This years Baptist Assembly is now underway. The annual showcase of Baptist life in England is up and running in Blackpool with ‘Your Kingdom Come’ as its theme. One question posed on the opening night was ‘what is God saying’? Perhaps the answer lies in the question: where are we going as a Union? What... Continue Reading →
Royal wedding sermon
I've been impressed by the handling of the Royal Wedding by the C of E today. The Bishop of London's sermon seemed well suited to the occasion. For those who want to know what he said words here and video here While not a big fan of royal occasions, weddings are an occasion to celebrate... Continue Reading →
Baptist Assembly ~ here we come
Off to Baptist Assembly (well BUGB’s) this weekend. I will try and post some comments as events unfold. One thing I’m looking forward to is the recognition of ministers on Sunday evening. I’m always struck that the two occasions Assembly recognises your ministry are at the end of the accreditation period and after your death.... Continue Reading →
Yes or No2AV
Just over a week till the UK referendum of voting reform; should the UK move to use AV as the system for electing MP’s. Whilst it is not high on my list of important political issues overall I’m against the change. I’m not blogging about all the pros and cons of Yes2AV or No2AV because... Continue Reading →
Easter Day
Wondering about an appropriate post for Easter day I'm reminded again of the words of Gregory Nazianzen. (Full text here) It is the Day of the Resurrection. Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him; yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him. But let us offer to Him... Continue Reading →
In praise of Rowan Williams
I came across this blog yesterday which says a lot about the Archbishop of Canterbury. Here +Rowan is to be commended because I know that some people's experience of Christian leaders is less positive; they feel that they are remote, don't care or aren't interested. One might want to debate the Christology of explaining Jesus... Continue Reading →
Jesus – orphaned for our inclusion?
Preparing Easter services from John’s gospel this year I’ve been struck by Jesus' promise, during his extended last supper discussion, not to leave the disciples as orphans and how it encapsulates the gospel. Lives which had wondered away from God have been called back and invited to follow Jesus. And now Jesus promises not to... Continue Reading →
Baptist Pensions
I hesitate to blog about pensions, since I’m no expert, but several people have visited this blog having searched for ‘BU pensions’ so here is my personal take on the subject. 1. It is sad that we have to change the pension scheme but there is no reasonable alternative. Some of the changes are because... Continue Reading →
5 P’s of #leadership
A blog post caught my eye earlier this week where Rob Petrini suggested the two things a Christian leader needed to remember were process and perception. I’d not come across this before but it got me thinking; and so here are my 5 key elements of church leadership (leaving the question of the relation of ministry... Continue Reading →
Baptist bloggers banquet?
The Catholic Church is holding a special meeting between bloggers and the Pontifical Councils for Culture and Social Communications in Rome on 2nd May. It appears the Catholic Church is anxious to engage with new media practitioners, to listen to the experiences of those involved and gain a greater understanding of the blogging community. A... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 