1 May 2026, 13:20Benjamin BakinaGlasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Youth Weekend Inspires Faith and Baptismal Response
A youth weekend in Glasgow, led by Pastor Warren Gillin, brought young people together for worship, fellowship and open discussion, inspiring several to consider baptism.
On Friday, 24th and Saturday, 25th April, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Youth Weekend featuring Pastor Warren Gillin, Youth Director for the South England Conference (SEC).
For many attendees, Pastor Gillin’s visit held particular significance. His first visit to Glasgow was in 2014 as part of the IMPACT Glasgow programme—well before he entered ordained ministry—and he left a lasting positive impression on the young people he engaged with, alongside others from the NEC and SEC. Twelve years later, he returned to continue inspiring the next generation.
Friday Evening: Care Group
The event began with a Friday evening Care Group gathering, a ministry founded in September 2023 by Elder Benjamin Bakina and his wife, Beatrice, and now led by Glasgow Youth Leader Lisa Baguma and Adrian Slobozeanu of Edinburgh Church. The group meets informally in members’ homes, reflecting the relational and communal model of the early New Testament church. This relaxed setting helps reduce barriers, encouraging attendees to invite friends, including non-SDA individuals and those with no church background.
What was particularly notable about this gathering was the host. Alejandra, who graciously opened her home, is not an Adventist herself; she was introduced to Care Group through a former flatmate, an SDA member who regularly hosted meetings there. Moved by her experience, she chose to continue the practice, reflecting the programme’s wider reach and impact.
The evening featured a shared meal, followed by a message from Elder Benjamin, who encouraged attendees to dedicate themselves fully in every aspect of life. Several guests brought non-SDA friends, and the presence of Pastor Warren Gillin further enriched the gathering.
Sabbath: A Call to Deeper Faith
On Sabbath, 25th April, Pastor Gillin delivered a compelling message centred on God’s desire for an authentic relationship with each individual. He challenged the tendency—perhaps more common than we acknowledge—for church attendance to become a performance, where simply occupying a seat in the building is mistaken for spiritual commitment. Pastor Gillin emphasised that God’s desires extend far beyond the physical walls of any church.
The message resonated deeply. At the conclusion of his appeal, several young people raised their hands, signalling their intention to pursue baptism—an encouraging and tangible outcome of the weekend. Throughout the Sabbath service, the youth actively welcomed non-SDA friends, exemplifying how outreach and community can naturally coexist.
Afternoon Panel Discussion
The weekend concluded with an engaging afternoon segment led by Glasgow Youth Leader Lisa Baguma, featuring youth as panellists. They openly addressed topics seldom given prominence in traditional church settings—an honest reflection of a generation eager to explore and discuss their faith openly.
The enthusiasm and active participation displayed over the weekend were particularly inspiring. The youth were not mere attendees; they led, invited others, shared experiences, and motivated one another.
As one young participant noted: “It was a great weekend—from Friday evening through Saturday. It was great to enjoy it with friends from inside and outside the church.”
If the events of this weekend are any indication, that hope is already taking shape.
A youth weekend in Glasgow, led by Pastor Warren Gillin, brought young people together for worship, fellowship and open discussion, inspiring several to consider baptism.
On Friday, 24th and Saturday, 25th April, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Youth Weekend featuring Pastor Warren Gillin, Youth Director for the South England Conference (SEC).
For many attendees, Pastor Gillin’s visit held particular significance. His first visit to Glasgow was in 2014 as part of the IMPACT Glasgow programme—well before he entered ordained ministry—and he left a lasting positive impression on the young people he engaged with, alongside others from the NEC and SEC. Twelve years later, he returned to continue inspiring the next generation.
Friday Evening: Care Group
The event began with a Friday evening Care Group gathering, a ministry founded in September 2023 by Elder Benjamin Bakina and his wife, Beatrice, and now led by Glasgow Youth Leader Lisa Baguma and Adrian Slobozeanu of Edinburgh Church. The group meets informally in members’ homes, reflecting the relational and communal model of the early New Testament church. This relaxed setting helps reduce barriers, encouraging attendees to invite friends, including non-SDA individuals and those with no church background.
What was particularly notable about this gathering was the host. Alejandra, who graciously opened her home, is not an Adventist herself; she was introduced to Care Group through a former flatmate, an SDA member who regularly hosted meetings there. Moved by her experience, she chose to continue the practice, reflecting the programme’s wider reach and impact.
The evening featured a shared meal, followed by a message from Elder Benjamin, who encouraged attendees to dedicate themselves fully in every aspect of life. Several guests brought non-SDA friends, and the presence of Pastor Warren Gillin further enriched the gathering.
Sabbath: A Call to Deeper Faith
On Sabbath, 25th April, Pastor Gillin delivered a compelling message centred on God’s desire for an authentic relationship with each individual. He challenged the tendency—perhaps more common than we acknowledge—for church attendance to become a performance, where simply occupying a seat in the building is mistaken for spiritual commitment. Pastor Gillin emphasised that God’s desires extend far beyond the physical walls of any church.
The message resonated deeply. At the conclusion of his appeal, several young people raised their hands, signalling their intention to pursue baptism—an encouraging and tangible outcome of the weekend. Throughout the Sabbath service, the youth actively welcomed non-SDA friends, exemplifying how outreach and community can naturally coexist.
Afternoon Panel Discussion
The weekend concluded with an engaging afternoon segment led by Glasgow Youth Leader Lisa Baguma, featuring youth as panellists. They openly addressed topics seldom given prominence in traditional church settings—an honest reflection of a generation eager to explore and discuss their faith openly.
The enthusiasm and active participation displayed over the weekend were particularly inspiring. The youth were not mere attendees; they led, invited others, shared experiences, and motivated one another.
As one young participant noted: “It was a great weekend—from Friday evening through Saturday. It was great to enjoy it with friends from inside and outside the church.”
If the events of this weekend are any indication, that hope is already taking shape.
