I’ve always been fascinated by aviation so have been interested in the progress of Boeing’s new 787 dreamliner aircraft. Maybe it has lessons for us: 1. It is designed to be cheaper to run. Boeing recognised that as costs rise they needed to design an aircraft which would be 20% cheaper to run than existing... Continue Reading →
Baptist Association life: from OK to great
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 →
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 what God might say to us
Among the reports and blogs about the Baptist Assembly and the theme of shining like stars I wonder what God might be saying to BUGB. What follows isn’t so much a blog as a mini sermon; not one I can imagine ever been asked to preach at a Baptist event though…… “I tell you the... 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 →
Baptist Assembly
The annual gathering of Baptists (well the BUGB part) starts today in Blackpool. Getting the tone right will be more of a challenge than usual. The last few months we have seen the painful process of redundancy for some BUGB staff and the start of changes resulting from the Futures process; including the replacement of... Continue Reading →
Are baptists ready for change?
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 →
Northern Baptist Learning Community: new Co-Principals
NLBC have announced that Rev Dr Clare McBeath and Rev Glen Marshall are to be the new Co-Principals for the Manchester Based College. Glen has been a tutor at the College for a number of years with a focus on mission and homiletics. Clare has, among other things, been a Minister of Openshaw Baptist Church.... 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 →
Distinct Reflections 