Charles Fleming – Adjunct Assistant Professor of Leadership  

MAGL: ML565A/B course; DMiss: Module 3

Background & Current Ministry 

I have worked for Grace Communion International (formerly, Worldwide Church of God) for over 33 years in a variety of roles: as a church pastor in Jamaica (1978-1991); as Caribbean regional administrator (1991-1996); as a mission developer in Latin America and the Caribbean (1996-2006); and as Caribbean Superintendent of Missions since 2006.  

In 1995 my world was turned upside down when the denomination began a period of radical doctrinal reform which challenged my worldview and core beliefs.  After a period of personal crisis I realized I had been wrong and determined to do my part in helping to bring renewal to the pastors and members in the areas I served.  In the past decade doctrinal renewal has led to administrative, governance and theological reform across the denomination.  

 Involvement with Fuller  

By 2000 it became clear that if I were to be effective in helping lead reform in the regions I served I would need to go back to school and so began looking for a program to help me stay in my context while upgrading my skills.  After years of searching I heard about Fuller’s MAGL which began in 2003 and enrolled in the first cohort – which we appropriately named "Pioneer" Cohort.  In 2004, because I already had a Master’s degree in Administration and because of my experience, Shelley Trebesch, who developed the ML565 course, asked me to be her TA.  I have just recently completed a D-Miss degree here at Fuller.    

Family 

I was born and grew up on the Caribbean island of Grenada.  I met my wife, Carmen, in here hometown of San Juan, PR, when I was sent there in 1977 for ministerial training.  We got married in 1978 and moved to Jamaica that same year.  We have three children: Robert, Michelle and Anne Marie.   

Interests 

Reading, sports and movie going are among my hobbies.  As a family we love traveling and hosting parties.  I recently took up cooking - basic stuff, nothing fancy – and am surprised at how much I enjoy it.