George Henry-Reverend Winston Morgan.

BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer
SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

Reverend Dr. Winston Morgan is a minister who is multi-skilled. Apart from being a theologian who currently serves as a Sunday school teacher at the Grey Ground New Testament Church of God in Manchester, the Christian, who told THE STAR that he has over twenty years of experience educating persons in Theology, also said that he has lectured in business and finance among other areas.

A past student of the European Theological Seminary in England, Morgan is a qualified accountant, town planner and a psychologist. He said his interest in theology, came about because he likes to study about God and believes that practising Christians need to get into the depth of what God is teaching them.

The teacher of several biblical subjects at the Jamaica Bible College in Manchester pointed out that he believes in simplicity; and hence he tries as best as possible to pass on his knowledge of theology in its simplest form to his students.

"Although we look at theology in its broadest sense, we are looking at passing on simple knowledge of God, as to how people should change their lives as a result of coming to know God. Of course it is not like a Sunday school class looking at some basic facts about why we believe, how we believe; because theology is more indepth," explained the theologian.

He explained that as a preacher, when he is delivering his sermons, it is difficult for his congregation to stop him or snap a finger to ask a question.

wax lyrical

However, according to him, while in Sunday school class persons are given opportunities to ask questions and he gets the chance to elaborate and explain facts that many usually take for granted.

"In preaching you say words that persons very often do not understand and we move on. But in teaching you have to explain, because you obviously expect people to raise questions, and in so doing you are able to give answers," Rev. Morgan said.

He added that in his capacity as a church worker, he encourages persons to attend church and especially Sunday school. The churchman said values and attitudes are being challenged every day but that through the medium of Sunday school he is able to help persons to make changes.

Reverend Morgan believes that though Sunday school is important in assisting in the building of values and attitudes, to teach values and attitudes, whether to Christians and non-Christians, start at home.

The Sunday school teacher pointed out, that workers in the church today in comparison to those in years gone by have to work much harder to keep young people in the church and close to God. This he attributed to the fact that parents are younger and some of the values that persons like himself grew up on have changed over time.

He stated that young people learn by imitation, and they need to see adults live a good life that will encourage them to be like themselves. This, he noted has to start from the home, but he is of the view that sometimes the homes do not provide such encouragement.

family man

The father of Darren, Anthony, Celina and Vanessa, and the husband of Beverley, wants parents to train their children in the way they should go, so that when they are old they will not depart from it. He is calling on parents to love their children, try to understand them, sit and talk with them so that they can understand their distractions and the problems they face.

"You cannot just throw religion down their throats and think that because we did it that way and we learnt that way, they must do it that way. We need to explain to them what we mean by being a Christian, and then we demonstrate that in our lives," stated Rev. Morgan.

As for pastors who are faced with challenges, Morgan is encouraging them to get close to God, consult their strong colleagues and talk about their problems. He is also encouraging pastors to pray and fast more when faced with difficulties.

Reverend Morgan was born in Kingston. He attended a basic school at St. Toolis in Manchester, before migrating to England where he spent 30 years. He currently holds a Doctorate in Business and Church Administration, Doctorate and Masters in Literature; Bachelors Degree in Social Science, as well as several certificates and diplomas in theology.