31 Jul 2025, 12:41Blandine Damtse; SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Church Encouraged to Love Deeply and Live Outwardly
A day of learning and reflection challenged members to invest in their families and engage thoughtfully with people from all walks of life.
On Sabbath, 5 July 2025, Glasgow Church hosted a special day of reflection and practical training led by Pastor Augustus Lawrence, British Union Conference Director for Evangelism, focused on nurturing stronger relationships at home and connecting meaningfully with people in today’s society.
Starting with Home
Pastor Lawrence began the day with a children’s story that focused on gratitude—a simple yet powerful value. Children were invited to thank their parents for their care, reinforcing the importance of showing appreciation within families.
Drawing from the biblical story of Abraham, Pastor Lawrence spoke about what it means to "be a blessing" in everyday life. “Blessing is one of the most transformative words in Scripture,” he said, emphasising that God's children are called to be a blessing by pouring into others—not necessarily through money, but through giving time, showing genuine care, and being present for others. “To be a blessing,” he explained, “is to invest all you have into someone’s life.”
As he shared his vision for the church to be a place where young people find meaning, purpose, and hope, Pastor Lawrence emphasised the vital role of parent–child relationships. “Parents should be spiritual blessings at home before guiding others,” he said. He encouraged daily prayer for children and suggested spending at least 15 minutes each day having meaningful conversations to support their faith and understanding of life.
Adapting to the Times
In the afternoon seminar, attention turned to the wider community. Pastor Lawrence invited the congregation to reflect on how they relate to those who think, live, or believe differently. He reinforced the message that while the Gospel remains unchanged, the ways it is shared must continue to evolve with the times.
He encouraged the use of technology and intentional relationship-building, noting that most people come to faith or new understanding not through persuasion, but through trusted relationships. “People want to know if you care, if you can help, and if they can trust you,” he said.
To aid in sparking meaningful conversations, he recommended the FORT method:
Family – Ask about their family.
Occupation – Show interest in their work or studies.
Recreation – Inquire about hobbies and interests.
Testimony – Share personal stories.
Attendees discussed both the challenges and opportunities of reaching people today. The key to making a meaningful difference, Pastor Lawrence stressed, is being willing to step out of one’s comfort zone, engage empathetically with others, and offer practical help that brings hope.
A Call to Humility and Authenticity
Phelomen Mukangiliye, a local church leader, noted that testimonies shared during the day highlighted how personal care often leads to deeper spiritual conversations.
Local pastor, Pr Claudiu Popescu, reflected on the seminar by acknowledging the need for humility. " As Adventists, we must approach others with humility, not dogmatism, especially those who have been hurt by 'bad religion'. While holding firm to our values, we should speak gently, remain learners, and offer our convictions as testimony rather than prescription."
A day of learning and reflection challenged members to invest in their families and engage thoughtfully with people from all walks of life.
On Sabbath, 5 July 2025, Glasgow Church hosted a special day of reflection and practical training led by Pastor Augustus Lawrence, British Union Conference Director for Evangelism, focused on nurturing stronger relationships at home and connecting meaningfully with people in today’s society.
Starting with Home
Pastor Lawrence began the day with a children’s story that focused on gratitude—a simple yet powerful value. Children were invited to thank their parents for their care, reinforcing the importance of showing appreciation within families.
Drawing from the biblical story of Abraham, Pastor Lawrence spoke about what it means to "be a blessing" in everyday life. “Blessing is one of the most transformative words in Scripture,” he said, emphasising that God's children are called to be a blessing by pouring into others—not necessarily through money, but through giving time, showing genuine care, and being present for others. “To be a blessing,” he explained, “is to invest all you have into someone’s life.”
As he shared his vision for the church to be a place where young people find meaning, purpose, and hope, Pastor Lawrence emphasised the vital role of parent–child relationships. “Parents should be spiritual blessings at home before guiding others,” he said. He encouraged daily prayer for children and suggested spending at least 15 minutes each day having meaningful conversations to support their faith and understanding of life.
Adapting to the Times
In the afternoon seminar, attention turned to the wider community. Pastor Lawrence invited the congregation to reflect on how they relate to those who think, live, or believe differently. He reinforced the message that while the Gospel remains unchanged, the ways it is shared must continue to evolve with the times.
He encouraged the use of technology and intentional relationship-building, noting that most people come to faith or new understanding not through persuasion, but through trusted relationships. “People want to know if you care, if you can help, and if they can trust you,” he said.
To aid in sparking meaningful conversations, he recommended the FORT method:
Family – Ask about their family.
Occupation – Show interest in their work or studies.
Recreation – Inquire about hobbies and interests.
Testimony – Share personal stories.
Attendees discussed both the challenges and opportunities of reaching people today. The key to making a meaningful difference, Pastor Lawrence stressed, is being willing to step out of one’s comfort zone, engage empathetically with others, and offer practical help that brings hope.
A Call to Humility and Authenticity
Phelomen Mukangiliye, a local church leader, noted that testimonies shared during the day highlighted how personal care often leads to deeper spiritual conversations.
Local pastor, Pr Claudiu Popescu, reflected on the seminar by acknowledging the need for humility. " As Adventists, we must approach others with humility, not dogmatism, especially those who have been hurt by 'bad religion'. While holding firm to our values, we should speak gently, remain learners, and offer our convictions as testimony rather than prescription."
