25 May 2016 | Binfield, UK [Victor Hulbert] The headline may sound very profound – but the purpose is simple. With 15 presidents representing 22 countries with diverse cultures, languages and perspectives, how can the leadership of the Trans-European Division follow Christ’s desire that ‘they may all be one’. (John 17:21)
The chapter is worth a read – both as an example of good crisis management, but also as a means of demonstrating that different groups of people, worshipping the same God, can praise Him rather than accuse each other of wrongdoing. The conclusion is excellent: what was an altar of misunderstanding becomes ‘a witness between us that the Lord is God.’ (Joshua 22:34)
That very emphasis helped throughout the day on Monday, 23 May, as the TED Executive Committee met at Newbold College to review finances, approve the auditor’s report, vote resources to further the mission of the Church and finally, spend an hour focused on reviving Mission and understanding Adventist identity in a European context. Much of the agenda was routine, yet important. Bosnia, Finland, Latvia, Macedonia and Norway were all given grants to assist in the translation of Ellen White books, while an unexpected recommendation was also voted that the Ellen White Estate consider reviewing and modernising the language of the English versions of key books.
“The Adventist Home is excellent resource material,” Karen Holford, TED Family Ministries director, stated. “However, it is written in language so old that many of our members struggle to read it and therefore miss out on the very practical advice.”
Subsidies were also voted for the development of Bible Correspondence Courses and toward the expenses of the 2017 European Youth Congress in Valencia, Spain.
After lunch the nominating committee brought a short report. This focused on completing the TED leadership team and the election of leadership for the Greek Mission and the Cyprus Section.
Throughout his ministry as a church pastor, youth director in the South England Conference, and more recently as Irish Mission President, Neal is known for his enthusiasm and vision. “Imagine, just imagine, the revolution that can take place in our lives, in our church, and in our community if we grow and mature in these values,” he says. “It is a ministry I am very much looking forward to sharing.”
Two other positions, TED Diversity co-ordinator and Music and Worship co-ordinator, were referred to the administration to delegate on an assignment by assignment basis.
This included British Union Conference president, Ian Sweeney’s desire for “practical experiences that work”, to Mirilov noting that “good theology informs mission.”
Janos Kovacs-Biro, TED Youth Ministries director, talked about the “search for identity within Europe.” He stated, “It is a shame we are asking these questions after 120 years, but good that we are asking regarding our relevancy for Europe. It is not just ‘what is the dream church for our young people,’ but what is the added value to Europe.”
Many participants expanded on Victor Hulbert’s theme, “We need to allow people to take risks.” As TED Communication and Media director he has seen some success when we give people permission. Ministerial Association director, Patrick Johnson summed it up nicely, “We need faith based optimism. With such leaders the Church will grow!” [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
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