9 Jun 2026, 14:15Pr Wil Masih; edited by SM CommunicationsInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Adventist Ministry Extends to Highland University
Creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, pastoral support, and spiritual exploration, Adventist involvement in the UHI Inverness chaplaincy is helping students and staff navigate questions of faith, purpose, and belonging.
A new chapter of Seventh-day Adventist ministry is developing at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Inverness through participation in the institution's Multifaith, Multidenominational Chaplaincy team.
The chaplaincy is centred around The Sanctuary, a dedicated space on campus used for chaplaincy activities and pastoral engagement. Situated within a busy university environment, it provides opportunities for students and staff to access support, reflection, and conversation.
Pastor Wilfred Masih, who serves as the Seventh-day Adventist representative on the volunteer chaplaincy team, said his first visit to The Sanctuary brought to mind Psalm 145:18: "The Lord is near to all who call on Him," and Christ's example of meeting people where they were and engaging them in meaningful conversations.
He soon found that being a visible and approachable presence on campus created opportunities for unexpected conversations.
Walking the Campus, Meeting the Questions
“One morning, a student approached me in the atrium and asked, ‘Are you the chaplain?’” Pastor Masih recalled. “What followed was a conversation about exam pressure, fear of failure, and the weight of expectations. “I’m not religious,” he said, “but I’ve got questions I’ve never said out loud.”
Pastor Masih said encounters such as these are common, reminding him that discipleship often begins with a conversation, a moment of trust, a listening ear, and the willingness to meet people where they are.
On another occasion, a casual greeting in the campus café developed into a discussion about grief, purpose, and hope among a group of students from Muslim, Christian, and secular backgrounds. Pastor Masih reported that one student later commented, “I didn’t expect to talk about life with a chaplain today, but I’m glad I did.”
Pastor Masih also noted that members of staff have approached him for conversation and support after recognising him from community activities beyond the university.
A Visible Adventist Presence
Pastor Masih believes this presence is particularly significant within a secular institution. “Faith can sometimes feel invisible in university life,” he said. “By helping to establish the chaplaincy, we are creating a space where students can find grounding, belonging, and spiritual companionship.”
The Adventist presence on campus has also been welcomed by Adventist students studying at UHI Inverness.
“One student told me, ‘It feels like my church is here with me,’” Pastor Masih said.
The involvement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the university chaplaincy provides students with a visible connection to their faith community while contributing to the wider pastoral and spiritual life of the campus.
A Space to Slow Down
The Sanctuary has become a valued gathering place for students and staff. Some visit for prayer, others for reflection, while many simply appreciate having a quiet space between classes.
Pastor Masih reported that one student described it as “the only room on campus where I can slow down.”
For international students adjusting to life in the United Kingdom, the chaplaincy has become an important source of encouragement and support.
Faith in a Pluralistic Society
As the chaplaincy continues to develop, plans are being made for weekly listening hours, hospitality gatherings, and opportunities for spiritual exploration.
The team is also exploring events that will encourage open discussion about faith in a pluralistic society, providing students with opportunities to consider questions of belief, doubt, identity, and culture within a respectful environment.
The Scottish Mission Personal Ministries Department's evangelistic initiative, The Big Questions Project, is particularly suited to this type of engagement in secular environments such as university campuses.
According to Pastor Masih, these conversations are already attracting interest from students who do not identify with a particular faith tradition but remain interested in exploring life's deeper questions.
Plans are also being developed for a gospel music event that will provide an accessible opportunity for students and members of the wider community to engage with faith through music, testimony, and shared celebration.
Supported Beyond the Campus
The local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inverness has also become involved in supporting students connected with the chaplaincy.
Students who visit the church, whether Adventist or not, can expect a warm welcome, shared meals, and practical support.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the chaplaincy hopes to introduce reflective activities during examination periods, community service projects across Inverness, and a welcome programme for international students that includes cultural orientation and conversational English support.
The chaplaincy also aims to partner more closely with student societies, including Christian groups on campus, to establish a network of support and belonging.
For the Adventist Church, the new presence at UHI Inverness represents a significant step into public campus ministry in the Highlands.
Pastor Masih described the ministry as "a quiet but significant witness, not through preaching, but through presence; not through programmes alone, but through relationships."
Creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, pastoral support, and spiritual exploration, Adventist involvement in the UHI Inverness chaplaincy is helping students and staff navigate questions of faith, purpose, and belonging.
A new chapter of Seventh-day Adventist ministry is developing at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Inverness through participation in the institution's Multifaith, Multidenominational Chaplaincy team.
The chaplaincy is centred around The Sanctuary, a dedicated space on campus used for chaplaincy activities and pastoral engagement. Situated within a busy university environment, it provides opportunities for students and staff to access support, reflection, and conversation.
Pastor Wilfred Masih, who serves as the Seventh-day Adventist representative on the volunteer chaplaincy team, said his first visit to The Sanctuary brought to mind Psalm 145:18: "The Lord is near to all who call on Him," and Christ's example of meeting people where they were and engaging them in meaningful conversations.
He soon found that being a visible and approachable presence on campus created opportunities for unexpected conversations.
Walking the Campus, Meeting the Questions
“One morning, a student approached me in the atrium and asked, ‘Are you the chaplain?’” Pastor Masih recalled. “What followed was a conversation about exam pressure, fear of failure, and the weight of expectations. “I’m not religious,” he said, “but I’ve got questions I’ve never said out loud.”
Pastor Masih said encounters such as these are common, reminding him that discipleship often begins with a conversation, a moment of trust, a listening ear, and the willingness to meet people where they are.
On another occasion, a casual greeting in the campus café developed into a discussion about grief, purpose, and hope among a group of students from Muslim, Christian, and secular backgrounds. Pastor Masih reported that one student later commented, “I didn’t expect to talk about life with a chaplain today, but I’m glad I did.”
Pastor Masih also noted that members of staff have approached him for conversation and support after recognising him from community activities beyond the university.
A Visible Adventist Presence
Pastor Masih believes this presence is particularly significant within a secular institution. “Faith can sometimes feel invisible in university life,” he said. “By helping to establish the chaplaincy, we are creating a space where students can find grounding, belonging, and spiritual companionship.”
The Adventist presence on campus has also been welcomed by Adventist students studying at UHI Inverness.
“One student told me, ‘It feels like my church is here with me,’” Pastor Masih said.
The involvement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the university chaplaincy provides students with a visible connection to their faith community while contributing to the wider pastoral and spiritual life of the campus.
A Space to Slow Down
The Sanctuary has become a valued gathering place for students and staff. Some visit for prayer, others for reflection, while many simply appreciate having a quiet space between classes.
Pastor Masih reported that one student described it as “the only room on campus where I can slow down.”
For international students adjusting to life in the United Kingdom, the chaplaincy has become an important source of encouragement and support.
Faith in a Pluralistic Society
As the chaplaincy continues to develop, plans are being made for weekly listening hours, hospitality gatherings, and opportunities for spiritual exploration.
The team is also exploring events that will encourage open discussion about faith in a pluralistic society, providing students with opportunities to consider questions of belief, doubt, identity, and culture within a respectful environment.
The Scottish Mission Personal Ministries Department's evangelistic initiative, The Big Questions Project, is particularly suited to this type of engagement in secular environments such as university campuses.
According to Pastor Masih, these conversations are already attracting interest from students who do not identify with a particular faith tradition but remain interested in exploring life's deeper questions.
Plans are also being developed for a gospel music event that will provide an accessible opportunity for students and members of the wider community to engage with faith through music, testimony, and shared celebration.
Supported Beyond the Campus
The local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inverness has also become involved in supporting students connected with the chaplaincy.
Students who visit the church, whether Adventist or not, can expect a warm welcome, shared meals, and practical support.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the chaplaincy hopes to introduce reflective activities during examination periods, community service projects across Inverness, and a welcome programme for international students that includes cultural orientation and conversational English support.
The chaplaincy also aims to partner more closely with student societies, including Christian groups on campus, to establish a network of support and belonging.
For the Adventist Church, the new presence at UHI Inverness represents a significant step into public campus ministry in the Highlands.
Pastor Masih described the ministry as "a quiet but significant witness, not through preaching, but through presence; not through programmes alone, but through relationships."
