Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Bishop Cline to hand over leadership of NLBC to son in 2023

- Senior Pastor John I. Cline made the announcement during Power Plus Conference today, October 9, 2022
Bishop John I. Cline, right, announced during the Power Plus Conference today, October 9, 2022, that he will be handing over senior pastor duties to one of his sons, former school teacher and businessman Jovan E.L. Cline, left. Photo: Facebook
Among those in the congregation at Power Plus 2022 were Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool and other officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who attended the church as part of Police Week. Photo: Facebook
Among those in the congregation at Power Plus 2022 were Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool and other officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who attended the church as part of Police Week. Photo: Facebook
Mr John I. Cline began ministry in 1985 at the New Light Baptist Church in New Jersey where he served as both Associate Minister and Youth Pastor. He was ordained as pastor in 1989, and shortly thereafter, in 1993, he returned to the [British] Virgin Islands where he accepted the call to be the Senior Pastor of the Road Town Baptist Church. Photo: Facebook/File
Mr John I. Cline began ministry in 1985 at the New Light Baptist Church in New Jersey where he served as both Associate Minister and Youth Pastor. He was ordained as pastor in 1989, and shortly thereafter, in 1993, he returned to the [British] Virgin Islands where he accepted the call to be the Senior Pastor of the Road Town Baptist Church. Photo: Facebook/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- After serving as Senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church (NLBC) in Duff’s Bottom for nearly 30 years, Bishop John I. Cline will be stepping down in 2023.

Bishop Cline will be handing over senior pastor duties to one of his sons, former school teacher and businessman Jovan E.L. Cline.

This was disclosed by Bishop Cline himself during the 2022 Power Plus Conference at NLBC today, Sunday, October 9, 2022.

‘I must decrease…’- Bishop Cline

Bishop Cline was at the time announcing that the congregation was going to be blessed with a new song by Jovan, “…and the new song has been written by the new and incoming Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church.

“He will take over the reign in 2023. I must decrease so that he must increase. This is my third born child,” Mr Cline stated as he introduced his son and choir member, Jovan, to the congregation.

Among those in the congregation were Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool and other officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who attended the church as part of Police Week.

Pastor & Builder

Mr John I. Cline, sometimes considered a controversial figure, began ministry in 1985 at the New Light Baptist Church in New Jersey where he served as both Associate Minister and Youth Pastor.

He was ordained as a pastor in 1989, and shortly thereafter, in 1993, he returned to the [British] Virgin Islands where he accepted the call to be the Senior Pastor of the Road Town Baptist Church.

Under his leadership, in February of 1997, the church broke ground and nine months later the building was dedicated and the church was renamed The New Life Baptist Church.

In 2011, Bishop Cline spearheaded the construction of the church’s Save the Seed Centre, a multi-million-dollar recreational facility intended to target the youth generation.

Philanthropist

According to the NLBC website, Bishop Cline also serves as the founding member of the New Life Baptist Church Foundation and his philanthropic efforts have extended to the continent of Africa, where he provides financial support to The Tortola Child Rescue and Learning Centre  constructing a secondary school for under privileged children in Kenya.

Paul Harris Fellow

In July 2017, Bishop Cline received the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Award for his philanthropic contributions to the VI, the Caribbean region and Kenya, Africa.

In 2020, in recognition of his business prowess and nation building capabilities, he was appointed the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Committee, a committee that advises the Premier of the Virgin Islands on economic enhancement.

Author

Bishop Cline, who has served as the Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board, is the author of The Monogamy Mystery, a thought-provoking book which discusses the difficulties relationships are fraught with, especially around the area of infidelity and offers a solution to the problem through spirituality.

Mr Cline also contested for political office in the 2003 General Elections that was won by the National Democratic Party (NDP). Running as an Independent candidate, Mr Cline received 450 votes, which placed him 10th out of 13 Independent candidates.

48 Responses to “Bishop Cline to hand over leadership of NLBC to son in 2023”

  • Monarchy (09/10/2022, 16:51) Like (68) Dislike (15) Reply
    The King created a prince child to take control of the kingdom when he departed.. He knows it's a very lucrative business, keep leadership in the family, That's going be the pattern, so all those long term serving fateful will be just that, "Contributors".., No hope..#Fullcontrol
    • ?? (10/10/2022, 00:57) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
      Why do these people believe church to be their personal castle that they and their family rule? So Jesus called all their children to be pastors? People better stop playing around with God! Things are changing, judgement and grace is being measured on the earth and we all can see it! It’s no longer business as usual for the wolves in sheep‘s clothing! Repent before judgment comes!
    • @Monarchy (10/10/2022, 07:55) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply
      FAMILY BUSINESS
  • Copycat (09/10/2022, 16:54) Like (51) Dislike (37) Reply
    Bishop TD Jakes handed over duties to his daughter recently. The timing seems like a copycat.
    • @ copycat (09/10/2022, 18:04) Like (27) Dislike (30) Reply
      what can you pass on to your offspring your sons, daughters even your grandchildren other than stupid talk……talk is cheap money buys land
      • @ @copycat (09/10/2022, 19:43) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
        Proverbs 22:1

        A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

        That should answer your question. Next time stick to the point being made and stop deflecting.

    • @ copycat (10/10/2022, 07:36) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Look the cult followers get called to dislike the comment
    • @copycat (11/10/2022, 07:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stop spreading things you don’t know. This change was announced to the church more than a year ago.
    • Tired (12/10/2022, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Next time ask a church member a question and find out the truth! As a church they have been going through the transition since the beginning of LAST YEAR 2021. If I was able to ask a question why did you not think to do the same? This young man has done nothing to deserve this backlash. We should be rallying behind him because this is the beginning of a new generation of God's people beginning to arise.

      Stop speaking from a place of ignorance willingly. It's not becoming. And also Bishop TD Jakes handed over the Women's Ministry not the church. Read more. Nobody is copying nobody.
  • flUffy (09/10/2022, 17:02) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    AMEN
  • asking for a friend (09/10/2022, 17:04) Like (6) Dislike (24) Reply
    What about claude?
  • lodger (09/10/2022, 17:33) Like (50) Dislike (12) Reply
    So he standing for election and will no longer be a bishop? .will his son become one? Sounds like the NLBC is a self perpetrating business rather than a spiritual institution!
    • yea (09/10/2022, 21:31) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      The church is the biggest business plus you don't pay taxes, they need to tax them.
  • Lb (09/10/2022, 17:48) Like (53) Dislike (8) Reply
    Isn't the calling to be a Pastor something that comes from God??? Since when do men "call" men to be God's chosen?

    This is why I don't follow none of these pastors. It is all a business and Cline wants to retain control of the business.

    There is nothing divine about this handover of power. This is man made not God-chosen.
  • Guest (09/10/2022, 17:49) Like (43) Dislike (1) Reply
    Handing over the business.....
  • randy (09/10/2022, 17:50) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHO CARES.......
  • bvibuzz (09/10/2022, 17:54) Like (36) Dislike (20) Reply
    I need to start a church that’s where the $$$$$ is these days yall
    • Lilly (10/10/2022, 16:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      bvibuzz, Go right ahead. Stop saying you need to do it and get started. You procrastinate too much!
  • @asking for a friend (09/10/2022, 18:35) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    oh that chap hasn't made up his yet , he is still polishing his skillz and has a little difficulty is deciding with those ( Ps ) PASTOR / POLITICIAN or PLAYER ???? so maybe the holy one might just put them in a blender and come up with a version of Michael Jackson - James brown and MC hammer , before he expresses himSELF ( U AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET ) ????
  • How (09/10/2022, 18:58) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    How many children he has all together??,
    • @ How (09/10/2022, 19:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Said his third born so 2 before and the reference to any other wasn’t relevant in his present statement
  • lol (09/10/2022, 18:59) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    But, when the King inherited the crown from the Queen some of you were acting like it's something new. LMAO!!!
  • Ugh (09/10/2022, 19:07) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    So there is no democratic process in the church?? Just goes to show that it is the family business and nothing else. Why do you all continue to give this money? There is no difference between this and Skelton concrete or CTL.
  • trust (09/10/2022, 19:22) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he doesn't fall in his fathers foot step
  • africa (09/10/2022, 20:02) Like (9) Dislike (27) Reply
    People who still believe in jesus is clearly not doing there research
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (09/10/2022, 20:03) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    According to the Holy Scriptures when Christ called, then appointed you Bishop to lead his congregation, you don't step down by your free will but His. In addition to that, you were given no authority to appoint whom you will.
    Had Christ truly appointed you, He alone has the authority when to release you of your duties. Also Christ alone has the authority to pick the next leader, not you bishop John Cline, not you.
    Your announcement, and intended plan proves clearly that you are not who you have been pretending to be.
    Research the Scriptures bishop. Research the Scriptures carefully, carefully, and obediently.
    Remember Jesus prayer to God His heavenly when He prayed, Father, if it be your will, let this cup pass from Me, nevertheless"Not as I will, but your will be done."

    "If it seems evil to serve the Lord, then choose you this day who you will serve."

    "Every man/woman is right in his/her own eyes (mind.)

    We are our brothers and sisters keeper. If not, we are not their friends.
  • resident (09/10/2022, 20:10) Like (28) Dislike (4) Reply
    WTH am I reading? The position is not his to pass on. The church is not his personal business. I'm sure there is a hierarchy already in place. Who are the assistant pastors? Why are the members just accepting this?
  • jj (09/10/2022, 20:44) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    How does one become a bishop? Isn't a preacher appointed by the head of the denomination and voted upon, or was this gentleman self-appointed? Who does he answer to in the affairs of the church? To turn a position over to your choosing says that you answer to yourself and is therefore a church business unto yourself. Well saw - not fo me.
    • My My (10/10/2022, 06:00) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      A bishop is appointed by an apostle that is called and sent by God and not an organisation. A pastor is sent by God. Those who appoint themselves and other as pastors are not of God but of Satan or man-made pastors. Eph 4:11, Rom 1:1, 1tim 3: 1-7
    • @jj (10/10/2022, 08:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      ????????????Darn JA trying to sound intelligent with his conniving backside ( decreed)
  • jj (09/10/2022, 21:03) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    That word decrease and incŕease you take it out of context my brother
    • Responding to jj (10/10/2022, 11:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where does the words decrease and increase come from? Not understanding.
  • WOW (09/10/2022, 22:45) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    FROM PAPA DOC TO BABY DOC
  • Lock Dem Up (10/10/2022, 06:56) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    All pastors bishops priests should be in jail
  • yeah, right (10/10/2022, 07:40) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nepotism at its finest, straight from God it seems.
  • cat (10/10/2022, 07:45) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    T J.Drakes copy cat that's all
  • WHAT!!!! (10/10/2022, 07:52) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Handing over the family business (tax free ) to his son.
  • copy cat (10/10/2022, 08:40) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    So Because TD Drakes handed over to his daughter, U decided to do the same to you son ? SMH
    • @copycat (11/10/2022, 07:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Jakes handed over Woman Thou Art Loose to Sarah, not his church organisation.
  • Earl (10/10/2022, 11:19) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gotta keep the tithe money in the family...
  • Citizen (10/10/2022, 12:34) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Congrats Jovan you are Blessed
  • Does he own the church? (10/10/2022, 14:05) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im confused, since when does he own the church and pass it to his soon. Sounds sketchy
  • respect (10/10/2022, 14:07) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sometimes, we need to repect those in Authority. we are all men! the BIBLE says that How can we be bless when we disrepect the Trinity? We look at human* God is both* please calm down to know the Hoy trinity. it is for all who God has choosen, if God did use us its not to late. When the time come hope you will love your persecution and hold on to God
    TIME IS WRAPPING UP GET READY
  • Well Sah (10/10/2022, 19:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I didn't know this was a family business
  • The Baptist (11/10/2022, 00:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Aslong the breeze blow,and fowl bottom expose.there comes John.
  • What's the problem (11/10/2022, 16:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the fathers of our faith passed down there heritage to their children. Abraham to Isaac, Isaac to Jacob and David to Solomon. God appoints men but it is confirmed and confired by the laying on of hands by the Presbytery (Elders of the Church) They would have had to discuss if he was the man for the job chosen by God. God calls families to ministry and it is a blessing when your children walk in your footsteps.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.