Archive for News
Baptist Assembly
Posted by: | CommentsBMF meeting at the Baptist Assembly, Plymouth 2010
Glen Marshall “The Minister as Missionary”
preceded by short AGM
Sunday May 2nd at 2.00-3.15pm.
Sherwell Upper Lecture Theatre at the University of Plymouth
(please note that this is not restricted to members of the BMF; all are welcome to attend)
Survey results
Posted by: | CommentsOver recent months the Baptist Union website has carried a survey, prepared for the BMF by Brian Jones, Minister of Christ Church Woodloes Park LEP. Brian’s article appears in the Journal, but as some of the charts and graphs are quite large, we’re publishing the full report here.
Brian begins the article:
If you are working as a minister either in a local church or in other places you and your family will certainly have first hand experience of the joys and heartaches involved. Anecdotal evidence abounds about what life can be like but what do ministers really think about their work, the impact of ministry on their personal life, their housing, finance and ongoing professional development?
If you are a member of the Baptist Ministers Fellowship you will know that you were invited by the Officers of the Fellowship to take part in their research study, ‘Life in Ministry’ by completing a ‘Life in Ministry’ Questionnaire giving you the opportunity to answer these questions. They were interested to know what Baptist ministers felt about the key features of life as a Baptist Minister and in particular whether there were any "pressure points" where changes might need to be made or support provided either by themselves or by drawing matters to the attention of the Baptist Union. It was also felt that the questionnaire would enable feedback from a wide spectrum of members and provide a general overview of satisfaction levels in current Baptist ministry.
Click to carry on reading…
And if you would like to see the charts and graphs referenced in the article
Then click here to download…
Members’ blogs
Posted by: | CommentsYou’ll notice that the website has a ‘blogroll’ – if members of the BMF write a blog which they would like to have featured here, just contact BMF at enquiries@bmf-uk.org and we’ll add you to the list!
ANNUAL REPORT 2008-09
Posted by: | CommentsDuring the year there have been more changes of Committee members, and we await representatives from a few associations to make a full complement. On the authorisation of the AGM, the Committee identified a suitable nomination for Vice Chair, the Revd Catriona Gorton. A Promotions Officer was appointed also, the Revd Alison Mackay. The Revd Geoffrey Colmer completed his term as ex-President.
Members of the Committee have a useful annual meeting with the BUGB Senior Management Team and a creative exchange at Committee meetings with the Ministry Department. Topics in the Committee minutes included post-NAM support, HMG immigration policy, Independent Methodists, disciplinary procedures, safeguarding, interim ministry and the place of Trade Unions. We heard that one of the Union’s goals is to increase the number of women candidating for ministry.
The Revd Michael Cleaves, our International Secretary, acts as a valued link with colleagues overseas, and BMF also hears reports from the Retired Baptist Ministers Housing Society, the Pension Fund and Whitley Lectureship.
One major piece of work launched at the beginning of 2009 was the “Life in Ministry” survey, where BMF is seeking to let ministers register their thoughts on their calling and the practicalities of its context. The responses will be analysed and we hope the results will give us a strong indication of issues that BMF should pursue in the coming years.
The Journal experienced another year of disruption. We offer our thanks to Hazel Sherman for all her efforts as Editor and for her fortitude in difficult circumstances. Hazel has felt it right to stand down and via the Editorial Board, the Revd Sally Nelson was approached to be Editor from the July 2009 issue. Our thanks also to John Houseago for standing-in for the April issue. The Editor continues to invite suitable pieces for consideration.
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Whilst the 2008 AGM was held at Didcot, the 2009 event is planned during the Bournemouth Assembly and afterward the Revd John Rackley is scheduled to deliver the annual seminar “The Acceptable Outsider”
The Committee continues to exercise careful oversight of financial resources. Let me reminded you of the Benevolent Fund – to make a gift or to suggest an individual where the support of BMF can become tangible in case of need. And if you have a change of address, please let the Treasurer know. The BMF Committee continues to value members’ commitment to pray for each other every Sunday morning.
Stephen Copson May 2009
