The latest gathering of East Midlands Baptists heard exciting news of developments in the association's work. "We're making good progress developing our mission strategy, we have a new visual identity and we're on the lookout for a new member of the team who'll be focussing on the many smaller churches in our association," says the Revd Dianne Tidball, EMBA team leader.

Over 200 people gathered at Broadway Baptist, Derby, on Saturday 12 March, for the association's latest day (and AGM) which was themed 'Restore, Renew, Revive'.

"Our strategy is based around 'Supporting and encouraging Gospel communities'. Our hope is of a strategy which will take time, may be costly and involves changing culture and attitudes, demands love, patience, hope and endurance but is worth it because the end result is God's Kingdom being established on earth" said Dianne.

Dianne encouraged delegates to adopt a 'practical voice', telling each other of the things God is doing in their communities; create ' good relationships' which are key avenues for sharing our good news stories; build 'meaningful networks' for sharing and working together; and undergird everything with prayer, the 'oxygen' of the Kingdom of God. She concluded by underlining the Association's intention of 'investing in leaders' in every corner of the association's life."

 

New Visual Identity

The association has developed a more concise, definitive strap-line: 'inspiring and resourcing in Gospel Mission'. "In re-thinking our visual identity we wanted to capture the reason for our existence – Kingdom work and therefore included the cross of Christ. We wanted to capture the power of the spirit at work in each one of use. We wanted the logo to have a contemporary feel and reflect a sense of moving forward," explains Becky Nicholls, EMBA Administrator. "At the heart of our new logo is a cross and person combined, highlighting EMBA as a community of Gospel people. The wind of the Spirit moving us forward is captured by the green swoosh, and the 'motorway' depicts the main M1 and A1 routes through the Association territory. There's a hint of green to capture the rural element of the region and some blue, because that seems to be our colour. We're very grateful to James Stamp in the Communications Department at Didcot who has worked with us to produce the finished logo."

 

Restored Renewed, Revived

The Revd Dr Derek Tidball stepped in to give the keynote address for the Association Day. He drew from Ezra 3: 1-6 which he told delegates provides a 'script for reconstruction', adding that God's work is urgent and he requires us to do it now. He spoke of six key elements which can be found in the actions of the Israelites: they had purposeful unity; they began small, with an altar; they acted obediently and their actions were informed by scripture; they were courageous; God-centred; and foundational in their actions.