OneVoice27: Mission for All - SEC Churches Called to Evangelism

On Thursday, 21 May to Sunday, 24 May 2026, Pastor (Pr) Robert Osei-Bonsu, General Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC), and Pr Ebenezar Daniel, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director at the GC, joined the South England Conference (SEC) for OneVoice27: Mission for All. On Sabbath, 23 May, we were joined by SEC Personal Ministries Director, Pr Kwadwo Kwarteng-Ampofo, our SEC Sabbath School and Community Services Director, Pr Nerine Barrett, and SEC President, Pr Kirk Thomas.

The training sessions began on Thursday for pastors and SEC staff, allowing staff and pastors to have a rounded understanding of the aim of OneVoice27 and how best to support churches in preparation for September 2027. Sessions then continued from Friday through Sunday for delegates from churches across the SEC.

Pr Osei-Bonsu explained that OneVoice27 is a global initiative which requires local participation. He shared that it is a call for all of us to be involved in this global mission, which is rooted in I Will Go, the strategic plan for the church, as well as being an initiative across over 200 countries.

In thinking about digital evangelism and the role it can play in OneVoice27, Pr Osei-Bonsu shared the journey churches can take in turning a click from social media into discipleship. He further stated that interest without infrastructure equals lost opportunities. The outline he gave is as follows:

1. Digital contact

2. Response & interest capture

3. Local follow-up and Bible study

4. Sabbath School / Small groups

5. Ongoing discipleship & mission

Pr Daniel posed the question, “Why do we need Sabbath School?” to attendees, and responses included:

• It is an opportunity for people not to be passive in the service, but to take part

• It is an opportunity for everyone present to have their say and explore thoughts

• Some individuals are able to learn more for retention

Pr Daniel also shared that there is a strong correlation between those who attend Sabbath School and higher stewardship. Additionally, he stated that those who attend Sabbath School are willing to give as well as receive.

Pr Daniel also explained that Sabbath School is where continual education occurs and is seen to be the best place for disciple-making due to its four pillars:

1. Study

2. Fellowship

3. Community outreach

4. World mission

Furthermore, as churches get ready for OneVoice27, it is key to note that this initiative does not solely fall on pastors and elders, nor does it solely fall on the Sabbath School department. This is an initiative which calls for Global Total Member Involvement, where all churches and all members are to engage in disciple-making using Christ’s method. For all members to be involved, they must all be equipped and trained in disciple-making in order to carry out the Gospel commission.

Furthermore, attendees were given information about the three principles within the disciple-making culture, as well as disciple-making strategy and essential disciple-making ministries within our churches.

Disciple-Making Culture Principles

1. Success is to be based on disciple-making — how many members are making disciples.

2. Personal labour, Christ’s method, is to be the primary work of the church. The combination of personal labour and public evangelism will be best for effectiveness.

3. The church’s disciple-making plan is to be active and ongoing. This is to be planned at board meetings, discussing how to make members disciple-makers.

Disciple-Making Strategy

1. Emphasise spiritual revival

2. Compile an interest list and establish an interest review process

3. Provide personal evangelism training for members

Essential Disciple-Making Ministries

1. Health & Friendship Building Ministry (Prepare)

2. Literature, Media and Invitation Ministry (Plant)

3. Bible Study Ministry (Cultivate)

4. Evangelistic Reaping Ministry (Harvest)

5. New Member Discipleship Ministry (Preserve)

To conclude, as the church prepares for OneVoice27, it is essential that our members are trained and equipped for the work we have been called to do. It is important that there is a plan being followed, inclusive of having a 40-day prayer initiative in July–August 2027. As a conference, we are uniquely positioned due to the multicultural reach we have, the urban mission context, how digitally connected we are, and the relational opportunities available to us. With this in mind, a joint effort as a conference, from the local level upwards, is required as we prepare for September 2027, speaking with One Voice.