It is now a month since the summer holiday and, so far, there has been little time for blogging. Truth is I’ve been so busy and too exhausted to blog; which raises the question why? Is it that I’m disorganised or do I have unreal expectations of myself? Perhaps I’ve simply got a death wish... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Study Leave 2
As I’ve been surrounding myself with writers from 4th century church life I’ve been struck by a couple of differences between their time and ours: - Emotions: They poured their emotions into right doctrine (eg: Basil claiming that those who don’t get the Deity of the Holy Spirit are ‘excessively stupid’) we look for... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Study Leave 1
I’ve been on study leave for a few weeks now and am making progress, albeit more slowly than I hoped, but enough to make me envious of anyone who gets to do this full time. One of the things I find hard to adjust to is the lack of adrenalin. Most of normal working... 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 →
Leading a river
In an odd moment the other day it occurred to me that leadership in a church is like trying to use stones to change the course of a river. First, in order to use the stones effectively you have to put them in the river. But if you simply pile them up like a... Continue Reading →
Trinity Sunday
Guest post from St Basil for Trinity (letters 236):If we have no distinct perception of the separate characteristics, namely, fatherhood, sonship, and sanctification, but form our conception of God from the general idea of existence, we cannot possibly give a sound account of our faith. We must, therefore, confess the faith by adding the particular... 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 →
Preaching at big conferences
Following my post prior to the Baptist Assembly Steve posted some insightful thoughts about festival preaching which got me thinking. All preaching arises from the interrelationship of God, Scripture, preacher and congregation. Though the interweaving of these relationships isn’t entirely straightforward as can be seen by the way the Spirit inspired and guided the writing... Continue Reading →
General Election – Questions
I don't get to decide the questions for the last leaders debate but these are the questions I would like to put: Given your reluctance to state how you would make the necessary reductions to the budget deficit can you explain: i) How you would ensure that the least well off are protected and that... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 