I read Susan Cain’s book Quiet a couple of months ago and have been pondering it since. The premise of the book is that about half the population are introverts and for too long those who are naturally quiet, serious or sensitive have been overlooked; whilst the loudest have taken over. Her aim is to... Continue Reading →
Youth work job
Poynton Baptist Church is looking for a new youth worker to start this September. So if you are interested in coming to work with me this is your chance! Details about the role are available by clicking the links below: Download Youth worker background information Download Youth worker spec Download Youth Worker application form If... Continue Reading →
Worship song in three minutes
I know this is doing the rounds on the web but it is too true to life to ignor.
A baptist future: nightmare or sweet dreams?
The problem with advertising is that half your money is wasted - the challenge is working out which half. Pondering what the BUBG might be like ten years from now I’m sure at least half of what follows is rubbish but these five areas will be important.1. Local church size. A number of commentators suggest... Continue Reading →
Challenges of church culture
Reading a little about business cultures recently makes me suspect that paying more attention to culture might help us understand what is going on in church life.Churches vary in size, but each size transition marks a change in culture. Smaller churches, where everyone knows each other gradually grow into churches centred around the pastoral skills... Continue Reading →
Gay Marriage
Since Steve Chalke's article last week a number of people have responded to his article. By co-incidence Poynton Baptist Church's Sunday evening gathering last week had previously planned to talk about 'gay marriage'. Following on from this evening conversation I have produced a short booklet that describes some of the issues. You can download it... Continue Reading →
Steve Chalke hits headlines again
The times reports (here) that Steve Chalke has come out in favour of Gay Marriage. More interestingly, from a Baptist perspective, is the statement that he conducted his first gay blessing a few weeks ago.It has been clear (to me at least) for some while that the BUGB’s ministerial rules were open to challenge by... Continue Reading →
Lessons for 2013
Reflecting on the year past I’ve been struck by the impact a couple of experiences had on me. 1. Middleburg Baptist Church / Baptisten Gemeente de Fontein te Middelburg website. It’s not often I get to be an anonymous visitor to another church., but spending our summer holiday in the Netherlands provided the opportunity to... Continue Reading →
Putting Christ into Christmas and into us?
Isaiah 42:1-442 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a... Continue Reading →
Ideas looking for expression
Since my holiday in August I seem to have had little time for blogging. This is a bad sign because it also means I have had little time to think and reflect.But I’ve been involved in some interesting things. I’ve posted on Carl Beech’s visit in September and am still wanting to blog about male... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 