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Pastor Ian Sweeney
Phone: 01923 672251
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Welcome

As President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland I would like to give you a warm welcome to our website. As you browse this site I hope that it will give you an insight into the life and ministry of the more than 34,000 Christians who have made this church their spiritual home. You will also find resources from various church departments, the locations of all our churches and companies, the latest news and events diary, and a picture gallery that traces some of the major events of recent years. You may also be interested in our historical archive, a collection of documents that will take you back to the very origins of the church in this country.

Ours is a very diverse, vibrant and growing church. After visiting these pages I hope that you can also take an opportunity to find a welcome in one of our many congregations. If you need any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at this office.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE: 'WE NEED TO TALK'

NativityNothing strikes me with a sense of panic and fear as when my wife of 25 years now, Jennifer, says to me, "Ian... we need to talk!"

Those 4 words "we need to talk!" are the harbinger of a conversation that I really do not want to conduct and for which I'm not sure when and how I will emotionally recover from the "talk!"  I had thought that I was alone in being frightened witless by "we need to talk" until sometime in 2011 I heard a radio news feature that revealed other men were just like me!

When Jennifer states that "we need to talk" I know that I am being taken into a place where an uncomfortable conversation is about to be conducted.  Uncomfortable conversations are not where I want to be because they have a way of exposing my deficiencies, inadequacies and need for reform.

Having just watched the children of the Stanborough Primary and Secondary School put on a most wonderful and inspiring nativity musical, my mind was drawn to an uncomfortable conversation that the Nativity story records in Matthew 1:18:-

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit."  [Matthew 1:18 NIV]

I can imagine the scene when Mary announced to her fiancé in what must have been an extremely serious and solemn tone "Joseph, we need to talk!"  For Joseph hearing that his fiancée is pregnant, he most certainly knew that the child was not his.  I know how I would have reacted to the revelation in this uncomfortable conversation, "and just who is the father?"  Incredulity would not adequately describe my reaction to her answer, "the father is the Holy Ghost."

I have no desire to engage in uncomfortable conversations and yet not only are they at the heart of the Christmas story but the Bible cites a number of uncomfortable conversations such as the one that Jeremiah had with God in Jeremiah 15, where after complaining about his terrible lot as a prophet, God effectively told the prophet to stop talking nonsense and repent or else he was sacked from the prophetic ministry (15:19).

In the book of Acts, Peter had to conduct an uncomfortable conversation with a husband and wife whose secret actions showed them to be liars and thieves (chapter 5).  In Acts 6, an uncomfortable conversation was conducted regarding issues of prejudice and discrimination.  In Acts 15 an uncomfortable conversation needed to be had regarding issues of theology and religious practice.  In Galatians 2, Paul recounted that he had a most uncomfortable conversation with Peter whom he accused of being weak and a hypocrite.

These uncomfortable conversations were necessary because their outcome related to God's mission that His message be shared.

I believe that we must engage in uncomfortable conversations when we understand that the objective is MISSION... that is reaching people with the love and message of Jesus Christ.  The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland has to engage in many uncomfortable conversations and questions of which one is, "how does our Church, whose membership is largely made up of ethnic minority people, become able to effectively reach the majority ethnic population with the love and message of Jesus Christ?"

Our local churches need to engage in uncomfortable conversations such as "is our congregation serving as salt and light (Matthew 5) in our local community or are we only known in our community by car parking issues on a Saturday?"

Uncomfortable conversations are about listening to one another and finding ways to be more effective in our witness.

After Mary and Joseph's uncomfortable conversation from which he decided he would break it off with Mary, an angel appeared to him and reassured him that Mary's story was true and that she would "give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" ‒ which means, "God with us."

We need to talk, however, I truly pray Immanuel "God with us!" as we talk.

 

THE CHURCH IN 2012 AND BEYOND

Presidents report 2012With the glow of the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee both fading into the distant memory, I still believe there is a 'feel good' factor within the British public and within the Church I love.

However, that 'feel good' factor has to be turned into more concrete action, as I have shared in a video report that I believe gives an accurate portrayal of our church in 2012 and what we have in mind for 2013 and beyond.

This ten minute video is ideal to download and share with your church family, perhaps during the missions spot or an afternoon meeting, or as a basis to talk about mission in your own, local church setting.

WOMEN IN MINISTRY

Women's ministry conferenceI recently had the privilege to attend a Women's Ministries Convention. (My wife was the devotional speaker and I was supporting her). While there I was asked about my views on the role of women in Church leadership. I give my positive and affirmative response in this video interview.

 

 

REVIVIAL, REFORMATION AND MISSION

There is nothing that excites me more than mission and evangelism. I've recently been traveling around the British Isles and at every location, whether with ministers, elders or church members they are starting to recognize that the main trust of my conversation is going to be, "what is happening at grass-roots level?" While I am overseeing the Adventist church across the British Isles, I fully recognize that it is at local church level where the real impact is made. That is why I challenge every local congregation to "take seriously its reason for being". The aim of every board and business meeting should be "how do we reach the lost?" Do you have ideas and suggestions? Have you tried anything that seems to be working. I'd be delighted to hear from you. You can make a comment and join the discussion on my new blog page.

President's Archives

President's Archives
The archives below are resources placed on the web during the leadership of my predecessor, Pastor Don McFarlane. You may still find them to be of interest to you.

Prayer and Bible Study

I much appreciate the writings of the apostle Paul. One of the things that really stands out in his letters is the way he greets "the saints" he is writing to. Even when some of those "saints" have less than saintly behaviour he always greets them with an encouraging thought. "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" (Col 1:3 NIV). Paul always prayed. I want you to know that in this office we pray daily for the members of our church, for the leadership of the countries of which we are a part, and for those in these islands and beyond that need or long to know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Over the next year I am committing myself to more prayer and Bible study. At our December Executive committee all our leaders were enthusiastic at the idea of seeking ways to increase the role of prayer and Bible study in the life of the church - as well as for each of us as individuals. This reflects the Adventist World Church call for a time of 'Repentance and Reformation. Here in the UK and Ireland we have taken this call seriously and encourage you to study the Revival and Reformation document voted by our committee. Naturally, a document by itself can make very little difference. However, I challenge you to take I look, give it a try, and be surprised and blessed by the difference that the ideas can make.

We can do no better than Paul's example: "We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Vs 9).

BUC News Review 2010

Fire Faithfulness & Following My heart is warmed as I see the way God is leading His church. In this Video News Review you will find stories of love and action across the British Isles as well as some of my dreams and goals for the church in 2011. You can watch this on our Hope TV website or download it to play in your church or home fellowship. I hope this review blesses and engages you as much as it did me.

 

 

The Challenge of Diversity in the British Union

Newbold diversity lectureA multicultural society needs a multicultural church. That is exactly what you find with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland. But cultural diversity brings its challenges. In a lecture I presented at Newbold College on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 I have tried to share my views and my vision to bring the best out of the issues and challenges of Cultural Diversity in the British church. I do not claim to have all the answers but my hope in sharing the lecture here is that it will help each one of us with our answers as we seek to reach out to the people of these islands for Jesus Christ. You can find the lecture notes here or listen to the audio podcast here. (Right click if you wish to download or just click to listen.) There is also more information about this event, including a report, on the Newbold College website.

 

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Fire, Faithfulness and Following

Fire Faithfulness & Following Exactly one year on from the fire the destroyed much of our Headquarters office here in Watford, I have shared my reflections on the impact of 'Fire, Faithfulness and Following' in the life of the church.  This 12 minute report gives a broad picture of activity in the church and is ideal for showing in church, sharing the vision that the Adventist church in this country has for evangelism and growth. The report is available in two resolutions. Click to view or right click and save target as to download.

Good Resolution version (100 mb wmv file)
High Resolution version (475 mb wmv file)

 

Follow the Bible Sabbath

Follow the Bible

Sabbath, 12 September was a special Sabbath set aside to celebrate the value of the Bible in our lives and the lives of our communities. Read my Follow the Bible message here or visit the Follow the Bible website for more information and inspiration.

 

Development of Newbold College

Newbold College is our senior training college. With a new degrees on offer in media as well as a strong NewboldBible based curriculum our college provides excellent study opportunities for our young people and mature students. Click here (or right click and save target as) to view a video I have made reflecting on the positive values of "The Newbold Experience". For more on Newbold and its needs see my letter to ministers and churches, 2 September 2009.

Church Planting

Church Planting is an imperative as we strive to see God's work finished here on this earth. I am delighted that so many members are taking bold initiatives to 'strike out' into new territory. In order to help the process run smoothly and for the plants to be an officially recognised part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK & Ireland the BUC Executive Committee voted Guidelines for New Church Plants at its committee on Thursday, 18 September. View the guidelines .

Ask the President in Scotland

Church in 2007 The Annual Day of Fellowship in Scotland gave time for representatives from all the churches in Scotland to ask me questions on a diverse range of topics from witnessing to moral standards, music to finding a suitable husband, reacting to negative portrayals of Christianity in the media and how to grow churches in some of the more difficult parts of the UK. The programme is now available for download or viewing on the UK-Hope TV website. I'd be interested in your reactions.



New Year Message

Happy New Year

The late Malcolm Muggeridge said the following about his conversion after an Emmaus Road-like experience: 

"I am more convinced than I am of my own existence that the view of life Christ came into the world to preach and died to sanctify, remains as true and as valid as ever, and that all who care to, young and old, healthy and infirm, wise and foolish, with or without A or O Levels, may live thereby, finding in our troubled, confused world, as in all other circumstances, an enlightenment and a serenity not otherwise attainable."  more...

Serenity in a troubled and confused world is one kind of happiness that I wish you to have in 2008.  The factor which serves to make us serene in whatever circumstances we find ourselves is the lordship and love of Christ.  The Psalmist wrote, "Happy is that people whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 144:15) 

When we are assured that Christ is our Lord and that our lives are in His hands we will be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.  We will find wealth in poverty, solace in the midst of strife, joy in service and health in sickness.  Each day, instead of being a period to be endured, will be seen as a gift from God, filled with many opportunities for service and for experiencing tokens of God's love and goodness. 

When I think of having a happy new year my heart also thrills at the thought that the coming of our Lord is even closer than before.  It may not be obvious to all but the coming of Jesus is the event to which all history marches.  As Seventh-day Adventists we are a people who are preparing for this glorious event.  The hope of the Second Coming of Jesus encourages us to hold on to our faith.  Many of us have been waiting a long time for Jesus to return.  We have seen many new years come and go.  Our feet are growing tired.  Let us not give up.  The words of Hebrews 10:35-37 are particularly pertinent to us as we embark on a new period of time and the coming of our Lord seems further delayed: 

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.  For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay." 

So, let us be thankful today for all that God has wrought for us in Jesus, for the fact that with Jesus in our 'boat' we can weather any storm with serenity and for the promise that very soon we will see the One who died for us. 

Have a Happy New Year!

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The Adventist Church in 2007

Church in 2007 Painting a realistic picture of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, in this 17 minute feature talks with leaders and members of the church facing up to the joys and challenges of church life, growth and diversity. I would encourage you to watch and be inspired. Hope TV website.




Dialogue with Adventist Youth

Let's Talk Wales On Sabbath, 6 October, 2007 I had a great opportunity to dialogue with a group of youth in the Welsh Mission. This was a "no holes barred" open, unscripted discussion that was filmed by the BUC Media Centre and is now available to view or download on the Hope TV website.

This was an encouraging experience. What a vibrant group of young people! What excellent questions! What passion! In the morning I was the speaker for the Day of Fellowship. During the praise and worship I felt so blessed and moved by the music ministry of these youth. They give hope for the future of our church in Wales and beyond.

Open Letter: Future of Roundelwood Health Spa

Roundelwood Health Spa, Crieff, Scotland On Thursday, 16 August, 2007 the British Union Executive Committee took the decision to close Roundelwood Health Spa. This was a hard decision to take as health is at the centre of our message. To discover the full background to this decision and what the future holds for health ministry in the UK and Ireland click here to read an open letter that I have written to all the ministers and churches in the UK and Ireland. more...

Update: 5 October, 2007. Roundelwood Health Spa and Lifestyle Centre now has a potential buyer giving hope for the continuance of the centre as a Spa and protecting the jobs of current staff. The Good Health Association Board met last weekend after receiving a number of bids for the property. As a result the board is now in negotiation with a buyer who intends to build upon the current ethos of the institution.

Update 23 December 2007: NEW OWNER FOR ROUNDELWOOD Roundelwood, the Adventist health facility in Crieff, Scotland, has been sold to the Henderson Group. British Union Conference Treasurer, Victor Pilmoor joined staff in a farewell on Saturday 8 December as they looked back at an era in Scottish Adventist history introduced by Dr Gertrude Brown back in 1945. The church took over responsibility for the facility in 1964 but with changes in government legislation in the 1980s the facility proved to be financially challenging. Despite heavy investment to run a solid Adventist health programme in Crieff, and despite continued efforts over a period of years the Good Health Association – Scotland regretfully took a decision to put the facility on the market this last September. Thus on Monday, 10 December the Health Spa came under new ownership. The Henderson group will continue to run Roundelwood as a Health Spa and a hotel facility and are safeguarding the jobs of all those currently employed there. We wish the staff and new owners every success for the future.


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Special Event: Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life

Don McFarlane with Fred Kuchlin, President of the Durham Debating SocietyOn Friday, 27 April I was invited to defend the proposal that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life at the Durham University Debating Society. more...

The speakers to the motion included Christian Philosopher Professor Richard Swinburne from the University of Oxford – described by one of the opposition speakers as 'the top man in his field', The Right Reverend Brian Smith – Anglican Bishop of Edinburgh. I was invited as they wanted the leader of a 'Bible believing church'. They came to the right place.

The opposition were hardly less well known, Dr. Stephen Law, whose book, The Philosophy Files was described as, "brilliantly original introduction to philosophy for teenagers. Stephen Law manages to make the subject both meaningful and accessible." Along with Stuart Sim – another published author and Thomas Bull – a student from the University and finalist in the world public speaking championships.

To be asked to speak on such a subject suggests that someone, somewhere, has heard that Seventh-day Adventists know something about Jesus.

To read a full transcript of my presentation click here. To read the full news story click here.

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Amazing Grace -- Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Video Reflection available and Souvenir Issue of the Messenger

Our Church, along with many millions of people world-wide, rejoices in proclaiming and working for freedom. As we look back 200 years at the Act of Parliament that abolished the iniquitous transatlantic slave trade between England, West Africa and the Americas we sorrow with those who suffered in this way, but rejoice with those brave Christian men and women who fought against the odds to "liberate the captives". more...

I am a product of slavery. Many members of our church here in the United Kingdom are products of slavery. This makes the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade a very special event for all Seventh-day Adventists and makes the hymn, "Amazing Grace" to be of particular meaning. I applaud the work of men like Clarkson, Wilberforce, Equiano and Newton. What was common to them all was that they were Christians and without the efforts of these men perhaps I would not be here today.

Amazing Grace is one of my favourite hymns. The concept is great! It encapsulates the fact that Jesus came into the world to abolish another kind of slavery – the slavery of sin. It tells a story we all need to hear.

Click to view a 3 1/2 minute video reflection on "Amazing Grace and the Abolition of the Slave Trade".

Right Click and "Save Target As" to download the 3 1/2 minute video reflection on "Amazing Grace and the Abolition of the Slave Trade" -- Low Quality. (7.9mb)

Right Click and "Save Target As" to download the 3 1/2 minute video reflection on "Amazing Grace and the Abolition of the Slave Trade" -- High Quality. Ideal for video projection in church. (18.5mb)

Journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United KingdomA special Souvenir Issue of the Messenger, commemorating the Bicentenary 1807 - 2007 of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act is available from download from this website. Click here.




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Hot Button Issues

I was elected to serve as President of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in July 2006. Since then I have given a lot of thought and prayer to the major "Hot Button" issues that we should be focusing on as a church over the next five years. If you would like to explore them with me I would invite you to click here.

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