Baptist Union Council: October 2023 

Baptist Union Council took place 11-12 October at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire.
 
Key items included an update to our Financial Model Review, an in-principle vote on whether to welcome the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry as a College member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and an update from Project Violet, the project researching women’s experiences in ministry.
 
The gathering was grounded in worship and prayer, with encouraging stories interspersed throughout. Council was moderated by Seidel Abel Boanerges, Dean of Ministerial Formation at Spurgeon’s College, and worship was led over both days by Mark Fairweather-Tall, Regional Minister Team Leader with the South Wales Baptist Association (SWaBA).

Council members spent Wednesday evening praying into the priorities of our Union, and communion was shared on Thursday, presided over by Rob May, SWaBA regional minister.

 



 
Scroll down for the following reports:
 

• Financial Model Review update
• St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry
• Project Violet update
• Ministerial Recognition Rules - update from the Consultation Steering Group
• Finance and Pensions
• New churches and church closures
• Baptists Together Key Roles Nominations Team 
• Praying for our priorities

 




Financial Model Review update 
 
‘2024 must be a year of change’ in the way Baptists Together operates. 
 
That was the message during the presentation of the Financial Model Review (FMR) update on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
The Financial Model Review was initiated by Council due to the unsustainability of our current model along with continued tensions as to whether the current system is fair. 
 
New Support Services Team Leader Chris Jones and General Secretary Lynn Green led the session. 
 
Chris said the goal was to talk less about money and models, and more about making disciples. ‘But the irony is we have to talk about these things to get on top of them.’ 
 
The current figures show we are facing an overall reduction in churches, attendees, members and income, but our expenditure is rising.  
 
There are lots of positive things happening across Baptists Together, Chris said. ‘But if we don’t do things differently; income will continue to reduce while expenditure goes up.  
 
‘This is not sustainable and will become an existential threat.’ 
 
We have two options, Chris continued:  
 
Do we manage decline? 
 
Or do we work together for renewal and growth? 
 
Chris encouraged Council members to think about what the future could look like. What could be a bridge to growth and not decline? 
 
He invited Council members to consider different scenarios and outline the possible consequences for mission, relationships, unity, family, trust, and income. These reflections from the different tables were written down and then shared with the rest of the Council.  
 
Over the coming months a cost benefit analysis of the potential options will be prepared, and these findings from Council will inform the considerations. Chris said Associations also need to ‘thoroughly inform the modelling’, and that the plan will be built on prayer. He said that ‘something needs to change’ next year. 
 
With that in mind, Chris proposed an additional Council meeting on 4 June 2024 to conclude the Financial Model Review – and this was subsequently supported overwhelmingly, with only two abstentions. 
 
Earlier Lynn had given a brief history of how we arrived here. For various reasons there had been no consensus to the recommendations of the Project Loaves and Fishes (2015), which had looked at ways of how we generate money for mission; nor to a consideration of a larger subscription-based model (2018). A plan to review how we allocate our funds was first mooted at Council in October 2020. The first two phases of the Financial Model Review had been received by Council in March 2022 and March 2023, presented by independent consultants Tricordant. 
 
The Council briefing paper stated The FMR working group has progressed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with additional input from Core Leadership Team, together with more detailed work on collaborative working in ministries and mission. 
 
A governance query was raised regarding what had been agreed at previous Council and concerns about a possible change of direction. The minutes of the last Council were checked and these confirmed that Council agreed to continuing work on the FMR, which aligns with the work done since last Council and the plan outlined in the presentation.
 
As well as Chris’s arrival as Support Services Team Leader at the end of August, a temporary Project Analyst (David Smith) has been recruited. David started in September 2023 and his sole remit is the FMR. New treasurer Mohan Pandian is also now in place. ‘I do believe we have the capacity and motivation,’ said Lynn. ‘2024 must be a year of change.’


 
As part of the session Lynn reflected on John 12:24. In this passage the seed unlocks its potential through self sacrifice. 
 
She told Council she believes people are still spiritually hungry today, but the way we are connecting with them needs to change. 
 
‘I hear so many great stories – those stories are there. And I believe as we follow Jesus, Jesus will build his church. Jesus showed self sacrifice is key to participating in Kingdom of God. 
 
‘We are called to be the ones to lay down our lives to unlock the potential.’ 
 
As well as approving the additional Council meeting in June 2024, Council also unanimously approved the current direction of this work. 
 
Chris concluded the session by stating, ‘As challenging as this is, we are not hopeless, we are hopeful. We are carried by a God of hope.’ 
 
 
 
 
St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry 
 
An in-principle decision to welcome the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry as a College member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain was approved by Council members.  
 
The decision was taken on the basis the Centre is incorporated as a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation), separate to the existing St Hild College, and fully reflects the criteria for membership of Baptist Colleges.  
 
Council members were told the proposal was 'significantly different' from the one brought in March 2022 when they voted against St Hild College being formally welcomed into membership of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. 
 
Then a major concern was the challenge of inviting a non-Baptist entity to become part of the Baptist family. 
 
This proposal was different because, if approved, it would result in the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry becoming a stand-alone Baptist legal entity, with Baptist control at Trustee level and a constitution mirroring that of existing Colleges. This new CIO would adopt an ‘association model constitution’, where trustees and members can vote. 
 
'It would fulfil all the criteria for a Baptist College. To that end we believe the new proposal addresses the concerns raised in previous discussions at BUGB Council,' noted the proposal document from the Yorkshire Baptist Association and East Midland Baptist Association.  
 
Council heard from Graham Ensor, Regional Minister Team Leader of the YBA, who represented both the YBA and EMBA trustees. 
 
He explained how those behind the proposal had listened to and subsequently sought to address the objections a year and a half previously. He added it had the broad support of churches in the two Associations, and that the centre would seek to work collaboratively, not competitively, with the other Baptist colleges.  
 
'We want to fully share in college life; and fully participate in covenant relationship,' Graham said.    


 
Sally Nelson, who leads the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry, was also present. She highlighted how St Hild had 'really dug into the unique challenges in the middle north east', and trains people embedded into their local communities. 'What we’d all love to see is people leading churches at any level being equipped the best they can be,' she said.  'And at St Hild we already have highly bespoke pathways.' 
 
The proposal paper explained how St Hild had been considering the best way 'to develop strategic and flexible training to serve Baptist churches in our region'. It has been working in partnership Northern Baptist College (NBC), with St Hild providing weekly academic modules and NBC overseeing other aspects of formation. While it had ' hugely valued the partnership with NBC', working across two providers meant there were 'limitations and challenges which hinder the effective development and delivery of formation and training.'  
 
Council members were keen to hear from representatives of other Baptist colleges. These included NBC, which had argued against the March 2022 proposal. This time, however, Clara Rushbrook, NBC co-principal, said, 'We recognise it's time for St Hild to go their own way. We have appreciated journeying together, and they go with our blessing.  
 
'Am I sad? Yes. But it has been reached with dialogue.' 
 
Peter Morden, Principal of Bristol Baptist College, welcomed the proposal. Before moving to Bristol, Peter was based in Leeds and had taught at St Hild. 'I want to testify to the quality of St Hild,' he said. 'I am very much in favour of this, and look forward to future collaboration.'  
 
Philip McCormack, Principal of Spurgeon's College, London, said he also recommended the current approach. However, he noted there is 'a significant amount of work' needed in creating the new CIO, and expressed his disappointment more work had not been done.  
 
This point was echoed by Malcolm Evans, the Principal of Regent's Park College, Oxford, who said the process of becoming a CIO was 'extremely long, but surmountable.'  
 
'There will be a lot of questions,' he said. 'I am welcoming of this approach – but it won’t be quick to achieve.' 
 
Diane Watts, Faith and Society Team Leader, noted the difficult process of becoming a CIO was precisely why an in-principle decision was being asked for now, with St Hild seeking confirmation to proceed.  
 
The proposal was carried with 61 votes in favour, seven against, and two abstentions.  
 
Work on the new CIO will now begin. This will need to be ratified before the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry is formally admitted as a member college at a future Council meeting. 
 
 
 
Requests for change are coming – Project Violet update
 
'Considerable' findings relating to the place of women in Baptist ministry are coming next May - so please be ready to digest them and discern how they should be responded to.
 
That was the message from the team leading Project Violet, the project that aims to help us to understand more fully the theological, missional, and structural obstacles women ministers face in the Baptist community in Great Britain and identify ways forward.
 
The Project Violet (PV) update took place on Wednesday afternoon, presented by co-leads Jane Day and Helen Cameron, and included the launch of a film.
 
Jane reminded Council that PV is three year participatory research project which will reach its final phase in May 2024.
 
Phase 1 involved a series of stakeholder meetings, and phase 2 - the Mosaic phase - saw 49 women submit stories about the joys and sorrows of their lives in ministry.
 
Phase 3 is the co-researcher phase - four groups consisting of 17 women each researching a topic of their choosing, while being supported in their own development.
 
As well as being supported by Jane and Helen in this task, the researchers are being accompanied by a theological reflector team.
 
All will meet at a conference Easter 2024, where they will discern together what to offer the wider Baptist movement. These findings will be available on 2 May 2024, and will feature a range of 'clearly delineated requests', underpinned by theological reflections, and the reports of the 17 women, explained Helen.
 
There will be requests for change, which is why we want to give you advanced warning and encourage you to engage with the material, she continued.
 
'Please take this advanced notice to prepare and plan ahead – very considerable findings are coming in May. It will take some time to digest.'
 
She encouraged all involved to take a four-step approach:

• Digest – what’s been produced – some things will be difficult to hear
• Discuss – in groups you belong to. What do we think about the changes asked of us
• Discern – seek the mind of Christ – we believe prayer and spiritual discernment are a key part of this journey
• Decide – commit to action. 

On this latter point, there will be a report of agreed actions, which will come to Council in October 2024. The team will ask for commitments to action by 30 September 2024.
 
A progress report will be created in September 2025, and shared with Council in October 2025.


 
The PV team is helping all in Baptist life prepare to receive the findings in May 2024 in several ways. It has put together a short film A Name to Live Up To, in which Jane interviews Helen Pankhurst, granddaughter of Sylvia, and great-granddaughter of Emmeline, who organised the UK suffragette movement.  
 
This was shown to Council members and is now available here.   
 
Jane introduced a leaflet, also on the website, which can be used by Baptist groups to help them discuss the film.
 
In addition there will be online briefings, and podcasts are being prepared for release in February 2024.
 
Recognising that 2024 is a big year for Baptists Together with the findings of the Ministerial Recognition Rules consultation and the Financial Model Review also reaching their conclusions, Helen said, 'Whatever happens with all the other things, the Baptist movement will still be blessed with 200 women ministers. There will be a need to make changes. It’s about stewarding that gift.    
 
'So please engage with material offered – this is a once in 100 year opportunity!' 
 
 
 
Marriage and accredited ministry - consultation update  
  
Joth Hunt and Hayley Young of the Consultation Steering Group (CSG) provided an update to Council regarding the Ministerial Rules Consultation. The CSG works on behalf of the Core Leadership Team alongside Sandra Cobbin and Associates, the professional research team commissioned by the Council to assist with the consultation.  
 
Since the last Council in March 2023, the consultation had gone live on 10 May 2023. The process included a pilot survey, which had enabled the team to adjust and hone the consultation. Associations had offered different events and opportunities for people to engage with the issue.  
 
The CSG had met several times to talk about the management of the survey (not to receive what people are saying). There had been lots of early response from ministers, more so than churches, which was to be expected. This church response rate was now steadily going up, but nevertheless Council members were encouraged to continue to invite churches and ministers to participate before the consultation closes in November 2023. Council really wants to hear from as many Churches and ministers as possible. They were reminded to encourage those who don’t want to participate fully simply to enter the survey, go to the last section which invites any other comments and give a brief reason why – it is still important to hear from these churches.  
 
Council members discussed a timetable of events to process the consultation once it closes and prepare well for the Council meeting itself. Council will gather and discern together how to respond to the requested change to the Ministerial Recognition Rules at the March 2024 meeting.   
 
 
 
Finance and pensions update 
 
Treasurer Mohan Pandian provided an update on our finances in his first Council since succeeding John Levick at the end of August 2023. The first two quarters of the financial year saw a further decline in Home Mission funding, resulting in a deficit against budget of £367k. Legacies are also lower than budgeted - expected to be around £100k for 2023, compared to £1.15m in 2021. This means we will have a deficit at the end of the year - a position that can't go on, said Mohan.   
 
However, while we are in a challenging position, this decline was forecast, he continued. He expressed his thanks to Associations for organising the collection of Home Mission funds. 

We are looking very carefully at our spend in 2024, and indeed 2025, said Mohan. There’s always more we want to do, but there’s no 'magic bullet' for doubling our money. Nevertheless he encouraged Council to remain focused on our ambition for God, which should drive our activity. 
 
He used his own Baptist church in north London as an example. The church building failed its electrical survey and didn't have the funds to fix it. In praying about what to do, the church discerned that a more ambitious renovation was needed, rather than a simple patch up. People bought into this vision, and within three months the funds had been raised.  
 
'That's a small example of how powerful God is,' said Mohan. 'If there is something that you passionately believe in, people will give.'  
 
There was also a pensions update. The Defined Benefit Scheme is moving to buy-out, which is now expected to be in October 2024. 'There's real progress here,' said Mohan. Council members were told there are a range of possible outcomes regarding surplus or shortfall once this happens.  



New member churches, church closures 
 
Four new churches were welcomed and prayed for by Council. There were short videos and prayer requests from each.   
 
They are:   
 
Church@theMegaCentre (EBA) 
The Mega Centre is a community centre run by a Christian organisation, and the church gathers there. The church can use the centre's facilities, such as the soft play area, theatre and sports area. The church is co-led by Scott Williamson and Mike Collins.  
 
'The church plant is engaging people who've never heard the gospel before,' said Scott. 'People don't often go to church anymore, but are still looking for something to help them with life. They come to the Mega Centre, and we can engage with them.'  
 
'Pray for us as we look to share the gospel, and look to new ways of doing that,' said Mike. 'And pray as we look to help our refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.' 
 
Jubilee Priesthood Centre (LB)  
This church in Feltham was formed almost 10 years ago, said Pastor and founder William Anane-Forkuo. It is a satellite church of Faith Baptist Church in north London. The church was blessed with its own building five years ago. The church was around 150 members, 40 youth and 25 children.  
 
'We believe it is right to join this great movement of Baptist Union and Association,' said William. 'We are so delighted to be part of you.' He asked for prayer that JPC 'will continue to be a light house to our community.' 
 
Anchor Church Leeds (YBA)  
Anchor Church has existed for two and half years in east Leeds, is situated around some large estates and new build areas. Traditionally this isn't a strong place for churches to grow, said elder Graham Brownlee. The church is based around seven different people groups that wants to be in a network connecting people to Jesus and enabling it to grow in the local community.  
 
The church requested prayer for knowing God's vision in how to reach out to the community - 'what the community wants - not what we think the community wants.' 
 
Nelson Independent Methodist Church (NWBA)  
Nelson Baptist Church and Nelson Independent Methodist Church are now meeting together and looking to amalgamate, hence the IM church joining the Baptist Union,' explained minister James Booth.  
 
'The joint church is now called Cornerstone Church. We are thanking God for the sale of our old Baptist building and are busy working through the process of uniting the two fellowships.   
 
'We are also grateful for recent growth which has seen average congregations of 80 and at a recent dedication service we were blessed to welcome 120 people to morning worship. Like most churches we are seeking God’s guidance as to where best to focus our energies in the coming months.' 
 

Council members were informed two churches had ceased membership of BUGB:   

• City Life Church, Portsmouth (SCBA)  
• Sompting Community Church (SEBA)  

 
In addition Living Hope Community Church (NWBA) was listed incorrectly as member of BUGB; it joined NWBA only. 
 
There were six closures:  

• Grace Community Church Potters Bar (CBA)  
• Seaton Baptist Church (SWBA)  
• Warren Park Cafe Church (SCBA)  
• Church of Christ the Servant, Abbeymeads, Swindon LEP (Webnet)  
• Bethania Baptist Church, Neath (West Glamorgan Welsh)  
• Bayworth Chapel (SCBA)  

 
 
One name change:  

• Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church to Olive Tree Church LEP (CBA)  

 
And two amalgamations: 

• Salterforth Baptist Church (known as West Craven Fellowship), Barnoldswick Baptist Church Mount Zion Baptist Church, Earby, to form West Craven Baptist Church (YBA)  
• Knighton Baptist Church has formally merged with Knucklas Baptist Church and is now known as Knighton and Knucklas Baptist Church (Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire) 

Update – Harpole Baptist Church:

Harpole Baptist Church was reported closed during the October 2022 Council. However, it was subsequently,discovered that some members from HBC continued to meet regularly. Currently, the church is in conversations with the Baptist legal team.
 
Each church and community was prayed for by Council moderator Seidel Abel Boanerges.  
 
‘We rejoice for the new communities. We give thanks to God for these new churches joining our Union. 
 
‘For those ceasing membership, we pray you continue to bless them,’ he said. 
 
‘We feel the pain of church members as they close, but pray for the members as they join other churches.'
 
 
 
Key Roles Nominations Team 
 
The team continues to struggle to find someone with a high level of safeguarding expertise for the Baptist Union Trustee Board.  
 
With that in mind it is exploring the possibility of finding someone who will act as an advisor on the safeguarding sub-group. 
 
'This way the person will not have to be a Trustee, which in turn means that we would not be restricted to the person being a member of a Baptist church,' explained Rupert Lazar, the Key Roles Nominations Team chair. 'It goes without saying that, if successful, there will need to be in place a good induction on Baptist ecclesiology and all such things.  
 
'The Team hopes that Council will understand and appreciate that there is a small pool of expertise from which we are seeking to find someone.' 
 
If this is successful, it means will still be a vacancy for one Trustee. This time the team is looking for someone with a gift mix that includes a high-level of financial ability. 
 
Rupert also informed Council that Phil Jump, Regional Minister Team Leader of the North Western Baptist Association, is willing to for a third term of three years, after his second term finished.  
 
Phil is nominated by his peers to represent Regional Ministers Team Leaders on the Trustee Board. 
 
Council members overwhelmingly approved the nomination, with two votes against and one abstention.  
 
Rupert reminded Council that they continue to look for a new moderator of the Key Roles Nominations Team, a ‘delicate and serious role that takes you into areas of sensitivity’. There is an information pack for those interested.  
 




Praying for our priorities

On Wednesday evening Council members were invited to pray into our priorities as Baptists Together. These were discerned by Council in 2018, and feature developing leadership in all its forms, young adults, embracing adventure, children, young people and families, and the digital revolution. There were prayer stations for each.