I was thinking over the weekend whether there was anything I’ve learned from leading both a smaller church and a larger one (at least by BUGB standards) which might help the current BUGB debate. So here is the first of a couple of posts designed to share some ideas, you will have to judge whether... Continue Reading →
Beyond 400 – thoughts so far
Now the 6th voice has been published I thought some reflections might be in order; though for the full effect you need to read each entry and the comments yourself. Three things have struck me so far: 1. We need to acknowledge how broken the current denomination is. Peter Dominey spoke of grieving what is... Continue Reading →
Baptist Futures survey
As part of the conversation BUGB is having about the future their website has a survey that anyone involved in Baptist life is invited to complete. SurveyMonkey questionnaires are of course only part of the solution, the danger sometimes is that they make a monkey out of survey results; by forcing you to make choices... Continue Reading →
CVM day: Iron sharpens Iron
“Was it worth it?” I asked in the car as we returned from the CVM / New Wine Men’s day in Manchester. “It was a great day” was the reply. Joining in with 750 men for a day, with worship, teaching, seminars and opportunity to talk is not something I’ve done before but it felt... Continue Reading →
Beyond 400 – join the conversation
Starting tomorrow the Beyond 400 website will carry a wide range of thoughts and ideas about the future of Baptist life in Britain (primarily focused on BUGB). Initially 40 people have agreed to participate by writing a short piece, or creating a video, that will stimulate conversation about re-imagining Baptist life for the future. The... Continue Reading →
Driscoll saga #cowardlymybutt – Hero, victim or?
Yesterday was the 2nd Anniversary of the Earthquake in Haiti, it was also the day when Christian Today website published a quotation in which American preacher Mark Driscoll appeared to suggest that British preachers were a “bunch of cowards who aren’t telling the truth” (source). Unsurprisingly many people in the UK were furious (eg: Krish... Continue Reading →
Fresh Streams and BUGB life
I’ve spent the day at Fresh Streams annual conference. Since this is a three day affair I’m wary of blogging on such a small part of the whole, beyond noting that I enjoyed it, but the day prompts some wider thoughts. At this particular point in Baptist History, with the challenges BUGB faces, we need... Continue Reading →
2012 A good year for Baptists?
I’m gradually getting into the swing of things after a post Christmas break but before I get completely overwhelmed by my ‘to do’ list a couple of thoughts about why the year ahead may prove to be a good year for BUGB. Mind the gaps: Looking afresh at what we do creates some pain and... Continue Reading →
Christmas matters
"Because of His measureless love, He became what we are in order to enable us to become what He is" Irenaeus (Ad. Haer) Merry Christmas to you all
Church Christmas message
This is a copy of my post on the church website here This Christmas I’ve been particularly struck by the sheer scale of what happened at Jesus’ birth. Behind the angels, shepherds, wise men and stables the real importance of the event itself is staggering. In Jesus, God comes to us in human form. The... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 