East Midlands Baptists challenged to become 21st Century churches
Wednesday 05 March 2008
"...he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." (Acts 17 v.16 NIV)
Churches across the East Midlands are being challenged to take a close look at society and go out with renewed passion to share the good news. The challenge, from Revd Jonathan Edwards (BUGB general secretary), came at the region's annual assembly at Lincoln Baptist church. Over 160 people from 44 churches gathered to encourage each other with news of what God is doing across the region.
In the concluding session Jonathan asked delegates "how concerned are you about your communities and the prevailing culture?" "Are you prepared, as the apostle Paul did, to look closely and take to heart the plight of the people around? And are you prepared to engage them where they are and in their language?" He called on churches to look outward and go out into their communities communicating effectively.
Earlier Revd Jonathan Edwards inducted the new regional team of Revd Steve Mantle (regional minister team leader), Revd Dianne Tidball (regional minister) and Becky Nicholls (administrator). Three directors were re-appointed (Milton Crosdale, Sharon Howe and Michael Page) together with the new appointment of Revd Chris Rowberry. The association handed gifts of £2177 to both Heanor Baptist (Derbys) and New Whitemoor Baptist (Notts) which were the beneficiaries of the annual church project fund which seeks to raise support for mission related building schemes. This year the association will seek to raise support for schemes at Forest Street Baptist (Kirkby in Ashfield) and Broadway Baptist (Derby).
