I’ve spent an interesting afternoon with a group from the mission department of the German Baptist Union. I was curious to learn how they structure and resource mission in Germany. In general they seem to have adopted a regional approach where the group gather together a couple of times each year (this time for a... Continue Reading →
Scotland’s impact on BUGB Council
Probably my last blog on BUGB Council till March but I was really impressed by the Baptist Union of Scotland’s presentation on Tuesday. The BUS have been on a journey of restructuring and they have experiences to share about keeping the focus on what matters, handling change and saving money in the process. It seems... Continue Reading →
Good thinking +Rowan but poor politics
The Archbishop of Canterbury has caused a political stir today with his guest editorial in the New Statesman (text here). Some will argue that he should keep his opinions to himself but I disagree. As a bishop it is right that he should speak about issues which concern wider society; one of the few reasons... Continue Reading →
Disappointed, depressed, distressed?
My attention was drawn to a blog (HT Rob Petrini ) by 9marks ‘Don’t make your pastor a statistic’ which suggested the majority of US Pastors were not content in their roles: 70% feel underpaid 70% fight depression 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job 90% work between 55-75 hours a week.... Continue Reading →
Assembly: who is it for?
So far it has been a great Assembly; the weather has been fantastic, the speakers good and the opportunities for meeting up with people plentiful. Yesterday I particularly enjoyed Jeff Lucas who was much better than I remember as a preacher (I know that sounds a bit pompous!) Yet in the midst of this love-in... Continue Reading →
Distrust larger churches?
As comments to my Home Mission post demonstrate there is some distrust of larger Baptist Churches in the UK. As someone who was previously a minister of a Home Mission supported small church I have some experience on both sides of this; there is something dispiriting about the suspicion that the life of your congregation... Continue Reading →
Positive intent
In blogging about the life of the BUGB it is always easier seeking to critically evaluate what others do than making positive proposals. So here is an attempt to set out some of the things that I think are important about our life together. Valuing Ministry: A core part of the Union’s life is recognising,... Continue Reading →
Women in leadership
There is a letter in the Baptist Times this week signed by myself, Simon Woodman, Andy Goodliff and Craig Gardiner. For those who don’t read the BT there has been some correspondence following BUGB Council’s recent discussion about women in leadership. As can be seen I’m wholly committed to women in ministry believing that this... Continue Reading →
Deep river?
Every so often a group of ministers emerge in Baptist life seeking to change the course of the Union. In the 1950’s it was about baptism; seeking to promote a more sacramental understanding. In the late 70’s and early 80’s concern about decline in the denomination led to the formation of Mainstream and many of... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 