Mission – Ministry – Life
This should have been my must read a decade ago when I became Senior Minister of Poynton Baptist, but it hadn’t been published. The Undefended Leader trilogy (each was a short book now published in one volume) has become well used in ministerial training / leadership courses and is definitely worth reading. The undefended leader... Continue Reading →
Back in the UK I attended the annual BUGB/BMS Baptist Assembly on Saturday. This year it was a one day event, which worked better than I thought it might. Obviously reducing the events length means that there are lots of things there isn’t space for, such as opportunities for other Baptist Organisations, plenary sessions with... Continue Reading →
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 →
As thoughts turn back to work after the Christmas / New Year break with a mixture of relief and anticipation I wonder what the year might hold? I don’t do resolutions which are a guilt inducing way of setting myself up to fail, but my three personal dreams for the year ahead are: 1. Speak... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I went to Catalyst Live in Manchester, a new event put together by BMS world mission. The day aimed to help Christian leaders think about the ‘Mission of the Mind’, bringing together speakers with backgrounds in theology, apologetics, science and culture. I’d been a bit wary of an event with so many different speakers... Continue Reading →
When I first worked this out it felt like a guilty secret; but over the last six months I’ve seen several comments and articles which show I’m far from alone. Yet, I’m a Baptist Minister so surely I should be committed to this distinctive pillar of Baptist life? But what is it that Church Meetings... Continue Reading →
If I’ve learned nothing else from my years in ministry it is that I need a team. Who you need around you varies depending on your own gifts / skills but I need someone (or people) - Worship leader: someone with musicality who can lead the band, lead the congregation in song, choose songs and... Continue Reading →
Over the last month I’ve jotted down a few random thoughts about leadership as I've been musing on what God is calling me to do. 1. Listen and learn as well as lead. We’ve never arrived and never have a monopoly on truth and clear perspective, good leaders need others and pay attention to them.... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple of years I’ve made a several visits to Iquitos and been involved in a number of training events. My input has usually aimed at giving an overview of the Bible and Christian Doctrine; helping people to read and interpret the Bible and use it in preaching and pastoral leadership. I don’t... Continue Reading →
My final musing on lessons from leading a smaller and larger church is one that I’ve still not really grasped. The need for audacious courage. The first principle that leadership is about courage rather than control is straightforward enough. In a small church if you work hard you can do it all yourself, from cleaning... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 