It's the BUGB / BMS annual assembly this weekend. This time we are meeting in West Bromwich, which will make a change from the run down seaside venues often chosen. It will also mark the first anniversary of Lynn Green’s appointment as General Secretary. Sadly Lynn’s been receiving medical treatment over the last few weeks... Continue Reading →
Lead a movement; what’s that mean?
Earlier this month I blogged that one of my New Year dreams was to lead a movement not an organisation. Recently I’ve heard plenty of talk about the need for a ‘Baptist movement’ which poses the question what do I/we mean by movement, particularly when used in distinction to organisation or institution? A movement is... Continue Reading →
BUGB council meets again – without me :)
The new style BUGB Council meets for the first time today; one of a number of small steps in changing the Union as a result of the ‘Futures’ process. I’m not part of this so have no idea what’s going on, and I suspect that the change of format will mean fewer social media updates... Continue Reading →
BUGB the dreamliner denomination?
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 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
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 →
Challenges of church culture
Reading a little about business cultures recently makes me suspect that paying more attention to culture might help us understand what is going on in church life.Churches vary in size, but each size transition marks a change in culture. Smaller churches, where everyone knows each other gradually grow into churches centred around the pastoral skills... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 