to the public, and congregants are engaged in various activities geared towards meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the community.