Over the last month I’ve listened to more members of the church here preaching than usual and I’ve been struck by the variety and how they preach differently to me. Some of this is down to character, the impact of ministerial formation and the fact that I preach on average once a week. But I... Continue Reading →
Liturgy in worship
The church here mostly uses contemporary songs in worship but I often include some bits of liturgy, such as creeds and confessions, in leading services. It seems to me that liturgy has several benefits. By using a limited range on a regular basis you help the congregation to become familiar with things which can positively... Continue Reading →
Death of ministerial training?
An article is it time to write the Eulogy?: The future of Seminary Education caught my eye (HT Steve Harmon who blogs at Ecclesial Theology). My impression is that the situation in the US is different to the UK but the question of what we expect from our Theological colleges is nevertheless worth asking. Not... Continue Reading →
Rob Bell review – the twitter version
For those who haven't the time to read the book or the reviews: #robbell #lovewins Asks good Qs avoids detailed As. Universalist? No Theol heav&hell? Poor: sin,wrath? Claim most believe hell wins? wrong
Review: Rob Bell, Love wins
Never having read any of Rob Bell’s previous books I wasn’t sure what to expect; the vitriol poured in his direction suggested it wasn’t going to be good. My overall impression is that there isn’t anything in the book which is fundamentally objectionable or not said by someone else before; so why all the fuss?... Continue Reading →
Love, hatred and religious narrowmindedness
My understanding of Islam is not what it ought to be, my knowledge of Pakistan is deficient because it is entirely based on the British media. However Veena Malik's appearance on Pakistan's TV appears to show a feisty, passionate and courageous woman taking on the forces of conservative Islam. Which given recent events in that... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council – character or decision
So Council draws to a close till later in the year. It has been dominated by questions of pensions, which are going to be a significant issue over the next few months. But for me the highlight has been a presentation by the Younger Leaders Forum; a Baptist 18-30 group who grapple with issues relating... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council
As Council works through its business two questions stand behind much of what we do. 1. Snog, Marry, Avoid? Asks one BBC TV series; what are the limits of diversity and inclusivity in how we handle people who disagree with us is less snappy Baptist version. As Baptists we believe in the Lordship of Christ... Continue Reading →
BUGB Council
Off to BUGB Council again tomorrow, so expect a few blog comments over the next three days from me and other baptist bloggers. At first reading the agenda looks routine with few surprises but when you dig a bit deeper it may not be as straightforward as expected. Monday’s highlight maybe the Faith and Unity... Continue Reading →
Rob Bell: Love Wins
As mentioned in an earlier post Rob Bell's book is causing quite a stir. My Amazon order hasn't arrived yet and I will blog some thoughts when I've read the book (but not before). However, I note that some UK based comments are starting to emerge. This month's Christianity magazine has a brief book review... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 