So Council draws to a close till later in the year. It has been dominated by questions of pensions, which are going to be a significant issue over the next few months. But for me the highlight has been a presentation by the Younger Leaders Forum; a Baptist 18-30 group who grapple with issues relating... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council
As Council works through its business two questions stand behind much of what we do. 1. Snog, Marry, Avoid? Asks one BBC TV series; what are the limits of diversity and inclusivity in how we handle people who disagree with us is less snappy Baptist version. As Baptists we believe in the Lordship of Christ... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council
Off to BUGB Council again tomorrow, so expect a few blog comments over the next three days from me and other baptist bloggers. At first reading the agenda looks routine with few surprises but when you dig a bit deeper it may not be as straightforward as expected. Monday’s highlight maybe the Faith and Unity... Continue Reading →
Rob Bell: Love Wins
As mentioned in an earlier post Rob Bell's book is causing quite a stir. My Amazon order hasn't arrived yet and I will blog some thoughts when I've read the book (but not before). However, I note that some UK based comments are starting to emerge. This month's Christianity magazine has a brief book review... Continue Reading →
Distrust larger churches?
As comments to my Home Mission post demonstrate there is some distrust of larger Baptist Churches in the UK. As someone who was previously a minister of a Home Mission supported small church I have some experience on both sides of this; there is something dispiriting about the suspicion that the life of your congregation... Continue Reading →
BUGB Home Mission 2
In a previous post I promised some thoughts on the way ahead so here goes: Home Mission depends on voluntary contributions from churches. In the last couple of years the Union has changed its appeal to encourage each church to give 5% of income to Home Mission. I’m sure this is the right strategy; it... Continue Reading →
NWBA ministers’ conference
I’ve spent the last couple of days commuting between home and the NWBA ministers conference so a couple of reflections. 1. One speaker: the Rt Rev Chris Edmundson Bishop of Bolton drew a distinction between a balanced life and a life with rhythm. Too often we compartmentalise life into different areas and seek to give... Continue Reading →
BUGB Home Mission 1
In recent weeks there have been letters in the Baptist Times concerning the Baptist Union’s Home Mission fund, the size of the deficit and how money is used. So I thought I might write a post or two about Home Mission. This post looks at some questions and another will comment on possible ways forward.... Continue Reading →
Dress appropriately
I came across this blog which reminds me why I'm thankful that vestments have not been part of my church tradition. Baptists may produce a number of cringe worthy things but wierd forms of dress have not usually been among them.
Hopeful mission
As previously mentioned I spent the early part of the week at a conference for leaders of ‘larger’ Baptist Churches. Credit for stirring most of the thoughts of mission and discipleship should really go to Neil Hudson , Project Director at LICC. Anyway having posted some thoughts about discipleship here are a few about mission.... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 