Project 3:28 have published their latest research into gender balance among the speaker teams of UK national Christian conferences. In 2014 two conferences had a 50:50 balance, the BUGB Annual Assembly and the Church and Media Conference. Also, notably, the Youth Work summit has been in second place for the last two years with an... Continue Reading →
A missional church. Step 1
I was shocked how long it’s been a while since my last blog. I’ve not given up on blogging but it has taken a back seat whilst I recover from my cardiac event and, if I’m honest, the swirl of questions which accompany getting back to work after a heart attack: ‘what am I doing?’... Continue Reading →
BUGB Paul Goodliff steps down
Personally, I'm sad to see news of Paul Goodliff stepping down as the leader of the BUGB's ministries team. Web article here Someone leaving a role suddenly always causes some uncertainty. The Union has been undergoing signficant transformation in the last few years and Paul's commitment to Ministry and ministers has meant he as been... Continue Reading →
Full time ministers: a dying breed?
I had the pleasure of chairing a conversation day run by the Baptist Ministers’ Fellowship this week. Entitled “Pathways for Baptist ministry” speakers shared their varied experience of ministerial life, training / formation and ways of working. Although the conversations ranged wide, two things stood out for me from the day: 1. The majority of... Continue Reading →
What makes a good sermon?
As a regular preacher and speaker it is a question I frequently ponder. So over recent months I’ve been trying to note what grabs people and gets positive feedback; either from my own preaching or that of others. Here are some unscientific observations. 1. Tell them about yourself. As someone put it to me, “tell... Continue Reading →
Preparing for Easter services? A thought for Maundy Thursday
Preparing for this year’s Easter Services I’ve been particularly struck with the idea that the Garden of Gethsemane represents a pinnacle of the incarnation. The exalted one, who gives up the majesty of heaven to become one with us is now praying in the garden. - Tempted in every way: even to give up... Continue Reading →
Song select
The church here has just subscribed to Song Select a service which lets you print out music for songs including chord sheets, lead melody line (which the system will transpose and print out in any key) and lyrics. We hope it will make things much easier for those leading worship and/or the bands, saving time... Continue Reading →
This term’s new(ish) worship songs
Like last term the church is aiming to introduce a number of newer worship songs; kicked off with an evening to learn some of them (7:45pm on Feb 13th at Poynton Baptist Church). This term's collection include: In addition to these four we are looking to make use of: ... Continue Reading →
Don’t be a twit: social media guidelines
There is an interesting story on the BBC news about one Church of England Diocese producing some Social Media guidelines. The Diocese of Bath and Wells guidelines are here and some similar advice produced by the Methodist Church is here. Most of the guidance is obvious enough: 1. Remember what you post is public so think first.... Continue Reading →
Fresh Streams 2014 some early reflections #fsnc14
I’ve spent the last 48 hours at the Fresh Streams conference. Although I’ve been to the odd day over the last few years it is the first time I’ve been to the whole thing for 5 years. It hasn’t changed much over that time (though the leadership has become more plural and has a better... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 