Hackney Seventh-day Adventist church welcomed Trans-European Division Field Secretary, Pastor Ian Sweeney, as the special guest speaker on Sabbath, 10 January. The former President of the British Union Conference was warmly introduced by Resident Pastor Vaughn Thorpe, who also ministered in song with a heartfelt rendition of It Took a Miracle.
In his sermon titled ‘It’s Complicated’, Pastor Sweeney focused on the message that God calls every believer to be an ambassador for Christ, even amid difficult circumstances. Drawing from the book of Esther, he illustrated how God works behind the scenes and encouraged the congregation to share the hope of Christ’s coming, being representatives of God’s love despite life’s complications.
The afternoon programme featured an interactive presentation led by Pastor Sweeney in his capacity as Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL). Exploring the question, “What if Adventists ran the UK?” sparked meaningful discussion about religious freedom, civic responsibility, and gospel engagement in public life. Emphasis was placed on the importance of freedom of choice, standing against injustice, and loving one’s neighbour as an expression of love for God.
Quoting Ellen G White’s timeless counsel from Ministry of Healing, Pastor Sweeney reminded the congregation: “Christ’s method alone will give true success. He mingled with men, showed His sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, and then bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
As the day concluded, members were reminded of the central message: to embrace their identity as ambassadors for Christ, representing His love to everyone in both word and deed. Pastor Sweeney encouraged all to answer this calling, sharing God’s love with all people as true representatives of Christ.