Ministerial Association
The Ministerial Association of the British Union Conference exists to serve the conferences (through their Ministerial secretaries) and the missions (directly) in the proclamation of the everlasting Gospel and disciple-making.
It has sought to accomplish this mission through the support given to pastors, pastors’ families and local church elders, as well as to deacons and deaconesses.
Change of Leadership
The Ministerial Department saw several changes in leadership during the term, both at the Union and Conference levels. Shortly after the 2021 BUC Session, Pastor Eglan Brooks, who had been voted as Ministerial Secretary, was invited by the Executive Committee to serve as BUC President, replacing Pastor Ian Sweeney, who was called to the TED. Pastor Samuel Ouadjo, who had been serving in the SEC Ministerial Department, assumed office in March 2022. The department would like to acknowledge Pastor Eglan Brooks for the initiatives established during his tenure as Ministerial Secretary.
Pastor Hezron Adingo became the SEC Ministerial Secretary, while Pastor Michael Simpson, who was serving in the NEC, left the NEC/BUC in 2022 to care for his mother in the USA. Pastor Julian Kastrati succeeded Pastor Michael Simpson and continued the work. In September 2023, Pastor Kwesi Moore replaced Dr Hezron Adingo as the new SEC Ministerial Secretary. In July 2025, Pastor Solon Kyriacou replaced Pastor Julian Kastrati, who is currently serving in America.
The transition at the BUC itself came at a time when the effects and impact of COVID-19 were still being felt. Work was undertaken to maintain the online presence that had provided continuity to the professional development programme, while also preparing for the Ministerial Council and continuing the main task of supporting and ministering to pastors and officers, particularly within the missions.
Throughout the quinquennium, the department’s KPIs – including supporting pastors and ministerial families, strengthening induction and internship pathways, encouraging continuing education, and extending training opportunities to local church leaders – were carried out. These priorities aligned with the BUC’s strategic priorities. It has been a huge privilege to serve up to the time of this session, as I am now the outgoing Ministerial Secretary.
Our programmes throughout the term have included:
• Bi-weekly BUTREC
• Annual induction and orientation
• Ministerial councils
• A two-year cycle programme of internship symposiums
• Chaplaincy visits to the Adventist Health Hospital in Florida
• MinTAC
• The annual Preachers’ Conference
• Ministry care
Bi-Weekly BUTREC & Continuing Education Credits
The British Union Training, Resource and Evangelism Centre (BUTREC) seeks to supply resources and training for ministers and lay leaders. Throughout the term, we have faithfully hosted, on average, 20 days of seminars each year, covering a range of topics aimed at equipping pastors and lay leaders to excel in ministry. The move to online delivery has significantly increased participation. The feedback we continue to receive suggests that we are on the right path.
One of the faithful attendees, Dr Ikechi Chidi Ekpendu, serving in the North England Conference, states that the BUTREC lectures have made an important contribution to his pastoral ministry in the United Kingdom. The topics and the presenters have strengthened both the quality of his preaching and his theological reflection. He noted:
In the context of the UK, where many churches face cultural and spiritual challenges, the BUTREC lectures promote the renewal of preaching and understanding of ministry. I have gained insight into supporting the bereaved and understanding the role of cultural intelligence and worldview in discipleship in the British Isles. The seminars have produced thoughtful and reflective leaders who can interpret both the biblical message and its relevance to our present communities.
— Dr Ikechi Chidi Ekpendu
Similarly, Pastor Wilfred Masih from the Scottish Mission shared that the lectures have enriched his pastoral practice and equipped him to lead a resilient and relevant church in the north of Scotland.
BUTREC sessions have therefore played a vital role in continuing education. Pastors are encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, with the expectation of completing two CEUs per year (20 hours). In addition, the BUC contributes to postgraduate sponsorships, subject to eligibility and selection, and there are currently 24 students enrolled.
Annual Induction and Orientation of New Pastors
During this quinquennium, more than 50 pastors have been employed across the five entities of the BUC (NEC, SEC, Irish Mission, Scottish Mission, Welsh Mission). These include interns from Newbold College of Higher Education and experienced pastors from overseas.
Each January, the Ministerial Department organises a five-day induction programme to help new pastors minister effectively within the British Isles. Given the multicultural nature of the Church in the UK, this training is both necessary and valuable.
Over the past four years, Dr Gifford Rhamie and Dr Don McFarlane have made a significant contribution to this programme.
In January 2026, the induction was held at the SEC offices and welcomed 16 new pastors from across the Union. The programme included theological reflection, historical context, practical ministry insights and departmental briefings. Each day began with a devotional, setting a spiritual tone for the training.
Participants have consistently testified to the value of the programme, particularly in helping them understand where to find support and how to navigate ministry within a new cultural context.
Pastor Connie Hon Ni Tsang, who is currently serving in the SEC, attended the 2023 BUC Orientation Seminar and said,
The BUC Orientation Seminar was extremely beneficial for me as I first arrived in the UK and began developing a new church-planting work. Through the seminar, I had the opportunity to meet co-workers from diverse backgrounds, which greatly broadened my perspectives and sense of connection. Through the seminar, I learnt where to turn to for help and support.
— Pastor Connie Hon Ni Tsang
Ministerial Councils
During this term, ministers across the Union participated in three ministerial councils and one pastoral retreat.
SEC Ministerial Council. Held from 25 to 30 October 2022 in Budva, Montenegro, under the leadership of Dr Hezron Adingo and the theme ‘Recharge’, this council focused on renewing pastors and their spouses for effective ministry. Dr Pardon Mwansa contributed to the programme. Parallel sessions for pastors’ children were conducted under the theme ‘Chosen and Treasured’. A total of 192 participants attended, and they reported a positive experience.
BUC Ministerial Council. Held from 28 April to 1 May 2023 under the theme ‘Called for This’, The BUC Ministerial Council brought together more than 350 pastoral families (including pastors, departmental directors and Bible workers) with a total attendance of approximately 600 people. Workshops addressed relationships, resilience and retirement planning.
Three Missions Ministers’ Retreat. Held from 16 to 19 October 2023 at Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton, this council was attended by thirty-two pastors from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. The retreat provided focused spiritual renewal and fellowship. The keynote speaker was Pastor Bill Knott (General Conference), Editor of the Adventist Review.
TED Ministerial Council. The European Pastors’ Council 2024 was held in Serbia from 27 August to 1 September under the theme ‘Engaged in Mission’. The event supported spiritual, professional and relational development and offered a wider European context for fellowship, worship and renewal. Among those who attended were 274 pastors from the British Union Conference.
Internship Symposiums
Interns entering ministry participate in a structured two-year placement supported by experienced mentors. As part of this process, residential symposiums are held annually on a two-year cycle, providing space for learning, reflection and relationship-building.
These symposiums have proved to be invaluable. Interns engage with topics such as church administration, discipleship and the realities of ministry, while also benefiting from the experience of seasoned ministers.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with all attendees rating the experience from very good to excellent. Many have highlighted the emphasis on spiritual growth, personal reflection and the importance of maintaining Christ at the centre of ministry.
Pastor Jesse Samuel (SEC) is among those who have benefited from the symposiums. He noted that they have been extremely beneficial to his ministry, particularly in learning from the experiences of others. He highlighted the emphasis on maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the centre of ministry and described the internship symposiums as a clear demonstration of the Church’s commitment to developing and equipping young ministers for more fruitful and meaningful service.
Pastor Fritzroy Morris (Scottish Mission) reported that the internship symposiums ‘have significantly enhanced my effectiveness as a pastor by equipping me with knowledge, skills and a supportive network. They contributed to my professional and spiritual development by encouraging intentional self-evaluation and accountability. They created space to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and pursue continuous improvement. I also appreciated the social events organised to foster bonding and lasting friendships.’
The data below show how participants evaluated the 2025 event:
All attendees rated the event organisation, programme content, venue and meals as very good to excellent, with results weighted towards excellence. The programme was described as ‘Spirit-filled and well-balanced’, and as ‘a great asset and a blessing’. The evaluation also provided suggestions for improvement, and discussions have begun to address the training needs of mentors.
Chaplaincy Visits to Florida
Through chaplaincy training programmes in Florida, pastors have been exposed to new approaches in pastoral care, particularly in relation to grief, trauma and crisis situations. One of the key lessons has been the recognition that pastors themselves are human and must be equipped to process their own emotional experiences while supporting others.
Participants have consistently reported that these experiences have significantly enriched their ministry and broadened their approach to counselling and care.
Last year, Florin Iacob, a field pastor from the Irish Mission, was part of the BUC delegation to Florida. He said:
“I greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in the chaplaincy training at Florida Hospital in November 2025. It was an excellent and rewarding experience that connected pastoral ministry with chaplaincy and challenged my approach to counselling people facing difficult situations, such as serious illness or the loss of a loved one. I thank the BUC Ministerial Association for this opportunity, which has enriched my ministry.”
— Florin Iacob
MinTAC
The Ministerial Training and Advisory Committee (MinTAC) brings together leadership and representatives from across the entities to ensure consistent direction and development in ministerial work across the British Union Conference. The committee continues to meet quarterly, addressing standing items such as recommendations for pastoral ordinations, new employees and interns, and student sponsorships.
During this term, 30 ordinations and 5 commissioning services were conducted within the Union.
Regarding women in ministry, MinTAC commissioned a report led by Pastor Adriana Fodor on ‘Women in Ministry’. The findings were presented and discussed, and the entities have been tasked with preparing responses on their plans to support female pastors in their territories.
Coaching and mentoring have also been priorities this term. A mentor provides constructive feedback, challenges complacency, and encourages spiritual growth. Two providers of coaching and mentoring services presented proposals to the committee, which endorsed both proposals and allowed the entities to utilise their services. The fields are encouraged to invest in mentoring, as the relationship between mentee and mentor strengthens both pastors and the Church as a whole.
The Preachers’ Conference
Over the past three years, the Preachers’ Conference has emerged as a significant initiative for strengthening preaching within the Union.
Led initially by Pastor Jonathan Holder, the conference has featured internationally recognised speakers and provided pastors with opportunities to refine their preaching skills and deepen their theological engagement. Keynote speakers have included Dr Joel C. Gregory, Professor of Preaching, and Dr Robert Smith Jr, Distinguished Professor of Divinity at Samford University.
Dr Gregory led the ministerial departments of both conferences and the Union in delivering two-day seminars in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, Dr Smith served as the keynote speaker, bringing his award-winning teaching, preaching and publications to the event.
Participants were reminded of the unity that comes when the Word of God is preached faithfully and Christ is lifted up. Feedback has been consistently strong, with 83% rating the lectures and sermons as excellent and noting both the practical and spiritual impact of the sessions.
Ministry Care and CMCS
Ministry is widely recognised as a demanding and sometimes isolating calling. For this reason, support systems such as Ministry Care and the Church’s Ministerial Counselling Service (CMCS) are essential.
These services provide confidential counselling and support for pastors and their families. Subscriptions to these services, as well as to key ministerial resources such as the Ministry magazine, have been maintained throughout the term.
The department values pastors and remains committed to caring for them holistically.
Conclusion
My wife Joyce and I have had the privilege of serving the Church overseas and in the United Kingdom for the past 38 years. Since 2019, we have been honoured to serve pastors and their families, as well as elders, deacons and deaconesses.
Working for the Union has been both challenging and deeply enriching – an experience I will always value. I am especially grateful to my wife for her constant support throughout our ministry. Every day in ministry remains a learning opportunity.
The commitment to equip pastors for effective ministry must continue. God will provide for His pastors and His church.
However, the time has now come to pass the baton on to someone else. I would like to see stronger efforts made to retain pastors within the BUC, as we are losing too many to other fields. I also believe that greater care should be given to pastors as they transition into retirement.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Kathleen Hanson, together with her predecessors, Abigail Wright-Stephenson and Natalie Davison, for their faithful support over the years. Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to serve have greatly contributed to the smooth functioning of the department and to the raising of standards in our work. Their support has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
And, ultimately, we give God the glory and praise for His guidance and blessings during this time.