From 10 to 14 October 2026, church leaders and members across the British Union Conference (BUC) explored how gratitude, generosity and sound financial management can become practical expressions of Christian stewardship.
Julian Archer, Stewardship Director for the South Pacific Division (SPD), and Pastor Bruce Likaveke, Stewardship Director for the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), travelled to the UK to share resources that support financial wellbeing and faithful Christian living.
The programme began on Sabbath, 10 October, at the Filipino International Church in London. Archer and Likaveke joined BUC Stewardship Director Pastor Jimmy Botha and Trans-European Division (TED) Stewardship Director Pastor David Neal for worship and fellowship. Together with Catherine Anthony Boldeau, the current BUC Director of Communications and former Union Stewardship Director, they led an interactive lesson study on faithfulness to God, drawing on the stewardship-themed Sabbath School lessons planned for the third quarter of 2027.
Before the worship service, Pastor Alex Mareniuc, Stewardship Director for the South England Conference, welcomed members and visiting stewardship leaders.
Practical Resources for Faithful Living
On Monday, 12 October, stewardship representatives gathered at the BUC offices in Watford for training focused on two resources: Grateful Living, which encourages a lifestyle of gratitude and generosity, and Mastering Money, which provides practical financial education through facilitator and participant materials.
That evening, almost 80 people joined an online presentation and question-and-answer session, extending the conversation to church members across the Union.
Financial Guidance for Pastors and Church Workers
The following day, pastors and church workers gathered at Stanborough Park Church, with others joining online, for a programme combining biblical stewardship principles with practical financial guidance.
Archer and Likaveke presented the stewardship resources. Financial adviser Ainsley Stephenson then addressed mortgages and personal financial planning, Cedrene Botha covered pensions and retirement planning, and BUC Executive Secretary Pastor Emanuel Bran explained relevant employment policies and benefits.
Stewardship as Everyday Discipleship
By sharing resources and expertise across the worldwide Adventist Church, the visit helped participants see stewardship as part of everyday discipleship: managing resources wisely, caring for their families and serving others.
Reflecting on the visit, Pastor Neal said,
Mastering Money is a brilliant tool for all pastors and church members. Mission and ministry are best carried out collaboratively, and we value the contribution of the SPD and TPUM as they work with the TED and BUC.
One attendee said,
I had no idea what my pension included and that I am able to manage it myself, I also buried my head in the sand, thinking that my retirement was far away. I am now interested and happy to work on my pension and prepare well for my retirement.
The central message was simple: receive gratefully, manage faithfully and share generously.