Many churches are suffering from HIV. Having Insufficient Vision, that is. This is the opinion of Rev. Ronald K. Smith, the pastor of Grace Methodist Church on North Shore, Pembroke.

Clearly a man with a purpose and a sense of humour, Rev. Smith reflects on where he is in life – both physically and spiritually.

"Who knew a PHC boy would end up in a North Village community?"

He laughs heartily at the idea of a member of Village's football arch-rival ending up in the heart of the area. "We're all friends, though."

Although he's been pastoring off and on since the 1980s, Rev. Smith has been at Grace Methodist since March 1 after returning to Bermuda in 2000. His installation service was held on October 4. Clergy and members of many different churches attended the ceremony.

"I wanted my installation to illustrate what I imagine heaven to be like," he explains. "It's not about denomination, man or woman, black or white. Just people united in God."

Taking direction from God is a priority in the Reverend's life. He believes no one should be a part of the ministry unless they have a personal relationship with God and that the call came directly from God (as opposed to from other people). Even though he came highly recommended to the church by the Rev. Allen Walker, Sr., Rev. Smith had a lot to think about.

"I took it in prayer," he recalls, "trying not be hasty, and to decide whether or not to pastor. I had to figure out the balance between pasturing full-time and holding secular work full-time as well."

That balance is a constant challenge, but Rev. Smith seems to be balancing it well. He holds the positions of Head Bailiff and Deputy Provost Marshal General.

While he mentions that his congregation is very understanding of his secular role, he keeps his posts strictly separate – even choosing to interview when he was on "pastor" time. Of course, adding the responsibilities of family is another ball to juggle. Rev. Smith seems to have sorted that out as well.

"In the past, church was IT! Now I've matured and re-evaluated my life and put things in the order of: God, family and then church." He smiles and looks reflective. "Besides, sheep make sheep. The pastor only shepherds."

This alludes to his mission for Grace church. While he has ideas on what he would like to see happen, he remains patient to see what God has in mind. He has a lot to think about when pastoring here.

"Sometimes ministers, rather than wait on God, they copycat (what they see other preachers do). They are an echo, not a voice. You're not up there as an orator," he states, "You're speaking the word of God."

When asked what the major differences were between being a pastor in Bermuda versus the United States, he chuckles.

"I personally find pastoring in Bermuda a little different in the sense that Bermudians only contact you when they're sick, in need, or at their breaking point. In the US, someone sneezes and they immediately call you up!"

Rev. Smith is slowly building a relationship with his parishioners and the community. Grace Methodist Church is "one of the beacon lights" along North Shore, and it has a rich history. He would like to see more young people be active in church.

He recognises that there are many challenges to be faced, but seems up to the job.

As was written in the booklet for Rev. Smith's installation service: "This church has seen its share of adversity and turbulence, it has been tested and tried, but this church has stood firm because its foundation is grounded in God. When the winds of adversity seek to destroy, this church has called on the name of God to deliver."

What does Reverend Ronald K. Smith have to think about all this?

"Grace Church has a lot of potential, but I'm waiting on God for His vision. God has planted me here."