This week I’m at a conference for the ministers who are team leaders in larger Baptist churches. I don’t go to many conferences but this gathering is always worthwhile. It is great to get together with people whose experience of ministry is similar to mine who share many of the same strains and tensions, joys... Continue Reading →
Council is over (nearly)
As Council comes to an end it strikes me that we are at our best when Council is able to discuss issues together; the progress made in the ministerial list and our understanding of ministry is a good example of this. The new process will be much more coherent theologically and straightforward organisationally. Council is... Continue Reading →
BU Council meets again
As BUGB Council convenes again it strikes me that one question lurks behind many of the items on the agenda. Who leads the Union? Or more correctly where does leadership in the Union come from? Do we need to split the governance and management of the BUGB charity from the leadership of the wider Union?... Continue Reading →
Positive intent
In blogging about the life of the BUGB it is always easier seeking to critically evaluate what others do than making positive proposals. So here is an attempt to set out some of the things that I think are important about our life together. Valuing Ministry: A core part of the Union’s life is recognising,... Continue Reading →
Connecting ministers and churches
The BU has a system, led by the National Settlement Team, which seeks to help ministers find churches to settle in and churches find a new minister. Recently the church here has been looking for a new Associate Minister; a process which I’ve found far more stressful than I expected. And it is not over... Continue Reading →
Time to bin covenant?
In Baptist life in England there are a number of overused phrases (the Baptist family and deep listening are two that come to mind) whose benefit to corporate discussion is lost by repetition. I wonder if it is now time to add the word covenant. I’m not suggesting the word has no benefit, clearly covenant... Continue Reading →
Visiting church
As I'm on study leave I decided that I would use the opportunity to visit other Baptist Churches in the area. It is rare for me to go to church as an a complete visitor these days but I'm facinated by the questions that go through my mind. I share them, not because they are... Continue Reading →
Women in leadership 2
Following the letter to the BT I’ve been approached by some who are less certain that women in ministry is a good thing. I can’t easily blog all the reasons why I believe it is important we recognise the call of God on women but I do think that those who disagree need to consider... Continue Reading →
Women in leadership
There is a letter in the Baptist Times this week signed by myself, Simon Woodman, Andy Goodliff and Craig Gardiner. For those who don’t read the BT there has been some correspondence following BUGB Council’s recent discussion about women in leadership. As can be seen I’m wholly committed to women in ministry believing that this... Continue Reading →
Baptist Assembly video
For those who haven't been to the Baptist Assembly but who want a video taster of the event, here is one produced by the Assembly itself.
Distinct Reflections 