For our 40th Pastoral Anniversary Magazine, we sat down with our Founder and Senior Pastor, Bishop Donald Washington McFarlane, JP, for an honest conversation about his life and ministry. Here are some of our favourite answers. They show the man behind the title: his humility, humour, wisdom and unwavering faith.
Fun and personal
If you weren’t a pastor, what career do you think you would have pursued?
“In those days, options were limited, but I initially set out to become a policeman. My best friend and I actually travelled to Kingston to join the force. God had other plans — we both became pastors.”
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that ever happened while you were preaching?
“In my early days, a brother was signalling to me from the congregation. After some confusion, I realised he was trying to tell me my zipper was down. I responded loudly into the mic, ‘Oh, zip, you’re talking!’ The congregation erupted in laughter.”
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Invest wisely and learn early about financial management. A balanced life needs spiritual and financial grounding.”
If your personality were a Jamaican dish, what would it be — and why?
“A hearty, healthy vegetable-based dish — filling and nourishing, just like my ministry aims to be.”
What brings you the most joy when you’re not preaching or counselling?
“Spending time with family and playing dominoes with the brethren. It brings connection and a good laugh.”
Faith and foundations
What’s your favourite Scripture, and why?
“Isaiah’s call and Paul’s words, ‘Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel,’ remind me that this calling is a mandate, not a choice.”
When was a time you had to rely on God in a way that changed everything?
“Founding the New Foundation Christian Ministries with only my wife and daughter beside me. We had no crowd — just calling.”
What does prayer and quiet time look like for you now?
“After retiring from government service, my late nights and early mornings are dedicated to quiet prayer and deep reflection.”
Has your perspective on God changed over the years?
“Yes, I’ve moved from fear-based reverence to a fuller understanding of God’s love and kingdom purpose.”
Thoughts on leadership
What went through your mind receiving the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award?
“At first, I didn’t grasp the magnitude. But I’m humbled. It’s an honour that reflects God’s faithfulness, not my greatness.”
Is there one life-changing moment from your 40 years in ministry?
“My training at the Haggai Institute in Maui, Hawaii was transformative. I wrote heartfelt letters to my wife and daughter on the flight home — it changed how I do family and ministry.”
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
“You must be approachable and discerning. Serve at every level, but also take time apart to hear from God.”
How do you maintain balance as a leader?
“Balance starts with God, then family, then church — not the other way around. My wife taught me that. Her constant reminder: ‘Donald, you need balance.’”
The Bishop also spoke about why reaching men matters so much to him. Read more in Meeting Men Where They Are.
Family, marriage and relationships
How has your family shaped your ministry?
“Without Marlene, there is no Bishop McFarlane. Her unwavering love and faith — even when she didn’t agree — kept me grounded.”
Share more about the miracle of your daughter, Abigail.
“After seven years of infertility, we lost our first pregnancy on Christmas Day. Abigail was born seven years later. She is our living miracle.”
What wisdom do you offer couples in your role as a marriage officer?
“Prioritise partnership, communication and prayer. Don’t spiritualise everything — build a real, intentional relationship.”
How do you keep your own relationships strong while serving others?
“I listen more, laugh more, and remember that love is service, not convenience.”
Final reflections
As you reflect on your legacy, what do you want people to say about your life and ministry?
That I served with integrity, humility, and heart. That I loved God, loved people, and left behind a legacy of hope and transformation.
Bishop Donald Washington McFarlane, JP
Thank you, Bishop, for 40 years of faithful service. Look back on the celebration of 40 years of pastoral ministry.
Interview and archive photos first published in the 40th Pastoral Anniversary Commemorative Magazine (2025).