Ministry FAQ's

Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:22 Monday, 07 June 2010 11:41

Frequently asked questions

How do I know who to contact in the Ministry Department?
The Department is staffed by eight people, all with different roles and responsibilities. Click here to download the leaflet Meet the team outlining the roles and giving you contact details.

Where do I get a copy of the Terms of Appointment?
You can download them by clicking here for those who are full time (updated Jan 2011) or clicking here for those who are part time part time (updated Jan 2011). You can also download a copy of the suggested budget for churches for those in full time ministry for 2011.

Our church is about to go into a pastoral vacancy – how do we go about finding a new minister?
The first step is to contact your Regional Minister who will come and meet with the church leadership and/or church meeting to explain the process for you. The National Settlement Team helps available ministers and ministers in training in their leaving year settle in churches and it seeks to assist churches in filling a pastoral vacancy. The book, Facing a Pastoral Vacancy, contains advice for churches during a pastoral vacancy and your Regional Minister is usually able to provide a copy for churches that enter into the settlement system although additional copies can be bought.

Our church is about to appoint a Newly Accredited Minister – what does this mean?
Training for Baptist ministry generally lasts for six years: the first three (or in some cases four) of which are in college, with the next three being undertaken during a probationary period as a Newly Accredited Minister following ordination and settlement. Please note that for the purpose of this question, the term 'minister' includes youth specialists and evangelists. The probationary period normally lasts for three years and, when successfully completed, the minister is transferred to fully accredited status on the accredited list. Throughout this period, the minister will be able to benefit from a range of supports and opportunities to enable personal, professional and spiritual growth to continue. The church is expected to allow time for their minister to engage in their programme and to cover related expenses. To find out more please download the information leaflet outlining this in further detail.

Our church is looking to appoint a minister from outside the UK. What do we need to know?
In November 2008, the government introduced new regulations aimed at trying to prevent illegal working, people trafficking and the propagation of violent extremism. Typically, a minister coming from any country that this is not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or who is not a UK citizen, will be required to comply with the new regulations and it must be demonstrated by the calling church that they are unable to recruit a person suitable for their pastoral needs from within the existing resident labour market. To find out more about what this means, please download the relevant information by clicking here.

Our church is looking to employ a youth worker. Where can I find out further information about employing them?
The Mission Department have produced a new Mission File on employing a youth worker which includes other helpful information. It can be downloaded here - Employing a Youth Worker.
What do we need to consider regarding manse and accommodation for our minister?

Guidelines for churches and ministers regarding manses and accommodation can be downloaded by icon

I'd like to find out more about entering ministry – where do I find some information?
Your Regional Minister is the best person to contact but you may find it helpful to read some initial information which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below:
Called to Pastoral Ministry
Called to be a Youth Specialist
Called to be an Evangelist
Called to be a Preacher
Called to be a Lay Pastor
You can also find out more about training course that is being developed for lay pastors and preachers and is delivered by our Baptist Colleges , in cooperation with our Associations and the Baptist Union by downloading the leaflet Baptist Training Partnership . Your Regional Association may also run other training courses locally. The Colleges websites can be located by clicking on the relevant link on the right hand side of the page.

How do I order some new CRB Disclosure Application Forms for my church?
Please contact the Baptist Union This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You will also need to go to the BU website resource section (Safeguarding) to download the in house forms that accompany the CRB form and the relevant guidance notes for applicants and verifiers. Click here.

Who can verify my identity for a CRB application?
All ministers and church secretaries automatically are on the list of approved verifiers; if your church wishes to do so others may be appointed to this job. The database clerk at Baptist House will need their name, address and phone number. Abstracts from our database are supplied to the Churches' Agency for Safeguarding (our Registered Body) on the first Monday of each month. Verifiers may not start work until after that is done.

Our minister is due for a sabbatical – what does this mean?
Ministers may take between one and three months study leave every seven years. To find out more about this or if there are any grants available towards the costs incurred please click here or by clicking on the link 'Grants available to Ministers'.

I'm a minister planning In Service Training or a Sabbatical. How can I apply for a grant?
You can download both information leaflets and application forms for both schemes by clicking on the link on the left hand side menu entitled 'Grants available to Ministers'.

One of my ancestors was a Baptist Minister. How do I find out if you have any information about them?
Sally Hall, from the Department, facilitates these requests and if a memoir is held, for a donation to Home Mission, she is able to send it to you. Please do not contact her by phone but either email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or else write into the Ministry Department, marking it for her attention, at the usual BUGB address.