THE GOSPEL OF WELCOME

As you leaf through the pages of this review I hope that you will be encouraged to see the wide variety of ways in which we have sought to express the Gospel of Welcome. At one level it has been about giving people invitations to worship with us, and The Big Welcome (Back to Church Sunday) initiative continues to be a really effective way of doing this. But many people will never accept an invitation to come to our services of worship, so we need to go to them. The Get in the Picture Christmas project has been a wonderfully imaginative way of doing just that, and the stories are well worth reading.

If our churches are truly to reflect the Gospel of Welcome then we have a lot of work to do. As a Baptist Union we have taken a careful look at the way in which we welcome people from different ethnic backgrounds. The Journey has been an important way of reflecting on this and I am delighted that there has been a willingness to face the tough questions. It has also been good to see the work of the Women in Leadership group as we seek to affirm the fact that we are all one in Christ Jesus, and therefore welcome the gifts of women and men within the leadership of our Baptist life together.

I trust that this review will inspire us all as we constantly reflect on what it means to live and proclaim the Gospel of Welcome.

Jonathan Edwards, BUGB General Secretary

If our churches are truly to reflect the Gospel of Welcome then we have a lot of work to do

This review of 2010 is not an opportunity for navel gazing! It’s a moment to look back in order to recall what God has taught us over the past year, in the belief that we can continue to learn from these lessons in the years to come. The gospel has always been a gospel of welcome. Jesus’ arms are outstretched to the world today, just as they were when he hung upon the cross two thousand years ago. In our life as churches, colleges and associations we have the amazing privilege of reflecting Jesus’ welcome to a population that is largely unaware of who he is.

“It was a great time, and a brilliant initiative - we have a few people who are now regular members of the church from the first Back to Church service we did. Thank you.”Ian Field, Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney.

THE BIG WELCOMEBACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

The Big Welcome 2010 took place on 26 September as an independent BUGB campaign for Back to Church Sunday (B2CS) following feedback of the needs of Baptist churches who wished to take part. In total 485 churches registered with BUGB which compared with 551 registrations in 2009. From the 155 responses to our request for feedback we learnt the following:• There was an average of 12 additional visitors per church• Total (extrapolated)= 5820 additional visitors to Baptist churches

“We had a wonderful time. Someone who left the Church over 20 years ago came and said “it is just like coming home”. She appears to intend coming regularly. Some responded to the invitation and returned, some didn’t respond at all but overall it was excellent.”Iain MacIver, Hill Lane Baptist Church, Burnley

The Mission Department helped churches think about how they could improve their welcome to visitors by organising two workshops in 2010 (one at Baptist House in Didcot, the other in Yorkshire) led by Mark Hope-Urwin, Head of Hospitality at Birmingham Cathedral. On the back of this the Communications Department produced a Top Ten Tips for Welcome video featuring Mark for the BUGB You Tube channel. Both the workshops and video have proved very popular.

WELCOME

“You have five seconds to make an impression, be it good or bad. Developing three relationships will see someone stay with you for six months. They need a further seven significant relationships to stay with you a long time.” Mark Hope-Urwin

CHILDREN AND COMMUNION

How does the church worship together as a whole family when its central meal so often excludes those who are the youngest members of that family? What do we say when a child wants to share the bread and wine? Where is the child in our understanding of church and of communion? In April 2010 the Baptist Union of Great Britain published Gathering Around The Table: Children and Communion, a series of six studies challenging us to consider afresh what it means to gather around the table on Sundays.

PROTECTING CHILDREN AT CHURCH: SAFEGUARDING

“The big issue in safeguarding this past year has been the preparation for the Vetting and Barring Scheme. This scheme was called in for review by the new Government just as we were about to go to press with the new Safe To Grow. Consequently we delayed publication in order to ensure that our information is as up to date as possible. Hand in hand with the new scheme the Criminal Records Bureau launched the new design of forms – these have been issued and more stocks can be issued to churches. These forms must be used for all applications; old style forms will not be accepted. This has been a challenging year in the safeguarding arena as we have worked on new legislation whilst trying to provide support to churches when problems arise. Much of our work takes place in the ecumenical arena as all churches try to ensure that a safe environment is preserved for all children, young people and adults.”Alan Elson, BUGB Safeguarding Administrator and Officer

LOVE YOURLOCAL SCHOOL

During 2010 the Mission Department held four Love your Local School workshops that featured a variety of ways that churches could relate to schools and curriculum issues of good practice, and gave them opportunities to explore resources that may be of help to them. They also launched a new Mission File on the topic. More Love your Local School days are planned in 2011.

“I didn’t really know what to expect as I haven’t been to anything like this before. I have so many new ideas now, especially ‘Godly play’ – I’m very excited about putting it to use. The day was absolutely brilliant, very informative and inspiring. Lots of practical information and ideas – a good use of time.”Ellie Usher, West Cliff Baptist Church, Bournemouth

“ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. VERY INFORMATIVE AND INSPIRING.”Esther Butler, Kennet Road Gospel Hall, Newbury

WELLSPRINGSIn 2010 the Mission Department launched Wellsprings, a new eight-week course of refreshment and pampering, looking at issues women face today from a Christian perspective. It offers a ‘pre- Alpha’ evangelism course suitable for single and married women - those who have contact with Christians through friendship, or church activities such as parent and child groups or keep fit classes. Developed by Baptist minister Leesa Barton, the course aims to strengthen the relationships that have been formed with these women; to explore practical ways for women to treat and look after themselves; to address key issues that affect women today; and to share relevant Christian truths. Sales of the book have been strong and the Salvation Army is also promoting it.

“In writing the Wellsprings course, Leesa Barton has used her evangelistic experience to meet this need for women, using the friendly setting of thinking about self-care and then introducing the important truths of how each person present is valued and loved by God.” Kathryn Morgan, BUGB Mission Advisor

“We sent out a questionnaire to our ladies and the overwhelming view was that they had enjoyed it and would recommend it to their friends but even better is that one lady has started coming to church and another has expressed an interest in finding out more about what it means to be a Christian.” Jenny Baldwin, Laindon Baptist Church, Basildon, Essex

WOMEN INLEADERSHIP

Jane Day has spearheaded the topic of women in leadership in the Yorkshire Baptist Association (YBA) over

the last three years. From November 2009 the YBA has held a series of events called ‘The Seven Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership’ which has been written and led by former BUGB President Kate Coleman. The course has been very popular and is now completely full. “The vision is not about seeing more women in Baptist ministry. It is about identifying new leaders and encouraging women in leadership to reach their full potential in whatever area they are in, the sacred or the secular. Changing church culture is not going to happen overnight. However we are pioneering a way forward and we are really excited about what God is going to do,” says Jane.

A major resolution on Women in Leadership was debated and agreed by the Baptist Union Council in March 2010 which affirmed the commitment of BUGB to the full inclusion of women in ministry and all other forms of leadership. The decision of Council is a significant step on a continuing journey, and the Faith and Unity Department (through the Women’s Justice Group) and the Ministry Department have taken responsibility for moving this agenda forward. They are doing so in collaboration with the associations and colleges all of which are working to enable women to explore calling, overcome barriers to training, and identify obstacles which hinder ministry.

“CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT”

“It is about identifying new leaders and encouraging women in leadership to reach their full potential”

“Commitment to the full inclusion of women in leadership is our norm...I don’t believe that we should allow dissent to become a cover for prejudice and discrimination that inflicts pain and hurt on the women amongst us.” Graham Sparkes, Head of Faith and Unity Department

“In celebration of women’s ministries, and in solidarity with our pain as barriers still hinder our following of God’s call, Council warmly backed the resolution to increase women’s full participation in leadership. Its implementation raises issues which will continue to challenge, not only around interpretation of scripture but how leadership posts are designed and Home Mission Grants allocated – theologically, the balancing of covenant living with our dissenting tradition. Women bring fresh riches into leadership; we are the poorer when this gift of God is not fully enjoyed.”Anne Phillips, Convenor of Women in Leadership Working Group

Following The Apology and at the request of the Baptist Union Council, the Faith and Unity Department has undertaken a comprehensive audit of racial justice, awareness and practice within the Baptist Union of Great Britain. This has entailed the collection and analysis of substantial amounts of data, both quantitative and qualitative, and a summary of these findings were gathered in a report submitted to the Baptist Union Council in 2010 with a number of recommendations on how to make the BUGB more inclusive and multicultural. Council has now begun the process of discerning what actions now need to be taken.

“Travelling about the country, it struck me that there is much to do and there are people with a passion to see it get done. The difficulties are the limited financial resources and the even more limited number of people who are willing to put themselves out there.”Rosemarie Davidson-Gotobed,Racial Justice Working Group who worked on the Journey report

THE JOURNEY

FINANCE STATSINCOME

UNRESTRICTED INCOME

TOTAL INCOME

EXPENDITURE

DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THEYEAR ON ALL FUNDS

NET DEFICIT ON HOME MISSION FUND

2010 2009

Home Mission Appeal Legacies Investment Income Income from Charitable ActivitiesOther Income

Restricted and Designated IncomeGains on InvestmentsGains on Property

4,053,493 831,511 430,153 936,279 416,469

3,883,873 409,086 350,933 868,828 413,735

2,084,998 910,998 -

2,421,789 891,049 184,673

£6,667,905 £5,926,455

£9,663,901 £9,423,966

Grants to Churches and other organisationsAssociations Other Charitable ExpenditureRestricted and Designated Charitable ExpenditureLosses on Investments

2,034,810 1,749,313 2,494,297 639,933 -

1,922,865 1,736,893 2,576,590 763,037 -

£6,918,353 £6,999,385 Cost of Generating FundsGovernance costs

180,976 306,999

183,342 290,281

£7,406,328 £7,473,008

£2,257,573 £1,950,958 The principal working fund of the Union is the Home Mission Fund, and the deficit for the year on that Fund is noted separately below.

£(6,872) £(628,717) Note: These figures are based on the audited Consolidated SORP accounts of the Union. Copies are available on request from the Finance Office at the National Resource in Didcot.

HOME MISSION STORIES

The BUGB Grants Committee continues to give money through Home Mission to support local church ministries and projects. Here are some of the new ministries and projects we supported for the first time in 2010.

ELLIOT’S THING Elliot’s Thing is a youth initiative at Bourton-on-the-Water Baptist Church which received a BUGB Mission Project Grant in 2010.

BRECONSHIRE MISSIONERSIfor and Penny Williams are receiving financial support both from the South Wales Baptist Association (BUGB Mission Grant) and the Baptist Union of Wales to work as missioners in the Breconshire area, not only strengthening the local church but also starting mission from scratch, through seeking out ‘people of peace’ and making disciples. To see a film about their work (‘There’s a light in the Valley’) visitwww.youtube.com/baptistuniongb

“With the Baptist money we were able to get some essential games consoles and screens and with the help we have received from the county we were able to go further and get the soft furnishings and put on the World Cup football events and Chinese evenings. This

has really helped to raise the profile of the church.”Elliot Crippen (aged 15)

WESTGATE BC, BRADFORDThe minister, Petersen Anand, is now receiving a BUGB Mission Grant to enable the church to bring the good news to their multicultural community.

HOME MISSION STATS

74% of the grant expenditure (£1,499,386) went to support 251 ministers in churches

13% of the grant expenditure (£60,686) went to support 31 ‘special ministries’ – church planters, missioners, evangelists etc

3% of the grant expenditure went to support 21 chaplains in university and workplace chaplaincies

3% of the grant expenditure went to help 37 churches in the form of Mission Project Grants

The remainder (7% - £132,964) was spent on ‘other grants’ which includes ecumenical officers, association staff and grants to support retired and out-of-pastorate ministers

74%

13%

3%

3% 7%

FINANCE

“I am delighted with the appeal result and immensely grateful to our churches for their ongoing generosity and commitment to Home Mission. The money raised for Home Mission in 2010 was good news for those churches supported by Home Mission and good news for our associations, all of whom will directly benefit from this increase especially at a time when there are so many demands upon the family purse.

“I urge churches to give at least 5% of their general fund income to Home Mission each year. Thank you to your church if you have already committed to doing this or to moving towards it. The generous giving by our churches is making a real difference to the lives of countless people up and down our country and long may this continue.”Malcolm Broad MBE, BUGB Treasurer

THE GATHERING

“Can we disciple someone from a different culture? When people come to church they come for community. Can black and white communities do life together? It is a challenge for us all, the sooner we talk about it the better.” Tade Agbesanwa, minister of Custom House Baptist Church in London

‘Reaching the Margins’ was the theme for The Gathering in 2010 with the aim of helping black and white Baptists reach some of the most marginalised communities, particularly the white working class. The white working class is one of our forgotten communities, and has some striking similarities with black and ethnic minority communities. For both, disadvantage is too often its starting point, and the question of how to contextualise the good news to a community on the margins was a recurring theme throughout The Gathering.

Helping wHite and black baptists reacH marginalised

communities including tHe wHite working class

The Gathering presents....

MAKING PEACEThe 2010 BUGB DVD was filmed in Barrow in Furness. The film wrestles with a major national and international issue affecting us all - the issue of peace - and features the ongoing debate surrounding the renewal of Trident. We heard voices from Abbey Road Baptist Church in Barrow, a town where so many jobs depend on the work that Trident brings. We heard about the role of the Joint Public Issues Team as they engage with Government on the issues on behalf of Baptists, the United Reformed Church, and the Methodist Church.

NOW IS THE TIME

“I think it’s really good for local churches to wrestle with difficult issues. To find that even when they disagree with each other, people can still worship together, can still be friends together, and that we can have a grown up disagreement without losing friends.” John Goddard, minister of Abbey Road Baptist Church

In May 2010 governments from around the world came together for a Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. Several church denominations, including the Baptist Union of Great Britain, organised an online petition in the run-up to the conference stating that ‘now is the time’ for real progress towards an international agreement that would lead to making the possession of nuclear weapons illegal. The Joint Public Issues Team (the BUGB, Methodist and United Reformed Churches) also had significant engagement with the Foreign Office ensuring that the key messages from the churches were heard.

GENERALELECTION

Together with our ecumenical partners, BUGB was involved in producing a number of key resources to equip churches in the lead-up to the General Election. These included an introduction to the main issues, guidance as to how churches could run a hustings meeting, and what action to take to counter political extremism.

CHILDREN IN DETENTION

The Joint Public Issues Team has been involved in a long campaign to change the Government policy of detaining children of those seeking sanctuary in the UK, and this has been supported by the prayers and actions of many churches around the country. The Deputy Prime Minister announced a radical programme of reform in December 2010, but there is ongoing uncertainty as to what the replacement system will look like.

“We are encouraged that the campaign to change the distressing treatment of children appears to have been effective. The Government has promised a radical change in the culture of the asylum process where children are involved, and we will continue to remind and encourage immigration ministers to deliver theirprogramme of reform.”Rosemary Kidd from BUGB’s Faith and Unity Department and Chair of the Churches Refugee Network

BAPTISTASSEMBLY

The Baptist Assembly took place in Plymouth, Devon at the start of May 2010. The theme of the Assembly was One World, One Mission. Below are some of the speakers that took part.

“Europe needs Jesus, the world needs Jesus and needs people like you and me to make him known.”Reuben Martin

“Your ministry matters, and your gift counts.” David Coffey

“Be confident in this world of uncertainty... Stand tall, stand strong and stand long in the Lord.” Kwame Adzam

“God is working his purpose out and the invitation is to jump in and to go with the flow.” Anne Wilkinson-Hayes

“At the end of the Assembly I’m physically tired, intellectually stimulated, spiritually refreshed and positively affirmed.” Andrew Gale

FEEDBACK FROM FACEBOOK ON THE ASSEMBLY

LEADING EDGEOver 900 people attended the Baptist family festival at Warwick School in August organised by the BUGB in partnership with Viz-a-Viz Ministries and Arise Ministries. There were contributions from International Director of the Micah Challenge poverty campaign Joel Edwards, the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity’s Tracey Cotterell and staff from BMS World Mission and the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

“The theme, ‘Walking the Wire – following Jesus in a confusing world’, about how we live with the interface of complex interests, really hit the spot,” said Chair of Directors, Paul Hills. “This has always been part of the aim of Leading Edge – to help develop Baptist Christians in their discipleship.”

‘This is my home, These are my family,Here I am not alone,Leading Edge has got to be.’

‘I came to Leading Edge with doubts and questions. As a new person to the church and my first time here I have felt the Holy Spirit this week and have made the choice to be baptised.’

‘Thank you, Lord for answered prayer. Thank you for bringing our daughter back to you. Thank you for the teaching, the resting and the refreshing. Thank you!’

FEEDBACK FROM THE RESPONSE WALL AT LEADING EDGE:

‘This is my home, These are my family,Here I am not alone,Leading Edge has got to be.’

BAPTIST WORLD CONGRESS

Some 4,000 Baptists from 105 countries gathered for the 20th Baptist World Congress in Honolulu from 28 July to 1 August. The BUGB party attending the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) event included Jonathan Edwards and David Kerrigan (who both ministered at Bible studies and focus groups), Kwame Adzam (BUGB Trustee and Emerging Leaders Network – speaking at a focus group) and Ian Bunce, plus many other delegates from the UK who made the long journey. BUGB’s former General Secretary, David Coffey, finished his five year tenure as President of the BWA at the Congress.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege, joy and inspiration of praising God in the company of Christian brothers and sisters from so many different cultures and nations, with one voice and heart.”Clive Burnard, Andover Baptist Church

GET IN THEPICTURE

Get in the Picture seeks to involve all kinds of people in the Christmas story, encouraging them to participate and experience being part of the nativity in a fun way. Churches set up their own nativity scene in the town and invite individuals and families to dress up and be part of the scene. A photo is then taken and uploaded to the Get in the Picture website for them to print or email to friends.

In the second year of Get in the Picture more than 76 churches registered, up from 44 in 2009. Unique visitors to the Get in the Picture website were up 47% on 2009.

“(It went) Brilliantly! Thrilled with number of participants, especially that so many were from village community, nothing to do with churches. Especially pleased that Leicester Mercury gave us great write up in the paper. Next year I shall try and

get a bigger team of helpers, so people can take more breaks [it was FREEZING] I don’t think this will be a problem now people have seen it works!”Angela Almond, Kirby Muxloe Free Church

“We somewhat ‘hijacked’ a ‘decorate your desk’ competition – we used this as a reason to put on a nativity scene and encourage people to come and take part. A nativity scene was created in one of the offices and people were emailed to come down over lunchtime. The individuals were provided with the cards with details of the web site. It was really good! We had around 40 individuals come along (in groups) and all enjoyed it. From a wider perspective, other offices are interested in holding a similar event next year having heard about it.”Mark Seaden, Price Waterhouse Cooper, Reading. This event was run in the workplace offices. Mark is a member at Ladygrove LEP.

“It went really well, people loved the opportunity especially as families to get dressed up and have their photo taken. I love that the idea plays for adults on the memories of their nativity play from their own early years, and takes them back to dressing up as children, they get to relive those memories. It also plays to children who didn’t get to play Mary or whoever and this is their chance to dress up. Very clever!”Victoria Thompson, Churches together Northallerton Area

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