Organised by the Baptist Union of Great Britain Communications Department, Baptist churches have been nominated for three awards:  Best Church Website, Best Church Magazine and Best Church Notice Sheet.

Best Church Website, which was decided by a public online vote, has been won by Andover Baptist Church in Hampshire. Runners up were Fishponds Baptist Church in Bristol and Leigh Road Baptist Church in Essex.

‘The vote was very close,’ says Chris Hall, communications writer.  ‘There were literally a handful of votes between them showing the high standard of all three finalists.’

The Best Church Magazine, decided by a panel of judges, went to Tabernacle Baptist Church in Penarth for Tabs Magazine.  The magazine was shortlisted for the award in 2011.  One judge commented, ‘Tabs Magazine had improved this year on what was already a good magazine.  It is very accessible to people outside the church and is a worthy winner.’

Runners up in the Best Church Magazine Category were Connect by Chelmsford Baptist Church in Essex and Winbap Magazine from Winchester Baptist Church in Hampshire.

The Best Church Notice Sheet award, also decided by judges, went to Colchester Baptist Church in Essex.  One judge commented, ‘This notice sheet has a clean design, a great prayer focus, and is short, snappy and to the point. It is easy to read in a few minutes and check things at a glance – perfect for reading at church or in the week that follows.’

Runner up in the Best Church Notice Sheet category was Leigh Road Baptist Church.

Amanda Allchorn, Head of BUGB Communications, believes the awards, now in their fifth year, have illustrated how churches are taking communications more seriously.  ‘We have seen over the last five years how churches are improving the design and content of their communications channels.  It is great to see churches being creative in communicating their story and the gospel message.’