Before I last went to Iquitos I agreed to write about it for the Baptist Times. The article's now on line: training pastors in Peru
Keeping perspective in church needs distance
One thing I’ve noticed about being a minister is that the longer you are in a church the harder it is to separate your own thoughts about the church situation from your own sense of identity. In the early day’s it easier to see things because you approach them with fresh eyes; though you have... Continue Reading →
The Regional Minister bus
There are more interesting things to blog about than Baptist Associations appointing Regional Ministers but I can’t help but notice the large number of appointments being made at the moment. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in one here in the North West myself, so I know that many of these folk are gifted... Continue Reading →
Hi from iquitos
I’m currently back in Iquitos, the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle, where I’ve been teaching and encouraging church leaders (well trying to anyway). But time here always prompts me to think of home and the differences between the church in the UK and here. Whilst there are many things people lack here, decent medical... Continue Reading →
Should Baptists be political conservatives?
It’s the conference season for UK political parties at the moment – so perhaps an opportunity for a more controversial blog post. Controversial because my observation is the majority of Baptist Ministers lean politically towards the Labour party, something I want to question. Whilst our history and theological roots can be contested perhaps Baptists ought... Continue Reading →
Lynn Green’s induction
It was a privilege to attend Lynn's induction as the BUGB's new General Secretary yesterday afternoon at Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church. Following a resume of the story leading up to Lynn's appointment, told by Jenny Royal (moderator of the trustee board and of the search group) and Lynn, the formal part of the induction was... Continue Reading →
New(ish) worship songs
As part of our autumn preaching plan 'touches of heaven' we have also set about learning some new songs for use in worship. Since I've not had time to blog anything reflective this week I thought I'd share some video clips of the songs we've learnt. It's not exactly a balanced selection of modern hymnody... Continue Reading →
Autumn preaching theme: touches of heaven
September is usually a busy month and this year is proving to be no exception. It is one of two moments in the church year where you get a chance to set a direction and communicate enthusiasm for the journey ahead; but it is also the point where lots of activities restart after the summer... Continue Reading →
New Baptist General Secretary
Today is the first day for the BUGB’s new General Secretary Lynn Green. Lynn is someone of great ability and I’m confident she will make a good impression in an often impossible role. Her experience of Union life, being a Regional Minister, as Senior Minister of Wokingham Baptist church and before that working for the... Continue Reading →
Annual holiday blog
This year’s caravanning expedition was to the Spanish Pyrenees, a longer journey but worth the extra drive. We’d visited the French side (Col de Tourmalet / Luz St Sauveur) a few years ago but, with the younger members of the family doing GCSE Spanish, and the older ones trying to learn a bit of the... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 