18 Dec 2025, 13:51Lorraine McDonald, BUC Education Director
Called to Be Faithful: Adventist Educators Gather for Inaugural BUC AEA UK Conference
A spirit of inspiration filled the Moor Close Chapel at Newbold College of Higher Education on Sabbath, 13 December, as the first BUC Adventist Educators Association UK (AEA UK) Conference convened educators from across the country. Organised by the British Union Conference Education Department, the event brought together Adventist professionals working across a wide range of educational settings, with some participants travelling more than six hours to attend.
The inaugural conference proved to be a deeply encouraging and affirming experience. United by a shared calling, educators from every sector gathered to be strengthened, equipped, and reminded that faithfulness matters in today’s increasingly complex educational landscape.
Designed especially for Adventists working in mainstream education, the conference provided a safe and energising space to engage with real and current challenges. These included maintaining Christian integrity, navigating value-based tensions, and balancing professional responsibilities while living out faith authentically in the workplace. A central theme that emerged throughout the day was the importance of connection. Participants valued the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues, form new relationships, and draw encouragement from knowing they are not alone in their professional and spiritual journeys.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr Jeff Brown, Associate Ministerial Association Secretary of the General Conference, challenged educators to stand courageously in what he described as the “land of the giants.” Drawing on biblical imagery, he emphasised the importance of mentoring, friendship, and an unwavering trust in God’s presence and guidance. His message resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom face daily pressures in environments where faith can feel marginalised.
Alongside the keynote, a series of practical and relevant workshops addressed issues that Adventist educators encounter regularly. Topics included biblical leadership in educational contexts, conscientious objection and legal considerations, discreet integration of faith and learning, and the effective use of artificial intelligence to reduce workload and enhance teaching practice. Workshop themes were pre-selected by members of the BUC AEA UK, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to real needs within the profession.
Grounded in the biblical counsel of Colossians 3:23, the conference concluded with participants expressing renewed purpose and hope. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for the conference to become an annual event. Several also suggested extending future gatherings into a full weekend to allow more time for networking, discussion, and mutual support.
For Adventist educators seeking encouragement, practical insight, and a supportive professional faith community, the BUC AEA UK Conference has already established itself as a valuable space. Plans are underway to build on this momentum and continue strengthening a growing network committed to being faithful, together.
Educators wishing to be informed about future BUC AEA UK conferences and to connect with fellow Seventh-day Adventists working in education are encouraged to join the Adventist Educators Association UK by scanning the QR code or going to https://buc-education.adventist.uk/teachers-association
A spirit of inspiration filled the Moor Close Chapel at Newbold College of Higher Education on Sabbath, 13 December, as the first BUC Adventist Educators Association UK (AEA UK) Conference convened educators from across the country. Organised by the British Union Conference Education Department, the event brought together Adventist professionals working across a wide range of educational settings, with some participants travelling more than six hours to attend.
The inaugural conference proved to be a deeply encouraging and affirming experience. United by a shared calling, educators from every sector gathered to be strengthened, equipped, and reminded that faithfulness matters in today’s increasingly complex educational landscape.
Designed especially for Adventists working in mainstream education, the conference provided a safe and energising space to engage with real and current challenges. These included maintaining Christian integrity, navigating value-based tensions, and balancing professional responsibilities while living out faith authentically in the workplace. A central theme that emerged throughout the day was the importance of connection. Participants valued the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues, form new relationships, and draw encouragement from knowing they are not alone in their professional and spiritual journeys.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr Jeff Brown, Associate Ministerial Association Secretary of the General Conference, challenged educators to stand courageously in what he described as the “land of the giants.” Drawing on biblical imagery, he emphasised the importance of mentoring, friendship, and an unwavering trust in God’s presence and guidance. His message resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom face daily pressures in environments where faith can feel marginalised.
Alongside the keynote, a series of practical and relevant workshops addressed issues that Adventist educators encounter regularly. Topics included biblical leadership in educational contexts, conscientious objection and legal considerations, discreet integration of faith and learning, and the effective use of artificial intelligence to reduce workload and enhance teaching practice. Workshop themes were pre-selected by members of the BUC AEA UK, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to real needs within the profession.
Grounded in the biblical counsel of Colossians 3:23, the conference concluded with participants expressing renewed purpose and hope. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for the conference to become an annual event. Several also suggested extending future gatherings into a full weekend to allow more time for networking, discussion, and mutual support.
For Adventist educators seeking encouragement, practical insight, and a supportive professional faith community, the BUC AEA UK Conference has already established itself as a valuable space. Plans are underway to build on this momentum and continue strengthening a growing network committed to being faithful, together.
Educators wishing to be informed about future BUC AEA UK conferences and to connect with fellow Seventh-day Adventists working in education are encouraged to join the Adventist Educators Association UK by scanning the QR code or going to https://buc-education.adventist.uk/teachers-association
