Frederick launches book, awarded doctorate same day

It is not often that an individual launches a book and is awarded a doctorate on the same day.

But this is precisely what happened last Monday at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown, when George Raymond Frederick launched his book, ‘Divisions and Dichotomies – Stop the Bickering’ and at the same time,{{more}} received the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies (with honours) from MINTS International Seminary.

Dr Walford Thompson, who presented Frederick with his degree on behalf of MINTS, described the man of the hour as a “scholar par excellence,” who, over the years, sat under the instruction of graduates of Harvard, Cambridge and Princeton, some with two or three PhDs.

“…And he has always demonstrated to them that he is worthy of the title that is given to him by us. A man of excellence and a scholar par excellence.”

MINTS is a theological organization, founded in 2000 in Miami, Florida, that is presently working in more than 70 countries around the world.

“We are teaching theology in five different languages and this is the school that is granting to Dr George Frederick, the PhD degree for his work in this institution,” Thompson said, adding that Frederick is the first person in the English speaking Caribbean to receive a doctorate from the institution.

Sonny Williams, bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI), in reviewing Frederick’s book, said in it, the author diagnosed the problem of divisions and dichotomies within the church as an “inside job”.

He said the book left no stone uncovered and deals with dichotomies such as “The Sabbath question”, “Politics”, “Prosperity Gospel” and “Homosexuality”.

“The book warns us of a trend in the development cycle of a church that after it overcomes persecution and rejection and gains recognition and becomes powerful, it then becomes corrupt and loses its sense of purpose…,” Williams said.

Frederick, who is a household name in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been an evangelist, pastor, teacher, lecturer, bishop, seminary trainer, conference speaker, motivator, insurance executive and registered financial consultant over the last 48 years.

When he took the podium, he thanked those present for coming out to show appreciation for his work. He said ideally, he had in mind that he should have completed his doctorate by age 33, but circumstances did not allow, and he is now twice that age. He thanked Pastor Thompson, Bishop Williams for their support and his wife Elsie for her sacrifices over the years while he was studying and doing research.

Frederick said in writing, one should be careful not to just regurgitate all the research one has done.

“When a man choses to acquaint himself with the thoughts and ideas of others, he must do so with the aim of making your own thoughts and ideas known. Why must I be pregnant with all other people’s ideas and not giving birth to that of my own?”

He said that is why, when he was thinking through issues, he would ask God what he was putting into his spirit.

“…What is so different from the scores of other people that I myself would have read from?” he questioned.

Stating that the Lord has blessed his life, Frederick urged his audience to stop waiting on a call, when there are so many causes around to which they could dedicate their attention.

He said his book, although appropriate for students of theology, could be read by anyone.

“This book, it can be used and should be used and will be used by students at seminaries, but someone can pick up this book at an airport … and have a good read. It is written conversationally.”

He disclosed that ‘Divisions and Dichotomies – Stop the Bickering’ is just one of four books he has written. The other three: “The Other Side of Spirituality”; “God the Entrepreneur”;”Theology for Simple Simons,” will be published, once finances permit.

He said he wants the generation that comes after him to have something they can put their hands on and explore. He asked God to bless the book, which had been a blessing to his life.

Musical performances during the ceremony were done by Kioka Cruickshank Jack and Joel Jack and the Resistance Heartbeat Drummers. The master of ceremonies was Paul Morris.

The 306-page book is published by Xulon Press and available for sale in Kingstown at Gaymes and Jujube bookstores, and on Amazon, in paperback and for the Kindle.

Pastor Frederick’s blog site is: www.georgefrederick.com.