16 Jan 2026, 12:19Darell J. Philip PR & Communications AssistantHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Be an Ambassador for Christ
Trans European Division Field Secretary, Pastor Ian Sweeney was the special guest speaker at Hackney SDA Church on Sabbath 10th January 2026. The former British Union Conference President was warmly welcomed by Hackney’s Resident Pastor, Vaughn Thorpe, who also ministered in song with the rendition of It took a Miracle.
In his sermon entitled It’s Complicated, Pastor Sweeney showed through the book of Esther the intricate ways in which God can navigate His people through the complexities of life with all its complications and disillusionments. Although God is not mentioned by the name in the book of Esther, one can see that He is clearly at work behind the scenes, saving the Jewish nation by intervening in what would have been the first holocaust in their history.
“For us, life is often made more complicated through the poor, ill-thought-out choices we make yet in His mercy and grace, God still reaches out to us in love and calls us to be His people, sharing the hope of Christ’s coming with the world,” Pastor Sweeney shared.
During the afternoon service, Pastor Sweeney, who also wears the hat of Director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, gave an interactive presentation which addressed the question: What if Adventists ran the UK?
In answering the question, it was concluded that God has given every human being freedom of choice and that it should be used wisely and responsibly. Also, where there are persecution and injustice of any person or religion, that a stand should be taken against this as this is what it means to love our neighbour which in turn demonstrates our love for God.
Paraphrasing the well-known passage written by Ellen G. White from the book: Ministry of Healing, Pastor Sweeney said: “Christ’s method alone will give true success. He mingled with men, showed His sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, and then bid them to follow Him.”
The church was then encouraged to do the same in their engagement with all people, whether they be those in authority or those in need. “For the like the apostle Paul and disciples of old, we too have been called to be ambassadors of Christ and to share His love with everyone for God is love,” encouraged Pastor Sweeney.
Trans European Division Field Secretary, Pastor Ian Sweeney was the special guest speaker at Hackney SDA Church on Sabbath 10th January 2026. The former British Union Conference President was warmly welcomed by Hackney’s Resident Pastor, Vaughn Thorpe, who also ministered in song with the rendition of It took a Miracle.
In his sermon entitled It’s Complicated, Pastor Sweeney showed through the book of Esther the intricate ways in which God can navigate His people through the complexities of life with all its complications and disillusionments. Although God is not mentioned by the name in the book of Esther, one can see that He is clearly at work behind the scenes, saving the Jewish nation by intervening in what would have been the first holocaust in their history.
“For us, life is often made more complicated through the poor, ill-thought-out choices we make yet in His mercy and grace, God still reaches out to us in love and calls us to be His people, sharing the hope of Christ’s coming with the world,” Pastor Sweeney shared.
During the afternoon service, Pastor Sweeney, who also wears the hat of Director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, gave an interactive presentation which addressed the question: What if Adventists ran the UK?
In answering the question, it was concluded that God has given every human being freedom of choice and that it should be used wisely and responsibly. Also, where there are persecution and injustice of any person or religion, that a stand should be taken against this as this is what it means to love our neighbour which in turn demonstrates our love for God.
Paraphrasing the well-known passage written by Ellen G. White from the book: Ministry of Healing, Pastor Sweeney said: “Christ’s method alone will give true success. He mingled with men, showed His sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, and then bid them to follow Him.”
The church was then encouraged to do the same in their engagement with all people, whether they be those in authority or those in need. “For the like the apostle Paul and disciples of old, we too have been called to be ambassadors of Christ and to share His love with everyone for God is love,” encouraged Pastor Sweeney.
