The South England Conference (SEC) held its Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses Retreat at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor from March 3rd to March 5th, 2023. The event brought together more than 300 elders, deacons, and deaconesses from across the SEC under the theme, "Jesus is Coming: Get Involved!" Throughout the three-day retreat, attendees addressed various issues and challenges that they face as leaders in local churches.
The retreat began, with a welcome from event host and organiser, SEC Ministerial Association Secretary Dr Hezron Otenio Adingo, who introduced the line-up of local and international speakers. The opening presentation was given by Pastor Janos Kovacs-Biro, the former Ministerial Association Secretary of the Trans-European Division (TED), currently serving as an associate pastor at Newbold College Church.
The first of his two presentations was entitled, "If Jesus says so... we reinvent fishing,". Kovacs-Biro referenced the biblical account of the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Peter to discipleship in Luke 5:1-9. He also advocated for the use of modern technology and social media as a tool of evangelism and urged attendees to reach out to hard-to-reach groups, including the indigenous English population, young intellectuals, and the upper class.
His second presentation, "A Walkable Discipleship Pathway for 21st Century Adventism" discussed the barriers to spiritual growth and an authentic relationship with Christ. He suggested the five-step process of "connecting, involving, sharing, spiritual formation, and equipping" to disciple others.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the three-part series, "The Mourning Before the Morning" by Pastor and Chaplain Tatiana Perez-Oh, from AdventHealth, Orlando. She shared deeply emotional personal experiences and life lessons she learned from her ministry in Mother and Baby Units over the past 11 years. Her first talk, "Experiencing Life Through Death" stressed the importance of embracing both sorrow and joy, and one's own mortality.“When we experience death we are better able to appreciate the joys of life." She also emphasised the importance of self-care, stressing that "our cup needs to be filled first before we can fill others."
Her second talk "Embracing Good Grief" focused on how "to journey with someone who is grieving", while her final presentation explored "The Way of Compassion" which highlighted how to provide comfort, the importance of boundaries, and knowing what to say and avoid saying.
Other featured speakers included, Cornerstone Counselling Coordinator, Thembie Mapingire, who delivered two presentations on "Ministering to People with Mental Health Issues." BUC Ministerial Association Secretary, Pastor Samuel Ouadjo, gave a talk on "How to Prepare a Sermon," while North Wembley and Hanworth Church Pastor Samuel Ngui spoke about conflict resolution. Additionally, Dr Seth Asare gave short health presentations covering various topics such as prostate cancer and fibroids.
During the event, attendees also participated in a "Meet the President" session with SEC President, Pastor Emmanuel Osei. They raised concerns such as how to assist congregations worshipping in rented spaces to purchase their own building, and the need for care homes for the elderly.
At the conclusion of the retreat, attendees praised the "inspiring" speakers and presentations. The Atakpa-Solomon family from Emmanuel Church, including Head Elder Lawrence, his wife Vincentia (Head Deaconess), their 18-year-old son Mawutor (Deacon), and 16-year-old daughter Jemima (Deaconess), were among those expressing their keenness to apply the knowledge they gained to their local church and community.
