SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Pastor Omar Oliphant created history in the church in Jamaica by becoming the first ordained minister who is also an attorney-at-law.

He was called to the Jamaican Bar on December 7 in ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Kingston.

Oliphant, who pastors a district of five churches, is also the communication and youth director of the church’s northern region, which comprises St Ann and Trelawny. He graduated from The University of the West Indies on September 30, 2017, after completing the three-year Bachelor of Laws degree programme in two years, earning honours in 2015, before successfully completing all levels of his legal training at the Norman Manley Law School. His area of specialisation is civil law.

The rigours of legal studies were no match for the grit, determination and perseverance of Pastor Oliphant who, despite his various professional, work responsibilities and family, overcame the onerous task of working in St Ann while studying in Kingston, which is about 65 miles away.

In describing the experience, the father of two confessed: “This was the most trying period of my life, but one which brought not only new opportunities to learn, but clearly revealed the providential love of God.

“God supplied my every need. I am truly amazed at how beautifully the Lord Himself provided and placed the pieces together… It was certainly not by might,” said Oliphant, who also serve on several denominational and civic boards.

Committed to his lifelong call as a minister of the gospel, the now legal counsel maintained active leadership in the church by conducting evangelistic campaigns and engaging thousands of young people in his conference. During the period of his study, Oliphant baptised approximately 400 individuals and was recognised by the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 2015 for his outstanding evangelistic achievements.

“My districts never once fell back; all the measurable variables were way above average and I kept an active presence among my youth, parishioners and the wider constituency, impacting each of our 15 districts in numerous ways over time. I was then, as I am now, very committed to ensuring my ministry thrived and that my family was not unduly deprived,” Oliphant explained.

“The conference administration is happy that we were able to facilitate Pastor Oliphant’s study in law,” said Pastor Karl Archer, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North Jamaica Conference. “We know it would have been very challenging for him, but with the support of the church and his family, he has successfully completed the studies with God’s help. His success is an indication of the church’s support for the personal development of its workers, which we are sure will lead to significant benefits in the advancement of God’s mission through the church. We wish him success in all his endeavours as together we continue to labour for the Master.”

It was a delicate balance, but strategic planning, time management and an excellent support group were key to Oliphant’s success. He credited his wife for her guidance, prayer and insight that kept him in check.

“I commend Pastor Oliphant for what he has accomplished,” said Pastor Carlington Hylton, ministerial secretary for North Jamaica Conference.

“He is a resilient person that is not daunted by challenges. During his studies, he has accomplished his goals as a youth and communication director serving two parishes — Trelawny and St Ann. His achievement will serve as an inspiration to the young people whom he leads. I am proud of him,” he said.

When the lifelong Adventist decided to pursue this new frontier, he gave long consideration, knowing the conservative position of his church, its impact on his ministry, and the demands on his family. His prayerful approach helped him to recognise his church’s need for legal counsel in various spheres of its operation.

“Given the vast and varied make-up of the church, its ownership of numerous institutions, its involvement in transactions relating to the law of the land, I see my studies and training as an additional plus, on top of my personal growth,” Oliphant said. “Ministry has become integrated with legal interests and the church may have challenges meeting its objectives if we don’t have proper legal guidance in some of our decision-making policy directions.”

He thanked God for His mighty hand in his life, the support of his family and the executive committee of the North Jamaica Conference; the support of the Jamaica Union leadership and the many who have invested time, effort and means in creating this historic feat.