22 Jan 2026, 13:29Sam O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director
2026 BUC Annual Orientation and Induction Programme
The British Union Conference (BUC) Ministerial Department organised this year’s Ministerial Orientation and Induction seminar, which was hosted by South England Conference (SEC) from Sabbath, 10 January to Thursday, 15 January. The BUC Ministerial Association Secretary, assisted by the Ministerial Association Secretaries of the SEC and North England Conference (NEC), coordinated the annual event.
The induction programme, or onboarding, officially welcomed 16 new pastors to ministry in the British Union Conference. Participants came from the Irish Mission, the Scottish Mission, the SEC, and the NEC. There were three female pastors in the group.
The event began on Saturday morning with Sabbath worship. Participants were encouraged to attend a church of their choice. This allowed them to experience a different worship style than they were used to in their current setting. Later that afternoon, delegates gathered for a debrief led by the BUC Ministerial Association Secretary, Pastor Samuel Ouadjo, and BUC Department Secretary, Kathleen Hanson.
The main seminar began on Sunday with presentations from Dr Gifford Rhamie on two topics: A Multicultural Church and Current Theological Issues That The Church is Facing Today. His presentations were later followed by Pastor Don McFarlane, former BUC President, who spoke on The History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and, on a second topic, Ministering In These Times & In This Place. He highlighted the Church’s transformation over the years, including the arrival of many Caribbeans during the early 1960s. McFarlane emphasised history and the specific challenges of the work in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He provided essential information about the ministry in the BUC, the culture, policies, procedures, and the specific roles.
Each day began with a devotional led by Pastor Michael Mbui. This set a purposeful tone before BUC departmental leaders presented on church ministries such as finance, family, health, safeguarding, evangelism, youth, education and stewardship. Pastor Brighton Kavaloh (SEC PARL Director) then shared insights on The PARL Role in the Church & the Public Square. BUC President, Pastor Eglan Brooks, presented the BUC Vision.
On Wednesday, continuing with the schedule, the newly employed pastors were introduced to the BUC officers and staff at the BUC headquarters on Stanborough Park.
Pastor Ouadjo commented after the event that the participants left for their respective districts and fields on Thursday, 15 January, with a significant understanding of the BUC's history, mission, values, policies, and resources they needed for their ministry within the BUC territory. Furthermore, he added that the six-day programme included social events to make the experience meaningful. As a result, they left with the understanding that ministry here in the BUC is different from what they were used to and were encouraged to be creative in their ministry as they face new expectations.
The British Union Conference (BUC) Ministerial Department organised this year’s Ministerial Orientation and Induction seminar, which was hosted by South England Conference (SEC) from Sabbath, 10 January to Thursday, 15 January. The BUC Ministerial Association Secretary, assisted by the Ministerial Association Secretaries of the SEC and North England Conference (NEC), coordinated the annual event.
The induction programme, or onboarding, officially welcomed 16 new pastors to ministry in the British Union Conference. Participants came from the Irish Mission, the Scottish Mission, the SEC, and the NEC. There were three female pastors in the group.
The event began on Saturday morning with Sabbath worship. Participants were encouraged to attend a church of their choice. This allowed them to experience a different worship style than they were used to in their current setting. Later that afternoon, delegates gathered for a debrief led by the BUC Ministerial Association Secretary, Pastor Samuel Ouadjo, and BUC Department Secretary, Kathleen Hanson.
The main seminar began on Sunday with presentations from Dr Gifford Rhamie on two topics: A Multicultural Church and Current Theological Issues That The Church is Facing Today. His presentations were later followed by Pastor Don McFarlane, former BUC President, who spoke on The History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and, on a second topic, Ministering In These Times & In This Place. He highlighted the Church’s transformation over the years, including the arrival of many Caribbeans during the early 1960s. McFarlane emphasised history and the specific challenges of the work in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He provided essential information about the ministry in the BUC, the culture, policies, procedures, and the specific roles.
Each day began with a devotional led by Pastor Michael Mbui. This set a purposeful tone before BUC departmental leaders presented on church ministries such as finance, family, health, safeguarding, evangelism, youth, education and stewardship. Pastor Brighton Kavaloh (SEC PARL Director) then shared insights on The PARL Role in the Church & the Public Square. BUC President, Pastor Eglan Brooks, presented the BUC Vision.
On Wednesday, continuing with the schedule, the newly employed pastors were introduced to the BUC officers and staff at the BUC headquarters on Stanborough Park.
Pastor Ouadjo commented after the event that the participants left for their respective districts and fields on Thursday, 15 January, with a significant understanding of the BUC's history, mission, values, policies, and resources they needed for their ministry within the BUC territory. Furthermore, he added that the six-day programme included social events to make the experience meaningful. As a result, they left with the understanding that ministry here in the BUC is different from what they were used to and were encouraged to be creative in their ministry as they face new expectations.
