Leaving of minister from Central Baptist Church, Southampton
It is with sadness that Central Baptist Church, Southampton, announces that our minister, the Revd David Masters, will be stepping down from ministry on Sunday 22 October, write the church's deacons
He steps down after serving both the church and the community for more than 20 years.
During his time in Southampton David has not only served as the minister and pastor of the church, liaising with the Baptist minister in the city regarding its minsters' gathering, he has also volunteered as inter-church liaison on a number of action groups (homelessness, ecumenical partnering and working with the Council), been Faith Advisor at Solent University and continues to volunteer on committees for the Baptist Union.
In regards to working in the city, he played a significant part in encouraging our congregation to work with a number of other churches in providing a free breakfast for the homeless on Saturday mornings, attended a 'drop in space' / coffee shop on Thursday lunchtimes and, working with Solent University & the Refuse & Recycling department of Southampton City Council, helped win a National award in 2011 for a Student Recycling Project - which is still being worked at today.
The church will be holding a farewell 'bring & share' lunch for him on Saturday, 14 of October, between 1 & 5pm, so that people can drop in and out as they are available. Between 3-4pm there will be a Commissioning Service, to dedicate David to God for all that He has prepared for David in the next phase of his ministry. This is an open invitation to all those who have worked with David, but we require an RSVP if you are planning to come.
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to leave a note of farewell and encouragement for him as he begins the next chapter of service as a Baptist minister please contact Central Baptist Church via email (centralbaptistchurch@tiscali.co.uk).
The Deacons of Central Baptist Church
Baptist Times, 17/09/2023