Opinions/reflections - July - Dec 2020

With churches experiencing increases in online attendances during the pandemic, there has been talk of a new move of the Spirit. I'm not convinced, writes Michael Shaw - but here's the revival I'd like to see

What adventure does God want you to go on?

Telling 100 inspirational stories of Baptists embracing adventure in the mission of God - Simon Goddard introduces the new Missional Adventure portal on our website

Have you written your eulogy yet?

We are used to encouraging people to write their will. There is an even stronger case for getting them to write their eulogy

Unexpected blessings

The virtual world can be a lifeline for those who would otherwise be excluded, writes Karen Golder, as she urges churches not to shut down their online presence at the end of this time

A blessing in disguise?

With congregational singing not allowed for the foreseeable future, Colin Sedgwick has a suggestion that could lead to a deeper understanding of our psalms, hymns and spiritual songs

'A focus not on climate change but climate justice'

Introducing Young Christian Climate Network, a new action-focused community of Christians in the UK aged 18-30, committed to following Jesus in the pursuit of climate justice

Black lives and dangerous ideologies

It is vital for Christians to understand dangerous mindsets if we are to engage in credible mission and discipleship, writes Mark Roques

Messy Church and lockdown

A group of Baptist Messy Church leaders met recently via Zoom to reflect upon the experience and practice of sustaining Messy Church throughout lockdown. Sandra Crawford shares more

Embracing liminality to meet God in an unfamiliar normal

An old way of doing things is slipping out of sight, but the new way has not yet come into focus. Simon Jones offers this reflection to guide our thinking

What I’ve been learning in lockdown

The need to wait and listen: Baptist minister Claire Nicholls offers this reflection on recent months, and what happens next

A wild way

We are moving into a new way of being church - missional listener Ben Lucas offers questions and waymarkers from his journey to help us reflect on our own contexts

Making space for what will be…

A reflection on recent months based on Isaiah 43:18-19 from General Secretary Lynn Green

I wanna be loved by you

In the midst of a health pandemic and worldwide protests against racism, Baptist minister Tony Ashley reflects on what God could be possibly saying to us about these very fragile and uncertain times

The Church in our post-COVID World

A hopeful presence in a traumatised nation, but it needs to be able to listen as well as share, writes Sally Nelson

Supporting the ongoing development of Baptist ministers

Tim Fergusson explains the thinking behind the new Continuing Ministerial Development resource being launched this autumn

The Rule of Six

In light of the Government's new Rule of Six, here's a look at some other famous Rules of Six, and how they might provide some encouragement to us today

How the Church can end the waiting list for a kidney

Could you share your spare? Joe Walsh of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Leeds, explains why he has created the Faith in Operation initiative to encourage altruistic kidney donation

Conspiracy theory is a virus that is infecting the church

The Church needs to be much clearer that it is facing an insidious problem.

I’ve lost hope

We face a haemorrhage of ministers, and people not coming forward for training, unless we tackle issues of prejudice in our Union, writes Andy Fitchet

When I feel self-pity…

It's easy to topple into self-pity at a time like this, writes Colin Sedgwick - but here's why it should be avoided

The Curious Case of Daisy the Dog

Reflections on how pastors can practise some sensible self-care in this most challenging of times

Becoming anti-racist

Hayley Young and Rich Blake-Lobb introduce the Anti-Racism Reflective Action group, formed to help Baptists set aside time to reflect with God and others about racial bias and how that is reflected in our ministry and mission

It is my dream

Are we following our dreams - or Jesus? By Michael Shaw

'I believe we can make our churches true sanctuaries for everyone'

There are three things every church can do to support the mental wellbeing of their congregations, writes ThinkTwice founder Rachael Newham

Black Lives; Truth Matters

The true nature of justice must be recognised by those shouting ‘black lives matter’ because the current trajectory is towards irreparable division, not only within Britain, but also within the Church, writes Floyd Davis

Remembrance: time to draw a line in the sand

It’s Remembrance-tide once more; but I wish that it wasn’t. Here's why, writes Andrew Kleissner

Jesus was a refugee

Making the connection between the Christmas story and the ever present plight of refugees around the world - in the form of a new collection of cards

Box? What box?

In the wake of the departure of Dominic Cummings from Downing Street, Martin Sweet reflects on Genesis 24 and what it means to think beyond the box

Casting a longer light

A reflection on experiencing and seeing beyond the current darkness. By Shaun Lambert

'Online worship has fulfilled a long hoped-for dream'

Baptist minister Glen Graham urges churches to continue online services that transform disabled people’s experience of worship

My story is different and often doesn’t get heard

I am a Baptist minister who accepts the traditional/orthodox teaching on human sexuality. I feel my denomination does not care about my sacrifice and years of obedience - and I'm hurting

Christmas, care homes and Covid

We have to continue do it at a distance, but let’s share our time, our prayers and our thoughts in practical ways to encourage all in our care homes and other isolated people this Christmas, writes Louise Morse

How must we live to be the church?

Why a group is meeting online to study the systematic theology of James McClendon. By Andy Goodliff

Annoying people - and prayer

What do you do about people who annoy you? A reflection by Colin Sedgwick

Depth change

Why I feel we need to go deeper in our sermons, so people can grow and grasp the upside down nature of the Kingdom of God. By Michael Shaw

Striving... for Sabbath rest

A reflection on the reasons we find it so hard to rest - and why we really must to discover all that God has planned for us. By Ben Lucas

In the year of plague

A year end reflection, in the form of a poem

2020 - it wasn't all bad...was it?

In the spirit of hope and joy that marks Christmas, here is a list of things that weren't so bad about 2020 - things through which we may trace the hand of God at work. By Darren Blaney