23 Oct 2025, 11:12SEC CommunicationsBracknell, Bracknell Forest, England, United Kingdom
The Big Conversation: SEC Townhall Meeting Opens Dialogue for Future Mission
Pastors, elders, local leaders, and members from across the South England Conference (SEC) gathered at Newbold College Gymnasium on Sunday 19 October 2025 for a mid-term townhall event titled “The Big Conversation.” More than just a meeting, the day was designed as a space for listening, sharing, and shaping the future of the Conference together.
Dr Kirk Thomas, SEC President, welcomed attendees with a devotional message rooted in Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” He reminded everyone that true effectiveness in ministry comes not from resources or structure, but through the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. After a time of prayer in pairs, the tone was set for a day centred on unity, reflection, and spiritual purpose.
The event brought together the full SEC leadership team, introduced by Executive Secretary Pastor Nathan Stickland. From department directors to administrators, safeguarding officers, and media leaders, each was present to engage, observe, and hear directly from local churches.
Dr Thomas presented an overview of the SEC’s strategic vision, Inspired for Mission, structured around four key missional priorities: Christ in our hearts, Christ in our homes, Christ in our churches, and Christ in our streets. These were underpinned by a call to grow the Conference’s presence, integrate operations, deepen relationships, and truly listen to members across the territory.
Throughout the day, delegates heard updates on developments that aligned with the SEC’s strategic vision and mission priorities. These included reports of more than 1,500 baptisms, new churches being organised and dedicated, and strengthened safeguarding engagement across the Conference. Financial recovery was also highlighted, alongside improved transparency and progress in youth and Pathfinder ministry. Other highlights included evangelistic outreach through initiatives such as Radio Adventist London and international mission trips — all shared as examples of how the SEC’s vision is taking root in practical ministry.
Central to the townhall format was the opportunity for attendees to shape the conversation. In a move away from traditional presentations, delegates were invited to take part in roundtable-style discussions on the issues most relevant to their churches and communities. The first round of conversations saw participants either join pre-listed topics or propose new ones on the day, ensuring the dialogue was grounded in real experiences and current concerns. Sessions ranged from mental health and church retention to prophetic identity, property management, gift aid, Adventist culture, and spiritual leadership in today’s society.
In the afternoon, a second round of discussions offered the chance to deepen the dialogue. Some attendees continued their earlier topics, while others moved to new areas, cross-pollinating ideas and offering fresh insight. These sessions encouraged attendees to think critically and constructively about how they could make a difference locally — not waiting for top-down change but taking ownership of mission in their own settings.
Facilitators Antonio Belgrave, and Pastor Mfakazi Ndebele helped guide delegates through the process, ensuring discussions remained focused, respectful, and aligned with the day’s purpose. Antonio introduced the concept of “above-the-line thinking” — an approach marked by responsibility, hope, and a solution-focused mindset.
As the day drew to a close, Pastor Alex Mareniuc led an interactive feedback session using Mentimeter, a real-time polling platform that allowed attendees to anonymously share their views on the Conference’s progress and priorities. Using mobile phones or tablets, participants responded to questions, with the results displayed instantly on-screen. This created a shared, visual space for reflection and honest evaluation.
Delegates were invited to consider how well the SEC was fulfilling its mission, aligning departmental efforts with strategic goals, communicating effectively, and fostering trust. The insights gathered — along with the rich conversations from the day — will now be reviewed by the SEC leadership to inform decisions for the remainder of the term.
Many delegates expressed appreciation for the open and collaborative format, and Pastor Thomas hinted that this may not be the last event of its kind. “If today has shown us anything,” he said, “it’s that we need more spaces like this — where we can reason together, pray together, and shape mission together.”
In his closing remarks, Pastor Thomas thanked attendees for their honesty, insight, and participation throughout the day. He reaffirmed the Conference’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, reminding everyone that shaping the future of the Church is not the work of a few, but of the many.
“This is your Conference,” he said. “Let’s continue to move forward together — not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God... Go SEC!"
Pastors, elders, local leaders, and members from across the South England Conference (SEC) gathered at Newbold College Gymnasium on Sunday 19 October 2025 for a mid-term townhall event titled “The Big Conversation.” More than just a meeting, the day was designed as a space for listening, sharing, and shaping the future of the Conference together.
Dr Kirk Thomas, SEC President, welcomed attendees with a devotional message rooted in Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” He reminded everyone that true effectiveness in ministry comes not from resources or structure, but through the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. After a time of prayer in pairs, the tone was set for a day centred on unity, reflection, and spiritual purpose.
The event brought together the full SEC leadership team, introduced by Executive Secretary Pastor Nathan Stickland. From department directors to administrators, safeguarding officers, and media leaders, each was present to engage, observe, and hear directly from local churches.
Dr Thomas presented an overview of the SEC’s strategic vision, Inspired for Mission, structured around four key missional priorities: Christ in our hearts, Christ in our homes, Christ in our churches, and Christ in our streets. These were underpinned by a call to grow the Conference’s presence, integrate operations, deepen relationships, and truly listen to members across the territory.
Throughout the day, delegates heard updates on developments that aligned with the SEC’s strategic vision and mission priorities. These included reports of more than 1,500 baptisms, new churches being organised and dedicated, and strengthened safeguarding engagement across the Conference. Financial recovery was also highlighted, alongside improved transparency and progress in youth and Pathfinder ministry. Other highlights included evangelistic outreach through initiatives such as Radio Adventist London and international mission trips — all shared as examples of how the SEC’s vision is taking root in practical ministry.
Central to the townhall format was the opportunity for attendees to shape the conversation. In a move away from traditional presentations, delegates were invited to take part in roundtable-style discussions on the issues most relevant to their churches and communities. The first round of conversations saw participants either join pre-listed topics or propose new ones on the day, ensuring the dialogue was grounded in real experiences and current concerns. Sessions ranged from mental health and church retention to prophetic identity, property management, gift aid, Adventist culture, and spiritual leadership in today’s society.
In the afternoon, a second round of discussions offered the chance to deepen the dialogue. Some attendees continued their earlier topics, while others moved to new areas, cross-pollinating ideas and offering fresh insight. These sessions encouraged attendees to think critically and constructively about how they could make a difference locally — not waiting for top-down change but taking ownership of mission in their own settings.
Facilitators Antonio Belgrave, and Pastor Mfakazi Ndebele helped guide delegates through the process, ensuring discussions remained focused, respectful, and aligned with the day’s purpose. Antonio introduced the concept of “above-the-line thinking” — an approach marked by responsibility, hope, and a solution-focused mindset.
As the day drew to a close, Pastor Alex Mareniuc led an interactive feedback session using Mentimeter, a real-time polling platform that allowed attendees to anonymously share their views on the Conference’s progress and priorities. Using mobile phones or tablets, participants responded to questions, with the results displayed instantly on-screen. This created a shared, visual space for reflection and honest evaluation.
Delegates were invited to consider how well the SEC was fulfilling its mission, aligning departmental efforts with strategic goals, communicating effectively, and fostering trust. The insights gathered — along with the rich conversations from the day — will now be reviewed by the SEC leadership to inform decisions for the remainder of the term.
Many delegates expressed appreciation for the open and collaborative format, and Pastor Thomas hinted that this may not be the last event of its kind. “If today has shown us anything,” he said, “it’s that we need more spaces like this — where we can reason together, pray together, and shape mission together.”
In his closing remarks, Pastor Thomas thanked attendees for their honesty, insight, and participation throughout the day. He reaffirmed the Conference’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, reminding everyone that shaping the future of the Church is not the work of a few, but of the many.
“This is your Conference,” he said. “Let’s continue to move forward together — not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God... Go SEC!"
