19 June 2026 | Gormanston, Ireland [Pastor Sam Davies with tedNEWS]
The Irish Mission (IM) Session opened with a call for spiritual renewal, as leaders emphasised that the church’s future mission depends not only on structures and strategies, but on hearts and minds transformed by Jesus Christ.
Addressing approximately 100 delegates and invitees gathered on Sunday, 14 June, at the City North Hotel, County Meath, Ireland, British Union Conference (BUC) President Pastor Eglan Brooks delivered a devotional message titled “Mind Transplant,” calling members and leaders alike to experience the renewing power of Jesus Christ.
Drawing attention to the biblical principle of spiritual transformation, Brooks reminded delegates that lasting change comes only through Christ, who alone can renew the mind and prepare His people for service.
The message preceded a Session that combined worship, prayer, strategic planning, governance and vision-setting as delegates reflected on the past quinquennium and looked ahead to the next chapter of Adventist mission across the island of Ireland.
The devotional was followed by a season of prayer led by Pastor Sam Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director. Delegates were invited to seek God’s guidance through personal consecration, praying for the continued growth of the IM and for wisdom as it seeks to fulfil its calling of sharing Jesus.
The Session was attended by the BUC officers, several departmental directors, and Welsh Mission Interim President Pastor Max McKenzie-Cook, demonstrating the wider Union’s support for the work being carried out across the IM. Pastor Jacques Venter, BUC Executive Secretary, served as Parliamentarian throughout the proceedings.
Celebrating Growth and New Congregations
Delegates officially recognised four newly organised congregations: Portlaoise, Drogheda, Drumcondra and Tralee Seventh-day Adventist churches. Their admission increased the number of congregations within the IM and marked another step in the continued expansion of Adventist ministry across Ireland.
The development also forms part of a broader growth story that has seen the IM expand significantly over recent decades. Delegates heard that the Mission now comprises 34 congregations, with Dublin in particular experiencing significant growth, expanding from a single congregation to seven churches serving a diverse and multicultural population.
Looking Back to Move Forward
In his President’s Report, Irish Mission President Pastor Adam Keough invited delegates to take what he described as a “bird’s eye view” of the Mission’s journey over the past five years. Keough described the report as a testimony of God’s leading and the collective efforts of departmental leaders, pastors and church members.
He paid tribute to former leaders whose service helped establish the foundations upon which the Mission continues to build, including former president Pastor Dan Serb, whose decade of leadership contributed significantly to the Mission’s development.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” was a recurring sentiment throughout the presentation as delegates reflected on a heritage of mission stretching back generations.
The report also highlighted several strategic developments, including the establishment of Hope Media Ireland, a dedicated media initiative designed to strengthen the IM’s digital presence and evangelistic outreach. The initiative has been allocated financial resources as part of the Mission’s forward planning.
Mission in a Complex Environment
Irish Mission Executive Secretary Pastor Ben Pontanar acknowledged that, as the Mission continues to grow, it must navigate the unique challenges of operating across two legal jurisdictions.
Operating in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland requires careful navigation of different regulatory, charitable, and governance frameworks. Delegates heard updates regarding ongoing efforts to establish registration structures in Northern Ireland while maintaining compliance with both civil and Church requirements.
Despite these complexities, Pontanar repeatedly emphasised that governance structures exist to support the Mission rather than define it.
Several presentations emphasised that while policies, procedures and legal frameworks are necessary, the Church’s primary identity remains rooted in its mission to make disciples and prepare people for Christ’s return.
Financial Strength Enables Ministry
Delegates also received a comprehensive Treasurer’s Report from Aftab Barki, the BUC-appointed Treasurer, which showed sustained income growth during the 2021–2025 quinquennium.
The report highlighted sustained income growth, driven by member faithfulness, membership growth, and the successful adoption of digital giving platforms. The rollout of online giving systems and the 7me app has helped streamline financial processes while making stewardship more accessible for members.
Perhaps most significantly, delegates heard how the IM has steadily reduced its dependence on appropriations and strengthened its contribution to the wider work of the global church.
Strong working capital reserves and healthy liquidity levels provide confidence that the Mission is well-positioned to support ministry initiatives and future growth.
OneVoice27 and Mission
A major focus of the Session was the global OneVoice27 initiative, a worldwide evangelistic project marking the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism. Presentations highlighted plans for coordinated proclamation through television, radio, social media, and digital platforms.
Delegates were challenged not only to support the initiative but also to ensure their local congregations are prepared to receive and nurture those who respond.
The emphasis throughout was clear: effective evangelism requires both proclamation and preparation. As media outreach reaches more people than ever before, local churches must be ready to nurture that interest through Bible studies, discipleship pathways, small groups and welcoming church communities.
Beyond reviewing past achievements, the Session devoted significant time to shaping the future. Delegates participated in collaborative planning exercises centred on the Mission’s long-term discipleship framework: Rooted in Christ, Connected in Love, Sent in Mission. Working groups explored practical recommendations to help members grow in their relationship with Christ, strengthen relationships within local churches, and increase engagement with people and communities across the island.
Many delegates welcomed the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of priorities that will shape the Mission’s direction during the next quinquennium.
A Call to Spiritual Renewal
As the Session drew to a close, attention returned to the spiritual themes that had framed the day from its opening moments. In his closing appeal, Keough reminded delegates that the success of the IM would not ultimately be measured by reports, finances, committees, or strategic plans. Rather, it would be determined by the extent to which members remain rooted in Christ, connected in love, and committed to God’s mission.
Incoming leaders and Executive Committee members were invited forward for a dedicatory prayer, symbolising both gratitude for past service and commitment for the years ahead.
The Session concluded with a prayer of dedication by Brooks, committing the Mission, its leaders, and its members to God’s continued guidance.
Nominating Committee Report
During the Session, the Nominating Committee report was voted on by the delegates:
Departmental Sponsors
- Adventist Community Services (ACS): Helena Kunova
- Children’s Ministries: Priscila Nascimento de Paula
- Church Growth/Evangelism: Pastor Damieon Lewis
- Family Ministries: Ruth Rainu
- Health Ministries: Elmien Ellis
- Men’s Ministries: Pastor Tiago Rossendy
- Media and Communications: Deborah Lessa
- Associate, Media and Communications: Iain Irvine
- Prayer Ministries: Isaac Krofa
- Risk Management: Jeason Kanagaraj
- Safeguarding NI: Referred to incoming Executive Committee
- Safeguarding ROI: Nirmal Gompa
- Stewardship: Pastor Florin Iacob
- Women’s Ministries: Luciana Riges
- Youth and Pathfinders: Jefferson Melki
- Possibility Ministries: Referred to incoming Executive Committee
Executive Committee
- Pastor Florin Iacob Pastor, Republic of Ireland
- Heather Robinson Larne
- Josephat Mhondiwa Cork
- Nataliya Didkivska-Zasymova Dublin Ranelagh
- Philani Dube Belfast
- Shirley Stephenson Ballinacrow
- Wagner Ruckdeschel Limerick
- Pastor Todd Frias Pastor Northern Ireland
- Vasile Chelban Dublin Romanian
- Pastor Adam Keough IM President, Ex-Officio
- Pastor Ben Pontanar IM Secretary, Ex-Officio
- Aftab Barki IM Designated Treasurer, Ex-Officio
- Pastor Eglan Brooks BUC President, Ex-Officio
- Pastor Jacques Venter BUC Executive Secretary, Ex-Officio
- Wederly Aguiar BUC Treasurer, Ex-Officio
[Photos: Iain Irvine]
The original version of this article was posted on the British Union Conference website.
