This department strives to train people in the church to do two main things; witness effectively and hold valuable training events. Many Sabbath afternoons are devoted to carrying out workshops and programmes concerning witnessing and sharing our faith. This department is bestowed with the opportunity of seeing people adopt different styles of ministry, especially as each person has a unique style of their own. They are able to see who works well in small groups, or behind the scenes or even in preaching positions; they aim to help people discover their evangelistic styles.

One course that runs throughout 2008, is a ‘Personal Witnessing Course’ which involves people training in this area and receiving certificates so that they can take the programmes back to their area and continue the work of the SEC at a local level.

ADRA is an element also associated with the Personal Ministries Department. This department works with the Director of ADRA UK to help Personal Ministries coordinators in their areas. For example, each church gets involved in Ingathering each year and some even become engaged in the sponsored ‘Fun Run’.

Some resources that are recommended by the department include; ‘Practical Guide to Personal Ministries’ – North American Division, a compilation of ideas. Please get in contact with the department for more information on resources and training programmes.

Personal Ministries' Contacts

Terry Messenger
Personal Ministries Director
tmessenger@secadventist.org.uk

Mavis Bramble
Personal Ministries Secretary
mbramble@secadventist.org.uk

Terry

Why did you decide to start working for the church?
After being baptised in 1980, I was working in a position that I felt God didn’t want me to remain. I had been attending East Ham Church and people had suggested working in ministry, but I couldn’t seem to get my head round that idea! However, I then attended Newbold College, and after getting married in my 2nd year, I really felt God’s call to work for Him and so started my work as a Minister in 1988. This then led me to working here at the SEC, after Conference Session 2007, I found myself working for both the Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Departments.

What is the most challenging element of your work in this department?
I enjoyed working as a Minister because I liked getting involved with people. The same goes for being in these positions in the SEC. However, it is always a challenge of this job if members don’t support your ideas, I find myself dealing with problems more than evangelism sometimes. I think the real challenge is making sure you’re disciplined enough to know when to draw the line between helping members and being drawn away from my purpose here as a leader in my departments.

What are the highlights of your time as director of this Department?
I feel that the highlight of my job has been seeing people progress and grow, through training, working in leadership positions and in finding their own styles of witnessing. I enjoy being able to get around different churches and meet new, inspiring people all the time. 
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