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NEC Session, Consecration & Ordination Services

NEC Session, Consecration & Ordination Services

Pastor Jonathan Holder

The North England Conference (NEC) Session, held from 11th to 13th September 2024 at the Leonardo Hotel in Hinckley, Leicestershire, was a powerful gathering filled with reflection and decision-making. The three days of the session culminated in two deeply moving services: the Consecration and Ordination services on Sabbath 14th September.

Day 1: Setting the Tone for Mission and Ministry

The NEC Session officially began on Wednesday 11th September at 10:03 am, with Pastor George Kumi (NEC President) welcoming the delegates and introducing the devotional speaker, Pastor Ian Sweeney (TED Field Secretary). Pastor Sweeney extended his thanks to the NEC members for their faithfulness and generosity, highlighting that the NEC is the second-largest giver in the Trans-European Division (TED). His devotional, based on Isaiah 1:12-16, urged attendees to integrate their worship with daily living, emphasising that true Christianity must be lived out consistently, not just on the Sabbath.

Following the devotion, the session moved into a series of motions led by Pastor George Kumi and Pastor Emanuel Bran (NEC Executive Secretary). These included the acceptance of newly formed churches, voting systems, time limits on comments, and other procedural matters. Vigorous discussions ensued, giving delegates valuable insights into the governance of the church. Intertwined with these moments was a touching "In Memoriam" segment, where members of the NEC who had passed away during the current term were remembered. This solemn tribute served as a reminder of the importance of the church's mission as we await Christ's return.

Discussions then turned to the proposed budgets for elected positions, with suggestions for increasing director roles in certain departments. This discussion continued until lunch, after which the session focused on departmental reports, including those from AMR, Children’s Ministries, and Communications.

Day 2: Reports and Elections

The second day of Session was focused not only on departmental reports but also on the critical task of nominating and electing the NEC’s key leadership roles. The day began with worship led by Pastor Ian Sweeney, who shared a message from Isaiah chapters 18 and 19, reminding delegates that God’s desire is to save all people.

Throughout the morning, departmental reports were delivered from Community Services, Education, and Family Ministries. Questions arose about how the church could provide more consistent and permanent community service beyond one-off events. The Education report, led by Lorraine McDonald (BUC Education Director), reassured delegates of the strength of Adventist schools, while Family Ministries focused on the need to support young married couples and maintain a robust safeguarding framework.

A highlight of the day came when the Nominating Committee presented their first partial report. Pastor Steve Palmer was nominated and elected as the new NEC President, succeeding Pastor George Kumi. Pastor Palmer humbly accepted the position, expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him.

Following this, the Nominating Committee returned with further reports for the roles of Executive Secretary and Treasurer. Pastor Emanuel Bran was re-elected as Executive Secretary, while Elder Michael Agyei-Asare was re-elected as Treasurer. Both appointments were approved by the delegation with overwhelming support.

In the afternoon, Dr Beatrice Kastrati delivered the Health and Possibilities Ministry report, and further nominations were presented for key departmental roles, including Youth Director, Personal Ministries Director, and Pathfinder Director. The meeting ended with a focus on men's ministries, highlighting the need for greater investment in this area.

Day 3: Elections and Decision-Making

The third and final day of Session began with a powerful devotion led by Pastor Daniel Duda (TED President), focusing on the theme Forward We Go. Pastor Duda challenged delegates to consider the implications of this motto, urging them to adapt to the times while staying true to the mission of becoming more like Jesus and extending His love to others.

The Session then shifted to business with the Credentials and License Committee presenting its report, covering missionary and ministerial credentials and the list of lay preachers. 

Next came the Prison Ministries report, where Pastor Ian Philpott encouraged delegates to engage in evangelism within prisons. This sparked questions about how the department could receive more support, and delegates commended the work accomplished with limited resources.

The Plans Committee, the largest committee of Session, presented proposals across six key areas: Reflecting Christ, Asset Management, People, Education, Communication, and Safeguarding. These proposals generated passionate discussions, and after some suggestions, the plans were voted through.

The afternoon focused on further reports, including those from Stewardship and Teens Ministry. Pastor Derek Simon emphasised the need for "safe people" to create "safe churches," and the Women's Ministries report was delivered by Sister Beulah Plunkett, who received praise for her inclusive leadership. The reports concluded with the Youth Department, which highlighted the IMAGE theme and urged more cross-department collaboration.

As the day came to a conclusion, the Nominating Committee returned with partial reports for the remaining directors and Executive Committee members, which were eventually approved. The Nominating Committee recommended that Prayer Ministries, Men's Ministries, and AMR be referred to the Executive Committee.

Here is the final list of officers, directors, and sponsors approved by the delegation. The number in brackets indicates the department's allocated budget:

  • AMR - Referred to Executive Committee
  • Children's Ministries - Bekezela Peters (0.5)
  • Communication - Ps Joe Philpott (0.5)
  • Community Services - Dr Beatrice Kastrati (0.5)
  • Family Ministries - Ps John Francis (0.75)
  • Health - Dr Beatrice Kastrati (0.5)
  • Media - Ps Joe Philpott  (0.5)
  • Mens - Referred to Executive Committee
  • Ministerial Association - Ps Julian Kastrati (1)
  • Music - Referred to Executive Committee
  • Pathfinders - Ps Ikwisa Mwasumbi (1)
  • Personal Ministries - Ps Dan Majaducon (1)
  • Prayer - Referred to Executive Committee
  • Prison - Ps Ian Philpott (0.25)
  • Sabbath School - Dr Gina Miller (0.5)
  • Stewardship - Ps Ian Philpott (0.25)
  • Teens - Eld Horace Radcliffe (0.5)
  • Womens - Dr Gina Miller (0.5)
  • Youth - Ps Derek Simon (1)  

After these final votes, the session was adjourned with prayer, closing a successful NEC Session.

Sabbath 14th September: Consecration and Ordination Services

The week crescendo’d on Sabbath with two significant services: the Consecration Service in the morning and the Ordination Service in the afternoon.

The Consecration Service, held at Leicester Central Seventh-day Adventist, began at 11:15 am with special guests Pastors Daniel Duda, Eglan Brooks (BUC President), and Jacques Venter (BUC Executive Secretary) in attendance. Pastor Daniel Duda delivered a sermon about the necessity of seeing value in people, reminding the congregation that “The ability to see value and potential in people is one of the rarest and greatest gifts in the world.” Following the sermon, Pastor Eglan Brooks charged the newly elected NEC officers and directors, including Pastors Steve Palmer, Emanuel Bran, and Elder Michael Agyei-Asare. These leaders and their families were prayed over as they committed themselves to the service of God and His people.

Later in the afternoon, at 4:15 pm, the congregation gathered for the Ordination Service of Pastors Neville Taylor and Sergio De Sousa. The service opened with a powerful song service, and the Leicester Central Praise Team’s rendition of Give Me Jesus set the tone for the ordination.

Pastors Taylor and De Sousa knelt before the congregation as fellow pastors gathered around to pray over them, committing their ministries and families to God. Pastor Neville Taylor, speaking on behalf of both ordinands, expressed gratitude to their families and the church community for their unwavering support.

The 2024 NEC Session was a week of significant decisions, spiritual reflection, and heartfelt dedication. From the election of new leaders to the powerful moments of consecration and ordination, the Spirit of God moved throughout the event, guiding the church into its next chapter. As the newly elected officers and pastors take up their roles, they do so with the prayers and support of the entire NEC family, ready to lead and serve with humility, faith, and love.