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 →
On being a patient
It’s now nearly six weeks since my heart attack. I’d like to say that it has been a time of reading, reflection and recharging the batteries but it hasn’t. I’ve been able to go back to doing some of the normal stuff of life but with much less energy than I’d expect to have; generally... Continue Reading →
On using the NHS
Until my heart attack I’d not been a heavy user of the NHS (UK healthcare system) apart from a few visits to my GP. So it was quite an eye-opener to find myself needing paramedics, ambulances, A&E and hospital treatment. So what was it like? 1. Overall I’m really impressed with the standard of care... Continue Reading →
Life is not predictable
Blogging has been a bit light recently because life was too full of other stuff to find the time. And then to add to the excitement last week I had a small heart attack. This means that I've now lots of time to blog but my brain is still too much like mushed hospital food... Continue Reading →
It is election day, please go and vote
Today is voting day for the European Elections and, if the polls are right UKIP might top the UK poll. I’m mystified by this. I get people wanting to register a protest vote against the main political parties. Before they became a party of government this often worked to the Liberal Democrats' advantage. But why... Continue Reading →
Baptist Assembly and discernment
My post on Baptist Assembly suggested I’d blog something about discernment and how we might create space to do so. The problem is that Assembly is too big a gathering to use many of the techniques familiar in Church Meetings. In groups of 30-100 people can get to know each other, in groups of 1000... Continue Reading →
Baptist Assembly 2014 #bapt14 Report
This weekend has been the Annual Assembly for the BUGB (Baptist Union of Great Britain). A slightly different format this year as it was reduced to a two day event but overall, even without seminars or an exhibition to promote baptistic organisations, it worked well. Saturday morning saw the opening address by Chris Ellis, this... Continue Reading →
BUGB / BMS Assembly #bapt14 (one year on but looking forward)
It's the BUGB / BMS annual assembly this weekend. This time we are meeting in West Bromwich, which will make a change from the run down seaside venues often chosen. It will also mark the first anniversary of Lynn Green’s appointment as General Secretary. Sadly Lynn’s been receiving medical treatment over the last few weeks... 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 →
Distinct Reflections 