It might seem that Pastor Goodwin Smith is putting away his vestments after 29 years in the pulpit, but he insists: "I'm not retiring."

The Rev. Smith of the New Testament Church of God, Heritage Worship Centre, said he was going to take a sabbatical and then begin spreading God's word between the churches within his ministry.

"I am looking forward to the time off, I have loved being a pastor, but now it's time to pass it over to someone else," he said. "I'm not retiring, I don't like that word ? there is still so much of God's work to be done.

"I will take a sabbatical and when I return I will take up a role, more as a Bishop. Rather than preaching every Sunday in this church, I will be spreading myself between all of our churches."

The Rev. Smith said being a pastor meant that you did many things, more than many people imagined. "I start early in the morning and I am often still here, or visiting people in the hospital, counselling the bereaved, offering assistance where ever I am needed.

"It's a busy life as a pastor."

He said he was looking forward to some time off and then getting back to work.

"I have so many things that I want to do, that I have not done ? so I will be busy," said the Rev. Smith.