18 Jun 2026, 23:13Sam O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director
Irish Mission Session Charts Course for Mission, Growth and Discipleship
The Irish Mission Session opened with a powerful challenge that set the tone for the day: if the church is to fulfil its God-given mission in the years ahead, transformation must begin not with structures or strategies, but with hearts and minds renewed by Jesus Christ.
Addresing approximately 100 delegates and invitees gathered on Sunday, 14 June, at the City North Hotel, Gormanston, County Meath, British Union Conference (BUC) President Pastor Eglan Brooks delivered a devotional message entitled Mind Transplant, calling members and leaders alike to experience the renewing power of Jesus Christ.
Drawing attention to the biblical principle of spiritual transformation, Pastor Brooks reminded delegates that lasting change comes only through Christ, who alone can renew the mind and prepare His people for service.
The message provided a fitting spiritual foundation for a Session that would blend 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 O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director. Delegates were invited to seek God’s guidance through personal consecration, praying for the continued growth of the Irish Mission and for wisdom as it seeks to fulfil its calling of outreach across the island of Ireland.
The Session was attended by British Union Conference 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 Irish field. Pastor Jacques Venter, BUC Executive Secretary, served as Parliamentarian throughout the proceedings.
Celebrating Growth and New Congregations
One of the most encouraging moments of the Session came with the official recognition of two newly organised congregations: Portlaoise Seventh-day Adventist church and Drogheda Seventh-day Adventist church.
Their admission into the sisterhood of churches reflects the continuing growth of Adventist witness in Ireland and highlights the Mission’s commitment to reaching diverse communities with the gospel.
The development forms part of a broader growth story that has seen the Irish Mission expand significantly over recent decades. Delegates heard that the Mission now comprises 34 congregations, with Dublin in particular experiencing remarkable 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.
Rather than presenting a catalogue of achievements, Pastor Keough framed the report as a testimony of God’s leading and the collective efforts of pastors, volunteers, departmental leaders, and church members across the territory.
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 communications initiative designed to strengthen the Mission’s digital presence and evangelistic outreach. Recognising the growing importance of media in contemporary mission, the initiative has been allocated dedicated 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.
Serving 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, Pastor Pontanar repeatedly emphasised that governance structures exist to support the Mission rather than define it.
Throughout the discussions, a consistent message emerged: while policies, procedures, and legal frameworks are necessary, the church’s primary identity remains rooted in its calling as a movement of faith dedicated to making disciples and preparing people for Christ’s return.
Financial Strength Enables Ministry
Delegates also received a comprehensive Treasurer’s Report from Mr Aftab Barki, the BUC-appointed Treasurer, which revealed a healthy financial position and encouraging trends throughout the 2021-2025 quinquennium.
The report highlighted sustained growth in income, driven by member faithfulness, population growth, and the successful adoption of digital giving platforms. The rollout of online giving systems and the 7me platform has helped streamline financial processes while making stewardship more accessible for members.
Perhaps most significantly, delegates heard how the Irish Mission 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 Takes Centre Stage
A major focus of the Session was the global OneVoice27 initiative, a worldwide Adventist evangelistic project marking the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus.
Presentations highlighted plans for coordinated proclamation through television, radio, social media, and digital platforms, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to reaching people wherever they are.
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 efforts sow gospel seeds on an unprecedented scale, local churches must be equipped to provide Bible studies, discipleship pathways, small groups, and welcoming church communities capable of supporting spiritual growth.
Rooted, Connected and Sent
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 for strengthening spiritual formation, cultivating healthy church relationships, and expanding community engagement throughout Ireland.
The framework seeks to balance personal spirituality with active mission, encouraging members to deepen their relationship with Christ while engaging more intentionally in service, witness, and discipleship.
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, Pastor Adam Keough reminded delegates that the success of the Irish Mission 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 Pastor Eglan Brooks, committing the Mission, its leaders, and its members to God’s continued guidance.
As delegates departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and optimism for the future.
The Nominating Committee report voted 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 (Digital Media
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
The Irish Mission Session opened with a powerful challenge that set the tone for the day: if the church is to fulfil its God-given mission in the years ahead, transformation must begin not with structures or strategies, but with hearts and minds renewed by Jesus Christ.
Addresing approximately 100 delegates and invitees gathered on Sunday, 14 June, at the City North Hotel, Gormanston, County Meath, British Union Conference (BUC) President Pastor Eglan Brooks delivered a devotional message entitled Mind Transplant, calling members and leaders alike to experience the renewing power of Jesus Christ.
Drawing attention to the biblical principle of spiritual transformation, Pastor Brooks reminded delegates that lasting change comes only through Christ, who alone can renew the mind and prepare His people for service.
The message provided a fitting spiritual foundation for a Session that would blend 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 O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director. Delegates were invited to seek God’s guidance through personal consecration, praying for the continued growth of the Irish Mission and for wisdom as it seeks to fulfil its calling of outreach across the island of Ireland.
The Session was attended by British Union Conference 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 Irish field. Pastor Jacques Venter, BUC Executive Secretary, served as Parliamentarian throughout the proceedings.
Celebrating Growth and New Congregations
One of the most encouraging moments of the Session came with the official recognition of two newly organised congregations: Portlaoise Seventh-day Adventist church and Drogheda Seventh-day Adventist church.
Their admission into the sisterhood of churches reflects the continuing growth of Adventist witness in Ireland and highlights the Mission’s commitment to reaching diverse communities with the gospel.
The development forms part of a broader growth story that has seen the Irish Mission expand significantly over recent decades. Delegates heard that the Mission now comprises 34 congregations, with Dublin in particular experiencing remarkable 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.
Rather than presenting a catalogue of achievements, Pastor Keough framed the report as a testimony of God’s leading and the collective efforts of pastors, volunteers, departmental leaders, and church members across the territory.
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 communications initiative designed to strengthen the Mission’s digital presence and evangelistic outreach. Recognising the growing importance of media in contemporary mission, the initiative has been allocated dedicated 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.
Serving 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, Pastor Pontanar repeatedly emphasised that governance structures exist to support the Mission rather than define it.
Throughout the discussions, a consistent message emerged: while policies, procedures, and legal frameworks are necessary, the church’s primary identity remains rooted in its calling as a movement of faith dedicated to making disciples and preparing people for Christ’s return.
Financial Strength Enables Ministry
Delegates also received a comprehensive Treasurer’s Report from Mr Aftab Barki, the BUC-appointed Treasurer, which revealed a healthy financial position and encouraging trends throughout the 2021-2025 quinquennium.
The report highlighted sustained growth in income, driven by member faithfulness, population growth, and the successful adoption of digital giving platforms. The rollout of online giving systems and the 7me platform has helped streamline financial processes while making stewardship more accessible for members.
Perhaps most significantly, delegates heard how the Irish Mission 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 Takes Centre Stage
A major focus of the Session was the global OneVoice27 initiative, a worldwide Adventist evangelistic project marking the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus.
Presentations highlighted plans for coordinated proclamation through television, radio, social media, and digital platforms, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to reaching people wherever they are.
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 efforts sow gospel seeds on an unprecedented scale, local churches must be equipped to provide Bible studies, discipleship pathways, small groups, and welcoming church communities capable of supporting spiritual growth.
Rooted, Connected and Sent
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 for strengthening spiritual formation, cultivating healthy church relationships, and expanding community engagement throughout Ireland.
The framework seeks to balance personal spirituality with active mission, encouraging members to deepen their relationship with Christ while engaging more intentionally in service, witness, and discipleship.
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, Pastor Adam Keough reminded delegates that the success of the Irish Mission 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 Pastor Eglan Brooks, committing the Mission, its leaders, and its members to God’s continued guidance.
As delegates departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and optimism for the future.
The Nominating Committee report voted 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 (Digital Media
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
