Baptist Steering Group - February 2019
Baptist Steering Group met by Skype, which always gives a different feel to this shorter format of meeting. This is definitely a ‘work in progress’ and we need to continue to learn how to best use the virtual meeting space for our agenda – we were not without technical challenges this time!
Stephen opened the meeting with prayer and a brief reflection on Luke’s account of the Transfiguration as we approach the beginning of Lent. We are encouraged to recognise the glory of God as revealed in the person of Jesus, a timely reminder that in Jesus earth and heaven intersect – God and humanity come together.
We discussed potential content for the Annual Report 2018 which is currently being prepared and will be shared at Assembly in Telford. This brings together achievements and challenges across Baptists Together with facts and stories from churches, associations, colleges and our specialist Teams.
We continued a conversation around supporting Pioneering and Planting across Baptists Together and the opportunities that there are to share good practise with ecumenical partners. This will be explored further in Mission Forum.
We heard how MIX (Ministry Information Exchange) is enabling appropriate sharing of information across Ministries Team, Associations and Colleges – a way of working smarter to streamline administration across our union.
We discussed a need to ensure best practice in supporting ministers and their churches through extended periods of sickness and more work is underway to provide resources to enable this.
We agreed the proposed Council agenda (13/14 March) which will have a focus on ethical investments, encouraging women in ministry and the future composition of Baptist Steering Group.
We confirmed ticketing arrangements for The Baptist Assembly which is now open for bookings. The refreshed programme will include many networking opportunities to ‘inspire, equip and connect’ shared mission opportunities throughout Baptists Together.
Ken Benjamin, our Accompanier for the first time today, closed our time in prayer.
Stephen Keyworth
Faith and Society Team Leader
February 2019
Baptist Steering Group offers collaborative leadership through co-ordinating the effective development and implementation of the broad strategy discerned by Council.
The purpose and role of All Team Leaders (Regional, College and Specialist) is to work together to develop and shape policies and plans to enable us to achieve our overall vision and strategy.
The Accompanying Group to the Baptist Steering Group provides prayer support and shares in spiritual and missional reflection with them.
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