Jamaican followers of Christ—pastors, parsons, bishops, evangelicals, missionaries, and church leaders of every tradition—I have a simple question: Why are so many of you still stuck in the boat?
More than twenty years ago; shortly after being ordained as an elder at my church in Highland Park, New Jersey, I found myself in a challenging position. My pastor asked me to preach a sermon and gave me a simple advice:
“Select a Bible story you can personally relate to. Reflect on why it remains with you, and let that guide your message.”
As a newly ordained elder, I did not want my pastor, fellow elders, and deacons to think I was merely a talkative Jamaican with strong opinions. I felt I had to represent Falmouth, Jamaica, well.
After much prayer and reflection, I chose the story of Jesus walking on water.
My pastor, Seth, asked why that particular story stood out to me. I explained that in Jamaica, Bible Knowledge was taught in schools from the primary level upward. I remembered hearing that story as a child and how my lifelong friend Eddy “Bull Bull” and I, inspired by what we had heard, went to the seaside during recess and attempted to walk on water ourselves.
That memory became the opening line of my sermon:
“If two eight-year-old boys hearing this story for the first time could imagine trying it, why didn’t the other eleven disciples?”
Peter at least stepped out of the boat. The other eleven remained seated. I often imagine the excuses they may have offered:
“I can’t swim.”
“The sea is too rough.”
“What if there are sharks?”
“What if I fail?”
“What if I drown?”
“Someone else should go first.”
Fear. Doubt. Comfort. Self-preservation. Yet Peter stepped out.
He was imperfect. He was impulsive. He eventually sank. But he had the courage to leave the safety of the boat.
This week I am attending my denomination’s annual General Synod. I have watched delegates debate and pass resolutions addressing the needs of the lost, the least, and the marginalized in our communities and beyond.
I have witnessed a congregation that grew from roughly fifty members to more than three hundred. Today that church offers three Sunday services and intentionally ministers to immigrants, the housing insecure, homeless individuals, young women aging out of foster care, and returning citizens seeking a second chance after incarceration.
More importantly, our congregation did not merely talk about ministry. We stepped out of the boat.Through faith, sacrifice, and intentional action, our housing ministry has grown into a community development corporation with assets exceeding $26 million, creating housing opportunities and hope for people society often overlooks.
We did not simply preach the Gospel. We practiced it.
That is why I ask my brothers and sisters in ministry across Jamaica:
When will you step out of your boats?
Step out of the comfort of air-conditioned sanctuaries.
Step out from behind luxury vehicles and million-dollar mansions.
Step out from the safety of religious respectability.
Step into the inner-city communities.
Step into the neglected districts.
Step into the homes of the poor, the forgotten, and the fearful.
Speak for the vulnerable citizen who believes no one hears their cry.
Stand beside families grieving loved ones lost to violence.
Advocate for those who fear encounters with institutions that were established to protect them.
Defend those whom society labels disposable.
Challenge injustice wherever it appears.
Too many churches have become comfortable spectators, watching from the boat while storms rage around the people Christ called us to serve.
Jesus did not call His disciples to safety.
He called them to discipleship.
He did not call us to comfort.
He called us to courage.
He did not call us to preserve institutions.
He called us to transform lives.
Jamaica does not need more silent churches.
Jamaica does not need more religious spectators.
Jamaica needs followers of Jesus willing to leave the boat, risk criticism, embrace the marginalized, and walk toward the storm because Christ is already there.
Peter’s miracle was not that he walked on water. Peter’s miracle was that he had the faith to get out of the boat.
The question for Jamaica’s church today is simple:
Will we remain with the eleven, safely seated in the boat, or will we follow Peter and step out in faith?
Patrick A Beckford