While the first day of the NEC Session was focused on motions, day two shifted to departmental reports. The day began with the singing of the hymn "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross." Pastor Ian Sweeney (TED Field Secretary) then led the morning devotion, reminding attendees from Isaiah chapters 18-19 that God’s desire is to save everyone.
The morning session saw reports from the Community Services, Education, and Family Ministries departments. During the Community Services report, questions arose about whether the church could establish charity shops and how it could offer more consistent, long-term service to the community rather than just one-off events.
For the Education Department, Lorraine McDonald (BUC Education Director) and Jenny Johnson (Dudley House School) presented. They reassured delegates of the strength of Seventh-day Adventist schools within the BUC, with all schools achieving at least a 'Good' rating in Ofsted reports. Mrs McDonald also clarified that Harper Bell, despite being voluntary-aided, is a Seventh-day Adventist school owned and governed by the North England Conference.
Family Ministries highlighted their diverse outreach to various family structures, including singles. Questions were raised about the support provided for young married couples and the functioning of the safeguarding team.
After a short break, Dr Beatrice Kastrati returned to present the Health and Possibilities Ministries report, following her earlier Community Services report. She was commended for the work she had done and the opportunities Community Services had created. The recommendations committee then brought three reports: the Licensing & Credentials Committee, the Plans Committee, and the Constitution Committee. The first two reports were voted on, while the Constitution Committee’s report was referred.
Next, Pastor Andrew Rashford-Hewitt delivered the Men's Ministry report, emphasising the great work already done but echoing the need for greater support and investment in this department, both in the presentation and in the comments from delegates.
After a morning filled with reports, the session broke for lunch, resuming with a report from Pastor Julian Kastrati (NEC Ministerial Secretary). He outlined the threefold role of the Ministerial Association: pastoral care, capacity building, and mediation. He responded to questions on publicising ordination services, ministerial evaluations, and ensuring that pastors are not overstretched.
The recommendations committee then returned with the Constitution Committee report, which was voted on. Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi followed with the Pathfinder report, which sparked much discussion, all in support of the department’s work, with many seeking ways to further strengthen it. The mid-afternoon session ended with a video report from Music Sponsor Joel Robinson, who could not attend the session in person.
After another short break, the hall was filled with anticipation as the nominating committee gave a partial report. The nominating committee’s secretary then presented the name of Dr Steve Palmer, who was duly voted in as the new NEC President.
Dr Palmer expressed his surprise at being elected and publicly acknowledged the work of Pastor George Kumi. Pastor Brooks then invited Pastor Kumi to the stage, where he was celebrated for his contributions. Pastor Kumi pledged his support and prayers for Dr Palmer. Pastor Sweeney concluded the moment with a prayer for Pastor Kumi.
The session continued with discussions on the proposed new constitution. After amendments made since its rejection at the previous session, the constitution was brought back to the delegates. There was a discussion on the tithe-sharing plan, with Pastor Geoffrey Mwbana, the session chair, reminding delegates that the church is not a congregational body but a representative one, existing to support and resource mission worldwide. The new constitution was then voted on and approved by the delegation.
Dr Patrick Herbert took the podium next to deliver the Personal Ministries and Church Planting Department report. He detailed how the baton of leadership had passed from Pastor Michael Simpson to Pastor Adam Ramdin, then to Pastor Ebenezer Daniel, and finally to him, all within the last session term. Questions were raised about the closure of Hope FM and Peace, although it was clarified that Hope FM is still operational, and that the One Year of Mission and Service initiative at Newbold College, as well as numerous free resources for Bible study from the Adventist Discovery Centre, remain available.
The final report of the afternoon session came from the Prayer Department, led by Sister Frederica Reid. She guided the delegates through the various programmes and support the Prayer Department had continued to provide throughout the session. Her work was widely appreciated, but there was a recurring call for greater promotion and elevation of prayer ministry.
With the reports complete, delegates were rewarded with a well-deserved break until the evening session at 8:30 pm.
After dinner, delegates returned to receive three separate partial reports from the nominating committee. The first report presented Pastor Emanuel Bran as the individual for the Executive Secretary role, which was voted on and approved by the delegation. Pastor Bran was then invited to the front, where Pastor Jacques Venter (BUC Executive Secretary) prayed a prayer of blessing over him.
The second report proposed Elder Michael Agyei-Asare to continue serving as Treasurer, and this was also approved by the delegation, with Elder Wederly Aguiar (BUC Treasurer) praying over him.
The final partial report of the evening was for several departmental leaders. However, it was referred back to the nominating committee for further consideration.
The evening concluded with a reflective devotional, sending delegates off with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder to continue praying for God's guidance throughout the remainder of the session.
