OneVoice27 Focus of SEC Evangelism Training in Peterborough

On Sabbath, 11 April 2026, the South England Conference held an Evangelism Training in collaboration with the Peterborough District. SEC attendees present were Pastor Kwarteng-Ampofo, Personal Ministries Director; Pastor Nerrine Barrett, Sabbath School and Community Services Director; Dr Rio Espulgar, Children’s Ministries and Family Life Director; and Elder Kossi, representing Cornerstone Counselling.

The day began with Pastor Nerrine’s workshop on Sabbath School, where she shared five effective ways to make Sabbath School come alive. Pastor Nerrine shared that “Christ is a changing agent. When Christ comes into your life, you will be changed. The more you learn about Christ, bad habits will have to go.” Sabbath School is not solely for church members; we were reminded that it is also for visitors who may have looked at the church’s website or the board at the entrance for the start time. It is therefore important that, as members, we arrive at church on time so that visitors do not find an empty building.

The five effective ways shared by Pastor Nerrine were:

1. Always plan your Sabbath School

2. Add one creative element each week

3. Allow time for testimonies

4. Engage people’s talents

5. Use technology wisely

Pastor Nerrine’s workshop was followed by Pastor Kwarteng-Ampofo’s workshop on OneVoice27 during the divine hour. He shared that “as a global movement, we will be sharing with individuals from all backgrounds, in unison, the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The significance of 2027, he explained, is that it marks 2,000 years since the beginning of Christ’s ministry in AD 27, following His baptism.

The emphasis of OneVoice27 is:

1. Communion with God

2. Identity in Christ

3. Unity through the Holy Spirit

4. Mission for all

During the afternoon service, the final two workshops were held. Dr Espulgar began with the Family-to-Family Evangelism Plan. He explained that the plan places the family at the centre of evangelistic work within the church. The approach is to “help families share their faith naturally, while strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for others to experience the love of Christ.” The toolkit he shared includes four steps and three phases. The steps are working with the church board, appointing a leader, setting up a committee, and meeting regularly.

The phases of the programme structure are as follows:

1. Phase 1 – Preparation

2. Phase 2 – Action Plan

3. Phase 3 – Share

Lastly, Elder Kossi’s workshop focused on counselling and its importance in helping individuals understand their identity and value systems. It was noted that an individual does not need to have mental health issues to benefit from counselling. Additionally, counselling helps individuals explore who they are and navigate changes in identity throughout life. As we are not static, it is crucial to understand the gap between who we are in private and who we are in public.

As the church, under the SEC’s guidance, prepares for OneVoice27, it is important to understand each department’s role in evangelism and sharing the gospel. For members to be equipped, some may benefit from counselling as a tool for understanding identity and values. Others may need to access resources from department directors at Conference level to support them on their journey.