Feature articles in 2013

The Big Question

"We are a small rural church, what is our purpose, and how can we really make a difference to our community? Any ideas welcome!"

Why Churches Should Engage With Student Ministry

'Young people can find university a real test to their faith' Baptist minister Michael Shaw on why he's engaged his last three churches with student ministry and mission

An Interview with Jonathan Edwards

As he leaves the role of General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, The Revd Jonathan Edwards reflects on the last seven years

Turning the Hearts of the Fathers

From humble beginnings in a Baptist church, a parent and toddler session for fathers has become a national ministry.

The Resonance of Heart Music

'Every culture in the world has its own musical language as it has its spoken language - and when the Gospel is linked to an ethnic group’s heart music it will be understood and even accepted'. Ethnomusicologist Rob Baker chats to Shaun Lambert

Greenbelt: Where Everything and Nothing Changes

It may be different from an Evangelical worship festival, but ....

A profile of General Secretary Lynn Green

Lynn Green will draw on a varied involvement across Baptist life as she embarks on her new role

Love Will Set You Free in Azerbaijan - or Will It?

Eurovision opens up scrutiny of the country's poor human rights - including harsh religious censorship

Life on the Frontline

'Mission. Mates. Me.' Most military personnel are familiar with this handy mantra, reminding them of the essential priorities of any deployment: there's a job to do, a challenge to meet. The mission is your motivation

Interview with Ramadan Chan of the Sudan Interior Church

Ramadan Chan is general secretary of the Sudan Interior Church which is part of the Baptist World Alliance

'I no longer feel trapped inside my house. I feel like I'm living again' - Benefits of Befriending

The Link Visiting Scheme is a befriending service which aims to combat social isolation among older people. It was initiated in 1998 by Woodley Baptist Church in Berkshire and has had quite an impact in the borough of Wokingham

How God Changes Your Brain for the Better

7 November is National Stress Awareness Day. Here we have an interview with neuroscientist Dr Andrew Newberg, by Shaun Lambert

'God has given us a phenomenal tool - the internet' - Interview with Peter Graystone

In 2010 the Christian Enquiry Agency was re-launched with a brand new website. Now www.christianity.org.uk has 2,500 visitors each week. We asked the coordinator Peter Graystone how it's going

Getting Through the Tough Times

An interview with Gavin and Anne Calver about their new book 'Stumbling Blocks'. By Shaun Lambert

From Moss Side to Montego Bay

Whilst Jamaicans were celebrating their independence 50 years ago (6 August 1962) a Jamaican Baptist minister was doing some pioneering work in Manchester

Following God... to Uganda

The desire to do a substantial mission trip in Africa never left nurse Katie Mead, who is now nearing the end of a year-long placement in Uganda. By Stephanie Fosnight Regester

Felix Carey - 'a colourful and tragic life'

The story of William Carey is well known - but what of his eldest son Felix? A new book called "Prisoner of Hope" chronicles a 'colourful and tragic' life as he tried to win the approval of his father's mission

Evangelising Mormons

We shouldn't dread the knock at the door, for Mormons present a great opportunity to witness. And they're holding their first major event in England next year, writes Bobby Gilpin

Director of International Charity Welcomes Support of Local Baptist Church

It’s not everyday a member of your congregation sets off on journeys into terrorist zones, disaster areas or refugee camps, writes Peter Wooding

Creative in Coventry

Youth pastor Jason Borlase reflects on a day with Chris Duffett, Saltmine, Youth for Christ and the Heart of England Baptist Association

Council to Revisit Ministerial Guidelines on Civil Partnerships

Baptists are to look again at the guidance they give to ministers on civil partnerships

Church Children's Talk Becomes Picture Book Series

Fiona Veitch Smith explains how her children's talk a couple of years ago is now in bookshops across the country

Christians Who Do Not Go to Church

The fastest growing sector of the Christian community comprises those who are not part of a traditional congregation, writes Steve Aisthorpe - but the experiences of "churchless Christians" remain largely unknown

Chaplaincy at the Olympics

Baptist minister the Revd John Boyers reports from the Faith Rooms of the London 2012 Olympics Athletes' Village

Chaplaincy at London 2012

Baptist minister the Revd John Boyers has continued his chaplaincy work into the Paralympic Games after serving during the Olympics. As these draw to a close he offers some reflections and prayer points

Breivik, Multiculturalism and Growing Churches in a Secular Society

An interview with Terje Aadne, General Secretary of Baptist Union of Norway. By Chris Hall

Baptists to Challenge Government on Drones

Baptists have agreed to challenge the Government on its use of drones and have committed to encouraging churches to reflect biblically on the issue

Baptist Churches Bring Support to Single Mums in Haiti

This Mother's Day, child development charity Compassion is working with Baptist churches in some of the world's poorest regions to support single mums

It's Midnight...Frenzy Breaks Out Below Deck as an Alarm Call is Sounded

In April, The Baptist Times booked a tall ship for five days - and invited 40 youngsters to sail it. It was the adventure of a lifetime, reports William Allchorn, a chaplain on the trip

A Fruitful Day With the YBA

A report from the recent Assembly of the Yorkshire Baptist Association, by Joolz Walker

X-ray of a revolution - learning from Gideon

Seun Kolade takes a look at the biblical story of Gideon, and how his example can inspire Christians today.

Reconciling Family Breakdowns

Family breakdown is on the rise, says a Christian mediator seeing an increased demand for his services

Film Review: About Time

Reflections on the latest British Rom-Com with a twist...

Handling the cyber bullies

Large numbers of children experience online bullying and worse. What can they - and their parents - do?

Preaching with presence

What can we learn about preaching through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology?

Swapping sermons for stand-up

A group of Baptist ministers embark on a comedy course, and perform at the Liverpool Comedy Festival

Training the Pastors in Peru

My experiences of visiting and teaching at a training centre for pastors in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. By Neil Brighton

Education means mission

A BMS supported international school has been enabling mission in Albania for the last 20 years.

A million lives transformed

Twenty-five years ago a plane-load of cows flew to Uganda. A founding Send A Cow farmers looks back

Stress and compassion for the teenage brain

By trained counsellor and Baptist minister Shaun Lambert to mark National Stress Awareness Day

Goodbye Lebanon, hello Albania

After helping disadvantaged children in Lebanon, Mat and Suzanne Gregory of BMS are planning to serve in Albania

When One Part Suffers...

The chances are there is someone at your church struggling with infertility. By Steph Cottam

Baptist Union Council: November 2013

A report of Baptist Union Council: November 2013. Our priorities as a Union, the future of Assembly, the Baptist Streering Group and same-sex relationships are discussed