Mission – Ministry – Life
The 06:30 train from Macclesfield on a cold Saturday morning is not normally something to celebrate but it was the first leg of a great day attending the Baptist Assembly. This year held in Oxford. The day packed a lot into a short timeframe and was a significant improvement on last year. The morning started... Continue Reading →
So today the Co-op bank announces a loss of £1.3bn, acknowledges that it will loose more money over the next couple of years and poses a question over whether the Co-op will invest another £120m in the bank or see it’s ownership share slip further. At the same time the wider Co-op group has seen... Continue Reading →
It was great to attend this earlier in the week, an annual gathering facilitated by BUGB for team leaders from the Union’s ‘larger’ churches. It’s encouraging to spend time with people who do a similar role to me, who face similar challenges and struggles, without feeling the need to apologise. [It is a strange quirk... Continue Reading →
I had an idea the other day whilst thinking about Baptist life (though it could be applied more widely). Why not start a ‘bank’ whose purpose was to loan money to projects which might not pay back but which need money to get something started. OK ‘bank’ may be the wrong word, but words like... Continue Reading →
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 →
As the Union is streamlined more responsibility moves to the Associations. However, the resources the Associations have to deliver this are also constrained most currently run deficits. So how can they respond to the challenge? How might we manage Association life in the future? Mind the gap. Sometimes there appears to be a gap between... Continue Reading →
Starting today, Incarnate Network are running a series of provocative posts / discussions looking at some key issues for baptist denominational life through five key questions. "Each week the question asked will explore a dimension of our Baptist life. What does our denomination need saving from? How can our associations, churches and union adapt for the... Continue Reading →
Pondering contemporary Baptist life in England it seems to me there are three main ways people think of themselves as being Baptist. 1. Convenience: These are groups of churches and ministers who are convenience Baptists; part of the Union because it’s worked OK for them so far. To some being a Baptist Church is like... Continue Reading →
Next weekend’s (BUGB) Baptist Assembly 2013 is an important moment, not least because a new General Secretary is appointed. Whoever it is takes on a challenge. Can they gain the trust and support of the people who work in Baptist House, forge a great team ethic with the Association team leaders and yet be a... Continue Reading →
As BUGB changes take effect, I've joined the ranks of those whose involvement in its committee life has ended. I’ve been a member of BU Council for nine years, was part of the General Purposes and Finance Executive and have had the pleasure of moderating the Finance Committee for the last six. But no more.... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 