On Sunday 13 September, 60 members from around the Scottish Mission (SM), gathered at the Dundee Seventh-day Adventist Church for the Big Conversation led by the British Union Conference (BUC) President, Dr Kirk Thomas and facilitated by Mfakazi Ndebele, a stipendiary pastor in the South England Conference (SEC), a leadership development coach/trainer and change management consultant.
The purpose of the Big Conversation was to illicit ideas and suggestions that could be a basis for a strategic plan for the Adventist work in Scotland. Topics that were discussed in small groups, led by the local members, were public campus ministries, community and health, mentorship for youth, reaching the indigenous Scottish population, ministry to past members, community relevance, create a centre for young people, church planting, repositioning of highly successful services, innovative outreach, intentional church growth, focused youth activities and mental health.
Opening the service, was the recently elected Pastor Obinnaya (Obi) Iheoma, President of the SM, affirmed his desire for increased mission throughout the territory and his commitment to the members in Scotland. Inspiration for the day was offered by the BUC President who spoke passionately about unity, collaboration and the mission of the church. Dr Thomas also promised that open discussion and active listening would be an ongoing practice between the Union and its stakeholders.
Reflecting on the day, one church member stated, “It was an excellent initiative to involve the grassroots in the shaping of the work in Scotland. I look forward to seeing what transpires from these and future discussions.”