Review of the year 2024
Highlighting the 30 most clicked pieces in The Baptist Times over the last 12 months
1
Baptist Union Council: March 2024
Most of the March 2024 Council was devoted to answering the question regarding Ministry and Marriage as defined in the Ministerial Recognition (MR) rules
2
Project Violet findings released
Project Violet is a major study into women’s experience of ministry, which has sought to understand more fully the theological, missional, and structural obstacles women ministers face in the Baptist community in England and Wales.
The findings of the three year research project were released on 2 May
3
Baptist Union Council: June 2024
Baptist Union Council has agreed a series of proposals that seek to make Baptists Together financially sustainable in the future - for the benefit of local mission and ministry
4
Dozens sign Baptist Union prayer crosses
Many Assembly delegates signed two wooden crosses over the Baptist Assembly weekend to symbolise our unity in Christ and for our mission
5
New Firestarters conversations for 2024
Three new Firestarters conversations, which enable congregations to rediscover a passion to help new people become Christians, are taking place in Baptist churches this year
6
Churches defend integrity over asylum seeker welcome at Select Committee
The Biblical motivations for why Baptist churches are supporting vulnerable asylum seekers – and the difficult ramifications at being featured in the national press for doing so – were shared with MPs
7
Younger leaders and scripture focus for new President Steve Finamore
Steve outlined the twin focus of his theme as he was inducted as our President for 2024-25, urging Baptists to focus on developing younger leaders, and to think afresh about the place of the Bible in our worship and teaching
8
'He always insisted on the centrality of God... and his contribution to the life of the Baptists will endure'
Tributes have been paid to Brian Haymes, described as 'one of the greatest British Baptist figures of modern times', who has died aged 84
9
New worship song at Baptist Assembly
A new worship song which featured a silent section in British Sign Language was created collaboratively at the Baptist Assembly and then sung (and signed) twice on the Sunday morning
'God clearly spoke to us throughout the weekend in a number of different ways - what a privilege to be able to take a snapshot of that moment and declare the wonders of God as Baptists Together,' said worship leader Simon Gudger
10
'Prepare for Project Violet findings'
The Baptist community in Britain is being urged to prepare for the findings of major research on women’s experience of ministry - and a new podcast series has launched to help
11
Three-year mission vision for Baptist Assembly
Three-year strategic mission focus will also offer national discussion and resolutions
12
Mindful formation: a pathway to spiritual liberation
When mindfulness is integrated with our contemplative tradition, it helps us become more like Christ, writes Baptist minister Shaun Lambert, whose decade-long exploration of the subject is about to be published
13
Praying for our life together - with Jesus at the centre
A prayer initiative which seeks to place Jesus at the centre of everything we do as Baptists Together and inspire prayer for one another will be launched at this year's Baptist Assembly
14
‘I beg you, bear with one another in love’
The Christian Women of Palestine are calling us to connect with the land from where Jesus came on this year’s World Day of Prayer
15
Launch of St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry
St Hild College has announced the launch of the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry, for the training and formation of missional leaders for the Baptist family
16
'An opportunity for Baptists to engage with some great theology'
Paul Fiddes and Alex Harris are the keynote speakers at this year's Baptist Theology North on 7 June, when the theme is Baptist Church: Back to the Future?
17
George Cadbury and Christian responsibilities
George Cadbury is an excellent example of a Christian who faithfully obeyed God in his sphere of responsibility – a chocolate factory. By Mark Roques
18
'We cannot walk in your shoes, but we can do as Jesus did and wash your feet'
Joshua T. Searle reports on the February 2024 Dnipro Hope mission trip to Ukraine
19
New series highlights biblical reasons for hope
Baptist minister and biblical scholar the Revd Dr Helen Paynter hopes viewers can gain a fresh perspective upon the great pains of this world by exploring scriptural themes and truths - and a stronger faith
20
New initiative to support our next generation of ministers
The Baptist Union now has a partnership with Stewardship to enable individual Baptist ministers-in-training to receive financial support from friends, church members and churches during their period of ministerial formation
21
Living Well with God by Jo Acharya
'An excellent and much needed volume for those with learning/conceptual difficulties - an often neglected yet very important section of our congregations'
22
Disability awareness focus encouraged
Baptist churches have been encouraged to hold a dedicated service or event to celebrate Disability Awareness Week this September
23
'We meet in a park, on the beach, even out on the water' - the story of Ocean Church
It began as a missional community hoping to bring together those looking to reconnect with nature, spirituality, and community. Now Ocean Church has joined the Southern Counties Baptist Association - minister John Good explains more
24
Bruno and other friends: encounters and reflections
Baptist minister Ivan King explains why he has written a book honouring some of the ordinary people who have welcomed him into their world as a pastor
25
Baptist colleges launch projects exploring science and ministry
Cardiff Baptist College and Regent’s Park College are among four theological colleges in the UK and Republic of Ireland to have been awarded funding to develop teaching resources incorporating science, ethics, and theology
26
'The Inter Faith Network is in peril - please support it'
The government is withdrawing funding from the Inter Faith Network, leading to its potential closure. Paul Weller, a member of the Baptists Together Inter Faith Working Group, is encouraging Baptists to urgently protest the decision
27
'If you have a heart for seeing people reached for Jesus, this is for you'
Everyone Everywhere, the recently launched Baptist collaboration that seeks to equip Baptists to share Jesus fully, is hosting a national conference on Tuesday, 8 October
28
'We are so emotionally overwhelmed, humbled and blessed by your kindness'
Baptist minister Allan Finnegan, who is fundraising for life-extending cancer treatment not available on the NHS, meets initial £50,000 target in just one week - and can now book the first of three treatments
29
Baptist prayer and fasting gatherings on 26 September
Prayer and fasting gatherings with a mission focus are being hosted by Baptist churches across England and Wales on 26 September
30
Baptist Union Council, October 2024
A report from Baptist Union Council, including Project Violet, changes to Ministerial Recognition Rules, mission across Baptists Together, and BUEN (Baptist Union Environment Network)
Thumbnail image | Daniil Silantev | Unsplash