Probably my last blog on BUGB Council till March but I was really impressed by the Baptist Union of Scotland’s presentation on Tuesday. The BUS have been on a journey of restructuring and they have experiences to share about keeping the focus on what matters, handling change and saving money in the process. It seems... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council – reasons for optimism
OK I’m not sure I feel optimistic yet for this is proving to be a Council like no other. But, as with the Council in which the Union made the ‘Apology’, this suggests that God is at work even if we can’t yet see it. Nevertheless, I think some trends are discernable which might shape... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council – The Emperor’s new clothes
Those not interested in BUGB Council detail look away now! Sometimes denominational life is frustrating for reasons you can’t exactly put your finger on. But as we’ve spent the last day talking some of the reason for this has become clearer to me. The institution has a life of its own. I’m told that I... Continue Reading →
Baptist Times – RIP
This news became public yesterday so I feel I can now share it. Link here for the details.
2012 The making of a modern denomination
BUGB Council meets again next week; the curious combination institutional process, denominational politics and corporate perspicacity. One item on the agenda is finance and its implications for the future structure of the Union. I’ve lost count of the number of hours I’ve sat in meetings when we have talked about this over the last couple... Continue Reading →
Iquitos trip reflections
A few weeks ago I had chance to visit Iquitos, Peru where BMS: World Mission are involved in International Development work with local churches (BMS link here). I had a great time: - We visited a number of local churches, particularly those who run P.E.P.E. preschools that are a fantastic way to help the development... Continue Reading →
New Regional Minister Team Leader for LBA
The London Baptist Association have now announced who their new team leader is. Geoff Andrews call is to be considered at a special meeting on 1st October. The LBA website gives details here
Associate Minister: aiming for success
Life as a minister is one long learning curve. These last few weeks have included adjusting to a new ministerial colleague. She is only the second person to join the staff since I came five years ago and is the first to arrive only having had the search process to get to know the church.... Continue Reading →
Disappointed, depressed, distressed?
My attention was drawn to a blog (HT Rob Petrini ) by 9marks ‘Don’t make your pastor a statistic’ which suggested the majority of US Pastors were not content in their roles: 70% feel underpaid 70% fight depression 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job 90% work between 55-75 hours a week.... Continue Reading →
Baptist Times and the internet age
English Baptist readers will know that the Baptist Times has found the last few years hard work financially. The fact they are still here and publishing (with no signs of stopping) is testament to the hard work of the BT team and the benefits they bring to Baptist life. However, athough they have a loyal... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 