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
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 →
Easypastor.com. Sundays are an event
Sunday worship is in essence a simple affair; a gathering of believers who meet in Jesus’ name. Of course, this desire to meet in Jesus’ name requires more than simply turning up, it suggests a meeting that embodies the character and intentions of Jesus; so when we meet we want to put Scripture at the... Continue Reading →
easypastor.com? ministry is harder than it looks
Whilst being a minister is not that difficult (as my last post indicated) it is also harder than it looks. Over the last few years I’ve come to recognise a few of the reasons why. 1. The demands are relentless. It is not necessarily the volume but the fact that it keeps coming. Emails and... Continue Reading →
Baptist futures: finance, uncertainty and potential
We’re creating new structures, causing a lot of pain by making people redundant and are conveying a renewed sense of purpose. But before we get too comfortable let’s recognise financial uncertainty will be a dominant characteristic for years to come. 1. Historically income has risen at, or slightly below the rate of inflation. Costs, particularly... Continue Reading →
Baptist strands
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 →
Baptist Assembly – brief report
Assembly is now over for another year. It will be remembered as the Assembly where the Union appointed its first ever female General Secretary; Lynn Green. I’m in the fortunate position of knowing Lynn (our families have been caravanning together). She is gifted, talented and gracious. I'm sure she will grow into an excellent Gen... Continue Reading →
Quiet leaders influence
I read Susan Cain’s book Quiet a couple of months ago and have been pondering it since. The premise of the book is that about half the population are introverts and for too long those who are naturally quiet, serious or sensitive have been overlooked; whilst the loudest have taken over. Her aim is to... Continue Reading →
Exit stage left
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 →
Fancy a new challenge – BUGB General Secretary?
As part of the restructuring process BUGB is looking for a new General Secretary. The details are here.It will be an impossible job requiring an impossible range of skills: An experienced Baptist minister Able to articulate vision whilst being a committed team player, Team leader who is good at thinking strategically and helping a staff... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 