Aug 23, 2024, 12:13 PMBlandine DamtseGlasgow
Glasgow Church Family Strengthened After An Inspiring Weekend Highlighting the Importance of Emotional Intelligence
"May God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference." — Reinhold Niebuhr
Last weekend, the Glasgow SDA Church held an impactful Family Ministry event, featuring Pastor Les Ackie* as the guest speaker. Pastor Ackie engaged attendees with thought-provoking presentations and led discussions on vital topics such as emotional intelligence, forgiveness, relational boundaries, and the significance of emotional regulation in nurturing healthy relationships.
The event commenced on Friday evening with the emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence, which Pastor Ackie defined as “the ability to understand the situations around us and make healthy decisions.” Drawing inspiration from Genesis 2:18, he explained that humans are inherently communal beings, and our connections inevitably generate emotions. These emotions, he stressed, are integral to our humanity, and understanding how to process them is crucial to preventing negative outcomes, including chronic diseases. The session resonated with many, especially when the discussion turned to how childhood experiences shape emotional intelligence. Pastor Ackie offered hope by highlighting that emotional intelligence is learned rather than inherited and can be improved throughout life.
“There is no such thing as a sinful emotion,” Pastor Ackie remarked. “The issue lies in the decisions we make as a result of our emotions.” He encouraged attendees to step back in challenging situations, seek God’s guidance, and respond with love and truth.
Forgiveness was the central theme of the Bible Study group discussions on Saturday morning. Pastor Ackie emphasised that forgiveness is primarily for our benefit. While reconciliation depends on multiple parties, forgiveness is a personal choice that allows God to remove destructive emotions from our hearts, enabling healing and fostering the capacity for reconciliation through the Holy Spirit. He noted, “It is impossible for human beings to live together for any length of time and not hurt each other. But forgiveness is crucial, even if the offender is unrepentant.”
The sermon, titled "The Burning Question," focused on anger management. Pastor Ackie underscored the importance of delaying anger as a remedy, citing the Book of Proverbs, which advises being slow to anger and avoiding sin when angry. Through biblical examples, he demonstrated that forgiveness is one of the most effective ways to deal with negative emotions. While anger itself is not inherently bad, Pastor Ackie explained that the key is ensuring our anger is righteous—an anger that is appropriate to the situation and aimed at improving relationships rather than destroying them. He contrasted this with the story of Cain, urging attendees to open their hearts to God when angry, so He can bring peace. As Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin.”
In the afternoon, meaningful discussions focused on relational boundaries. Pastor Ackie explained that most relationship problems stem from boundary violations. Boundaries are essential for protecting our spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being while fostering meaningful relationships. He highlighted two types of boundaries: Defining Boundaries, which establish our core identity, and Protective Boundaries, designed to guard the heart and can be flexible depending on the safety of the relationship. Quoting Galatians 6:7, Pastor Ackie reminded the attendees that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” emphasising that boundaries without consequences are not true boundaries. He concluded by acknowledging that setting and maintaining boundaries may upset others, but it is crucial for our well-being. “Pleasing everybody is pleasing nobody,” he said, reminding everyone that while we are not responsible for others’ happiness, we can create environments where happiness can flourish.
The seminar left a lasting impact on many attendees. Lisa, Beatrice, and Sharon shared their appreciation for the weekend’s messages. Lisa was particularly grateful for the church’s emphasis on self-love, while Beatrice found the section on boundary setting especially valuable. Sharon, who had struggled with setting boundaries in the past, felt empowered to protect her physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Calvin Ndlovu, the seminar coordinator, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the active engagement of participants across all age groups. He described the experience as uplifting and emphasised the church’s commitment to organising more events like this to strengthen family bonds and relationships.
“There is a significant need for programmes that highlight emotional development in our churches,” Pastor Ackie reflected. “We generate emotions in all our relationships, and the foundation of all good relationships is our ability to manage those emotions.” He extended his gratitude to the church leadership, especially the local Pastor, Claudiu Popescu, for initiating and facilitating the seminar.
In closing, Pastor Ackie shared a prayer: “May God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Amen!
*Pastor Les Ackie is the British Union Family Ministries and Children’s Ministries Director
"May God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference." — Reinhold Niebuhr
Last weekend, the Glasgow SDA Church held an impactful Family Ministry event, featuring Pastor Les Ackie* as the guest speaker. Pastor Ackie engaged attendees with thought-provoking presentations and led discussions on vital topics such as emotional intelligence, forgiveness, relational boundaries, and the significance of emotional regulation in nurturing healthy relationships.
The event commenced on Friday evening with the emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence, which Pastor Ackie defined as “the ability to understand the situations around us and make healthy decisions.” Drawing inspiration from Genesis 2:18, he explained that humans are inherently communal beings, and our connections inevitably generate emotions. These emotions, he stressed, are integral to our humanity, and understanding how to process them is crucial to preventing negative outcomes, including chronic diseases. The session resonated with many, especially when the discussion turned to how childhood experiences shape emotional intelligence. Pastor Ackie offered hope by highlighting that emotional intelligence is learned rather than inherited and can be improved throughout life.
“There is no such thing as a sinful emotion,” Pastor Ackie remarked. “The issue lies in the decisions we make as a result of our emotions.” He encouraged attendees to step back in challenging situations, seek God’s guidance, and respond with love and truth.
Forgiveness was the central theme of the Bible Study group discussions on Saturday morning. Pastor Ackie emphasised that forgiveness is primarily for our benefit. While reconciliation depends on multiple parties, forgiveness is a personal choice that allows God to remove destructive emotions from our hearts, enabling healing and fostering the capacity for reconciliation through the Holy Spirit. He noted, “It is impossible for human beings to live together for any length of time and not hurt each other. But forgiveness is crucial, even if the offender is unrepentant.”
The sermon, titled "The Burning Question," focused on anger management. Pastor Ackie underscored the importance of delaying anger as a remedy, citing the Book of Proverbs, which advises being slow to anger and avoiding sin when angry. Through biblical examples, he demonstrated that forgiveness is one of the most effective ways to deal with negative emotions. While anger itself is not inherently bad, Pastor Ackie explained that the key is ensuring our anger is righteous—an anger that is appropriate to the situation and aimed at improving relationships rather than destroying them. He contrasted this with the story of Cain, urging attendees to open their hearts to God when angry, so He can bring peace. As Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin.”
In the afternoon, meaningful discussions focused on relational boundaries. Pastor Ackie explained that most relationship problems stem from boundary violations. Boundaries are essential for protecting our spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being while fostering meaningful relationships. He highlighted two types of boundaries: Defining Boundaries, which establish our core identity, and Protective Boundaries, designed to guard the heart and can be flexible depending on the safety of the relationship. Quoting Galatians 6:7, Pastor Ackie reminded the attendees that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” emphasising that boundaries without consequences are not true boundaries. He concluded by acknowledging that setting and maintaining boundaries may upset others, but it is crucial for our well-being. “Pleasing everybody is pleasing nobody,” he said, reminding everyone that while we are not responsible for others’ happiness, we can create environments where happiness can flourish.
The seminar left a lasting impact on many attendees. Lisa, Beatrice, and Sharon shared their appreciation for the weekend’s messages. Lisa was particularly grateful for the church’s emphasis on self-love, while Beatrice found the section on boundary setting especially valuable. Sharon, who had struggled with setting boundaries in the past, felt empowered to protect her physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Calvin Ndlovu, the seminar coordinator, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the active engagement of participants across all age groups. He described the experience as uplifting and emphasised the church’s commitment to organising more events like this to strengthen family bonds and relationships.
“There is a significant need for programmes that highlight emotional development in our churches,” Pastor Ackie reflected. “We generate emotions in all our relationships, and the foundation of all good relationships is our ability to manage those emotions.” He extended his gratitude to the church leadership, especially the local Pastor, Claudiu Popescu, for initiating and facilitating the seminar.
In closing, Pastor Ackie shared a prayer: “May God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Amen!
*Pastor Les Ackie is the British Union Family Ministries and Children’s Ministries Director