I Sweeney/J Nicholson

The Manchester North church was full to capacity at the Town Hall meetings convened for the churches of Areas 1-3. NEC president Ian Sweeney in his opening presentation summarised the progress made so far by the Conference during this first section of the quinquennium. Appreciation was expressed for the growth seen in evangelism and the loyalty of the membership in supporting the church in financially challenging times. The plan to aggressively address the lack of growth in large areas of the eastern section of the conference territory was presented and the project to put Global Mission TaskForce workers into Carlisle presented. The need to plant new churches and to rejuvenate struggling congregations was also highlighted. Pastor Sweeney’s report highlighted the following:

Church Membership

As of December 2009 the NEC membership stood at 8566. Our growth over 2008 and 2009 was as follows:

• 2008: 215 accessions of which 195 by baptism & 20 by right hand of fellowship. Membership at the close of 2008 was 8106.
• 2009: 314 accessions of which 301 by baptism & 13 by right hand of fellowship. (In addition to this there were 133 additions by transfer of membership. 314 baptisms is the highest baptism total since 2006 when there were 354. The increase in baptisms during 2009 was due in part to an increased number of evangelistic meetings being held throughout the NEC during 2009, when over 80% of our pastors, Departmental Directors, Administrators and laity lead out in evangelistic meetings across the NEC.)

At present NEC church membership stands at 8566, comprised of: 117 congregations, made up of- 84 churches, 12 Companies, 7 Branch Sabbath Schools, 3 Church Plants & 1 group (an increase of 7 since 2007).

Church Finances

During 2008, £4.4 million of tithe was returned to the NEC. As of December 2009, £4.6 million of tithe was returned which represents a modest increase of 3.7%. This increase is remarkable particularly as it is set against an economic downturn within the UK, and for this we give God the praise and thank our members for their loyalty. We are challenging our membership to realise a goal of £5 million in tithe returns for 2010.

Church Planting & Personal Ministries

NEW CHURCHES: Since October 2009, 3 new churches have been organised; they are Manchester Southern Asia, Sheffield Manor Community and Nottingham Upper Room. The Leeds Beeston church is to be organised in March. 2009 has witnessed the establishing of 1 new Company at Kingstanding (Birmingham). In addition to these Companies, new church plants have been formed in Tipton (West Midlands) and a Portuguese speaking group in Birmingham, (Seed of Light).

MISSION POSSIBLE: Wakefield, Southport and Rochdale have witnessed the launch of a new evangelistic initiative entitled “Mission Possible”. Under the leadership of Pastor Michael Simpson, this initiative deploys suitably gifted members known as “Pioneer Taskforce volunteers” on a 3, 6 or 12 month posting. These volunteers dedicate this period of time in their lives to missionary service in an un-entered area, or in places where the present Seventh-day Adventist Church needs manpower support.

In Wakefield, this initiative has resulted in the commencing of Sabbath services with an average attendance of 18. In Rochdale this initiative has resulted in 5 baptisms, with a further 6 awaiting baptism. The Rochdale group has on average 35-40 people worshipping on a Sabbath. In Southport, Sabbath church attendance has risen from 7 to an average of 15 with 1 baptism, 9 bible studies, 25 meaningful contacts and 55 general contacts. As of February 2010, 2 Global Mission Pioneers were deployed to the Far North of the Conference’s territory, to help in the revitalisation of the Carlisle Church and make positive contacts within that community.

When the floor was opened, questions were directed to all the executive officers and departmental leaders present. There was vigorous helpful dialogue from all sections of the areas represented, highlighting both the local and wider concerns of the congregations. Financial concerns usually predominate in question times like this and NEC Treasurer Rejoice Kampengele ably satisfied the concerns raised. In all it was felt that the meeting was well worth having and that there should be more opportunities of this sort in the future. The next Town Hall Meeting will be held at the Camp Hill church in Birmingham on April 11, please attend and let your voices be heard.