3 Jul 2026, 15:28SM Communications
Scottish Mission Welcomes Pastor Obinnaya (Obi) Iheoma as New President
The Scottish Mission welcomes Pastor Obi Iheoma as its newly elected President following the 2026 British Union Conference Session in Heathrow, London.
Delegates attending the 2026 British Union Conference Session in Heathrow, London, have elected Pastor Obinnaya Genbrite Iheoma, widely known as Pastor Obi Iheoma, to serve as President of the Scottish Mission for the forthcoming term.
Pastor Iheoma succeeds Pastor Jimmy Botha and brings to the role a unique combination of pastoral leadership, educational experience, and community engagement, together with a longstanding connection to Scotland.
Originally trained as a petroleum engineer, Pastor Iheoma holds a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. Responding to God's call to ministry, he later completed a Master's degree in Theology at Newbold College, validated by the University of Wales Lampeter, where his research focused on providing pastoral care in multicultural Britain. He also earned a Master's degree in Management and Leadership in Education from the University of Wolverhampton, alongside postgraduate qualifications in education and mentoring.
Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, Pastor Iheoma spent a decade teaching mathematics and serving in higher education leadership. He has since ministered across the British Union Conference, including three years serving churches in Scotland before taking up ministry in the South England Conference. Most recently he has pastored congregations in the Birmingham area, coordinated the work of more than 30 churches and their pastoral teams, and served as Seventh-day Adventist Chaplain at the University of Birmingham.
Beyond his church responsibilities, Pastor Iheoma has become widely respected for his chaplaincy ministry within the wider community. He has served as a university chaplain, police chaplain and was part of the chaplaincy team supporting athletes, officials and spectators during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. His contribution to the Games was recognised through the Spirit of Birmingham Award.
Having previously served within the Scottish Mission, Pastor Iheoma returns with a deep appreciation for the people, churches and communities of Scotland. His passion for pastoral care, discipleship, evangelism and community engagement is expected to strengthen the Mission's commitment to sharing the hope of Christ across the country.
The Scottish Mission extends its sincere appreciation to Pastor Jimmy Botha for his faithful leadership and dedicated service over the past term. Under his leadership, the Mission has continued to strengthen local churches, develop ministry initiatives and encourage members in their commitment to God's mission.
As a new chapter begins, members across Scotland are invited to pray for Pastor Iheoma, his family, and the leadership team as they work together to further the Mission's calling of making disciples and sharing the everlasting gospel throughout Scotland. Members are also encouraged to remember Pastor Jimmy Botha and his family in prayer as they navigate this season of transition and prepare for the next stage of their ministry.
The Scottish Mission welcomes Pastor Obi Iheoma as its newly elected President following the 2026 British Union Conference Session in Heathrow, London.
Delegates attending the 2026 British Union Conference Session in Heathrow, London, have elected Pastor Obinnaya Genbrite Iheoma, widely known as Pastor Obi Iheoma, to serve as President of the Scottish Mission for the forthcoming term.
Pastor Iheoma succeeds Pastor Jimmy Botha and brings to the role a unique combination of pastoral leadership, educational experience, and community engagement, together with a longstanding connection to Scotland.
Originally trained as a petroleum engineer, Pastor Iheoma holds a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. Responding to God's call to ministry, he later completed a Master's degree in Theology at Newbold College, validated by the University of Wales Lampeter, where his research focused on providing pastoral care in multicultural Britain. He also earned a Master's degree in Management and Leadership in Education from the University of Wolverhampton, alongside postgraduate qualifications in education and mentoring.
Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, Pastor Iheoma spent a decade teaching mathematics and serving in higher education leadership. He has since ministered across the British Union Conference, including three years serving churches in Scotland before taking up ministry in the South England Conference. Most recently he has pastored congregations in the Birmingham area, coordinated the work of more than 30 churches and their pastoral teams, and served as Seventh-day Adventist Chaplain at the University of Birmingham.
Beyond his church responsibilities, Pastor Iheoma has become widely respected for his chaplaincy ministry within the wider community. He has served as a university chaplain, police chaplain and was part of the chaplaincy team supporting athletes, officials and spectators during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. His contribution to the Games was recognised through the Spirit of Birmingham Award.
Having previously served within the Scottish Mission, Pastor Iheoma returns with a deep appreciation for the people, churches and communities of Scotland. His passion for pastoral care, discipleship, evangelism and community engagement is expected to strengthen the Mission's commitment to sharing the hope of Christ across the country.
The Scottish Mission extends its sincere appreciation to Pastor Jimmy Botha for his faithful leadership and dedicated service over the past term. Under his leadership, the Mission has continued to strengthen local churches, develop ministry initiatives and encourage members in their commitment to God's mission.
As a new chapter begins, members across Scotland are invited to pray for Pastor Iheoma, his family, and the leadership team as they work together to further the Mission's calling of making disciples and sharing the everlasting gospel throughout Scotland. Members are also encouraged to remember Pastor Jimmy Botha and his family in prayer as they navigate this season of transition and prepare for the next stage of their ministry.
