Funding for new science faith films which 'can strengthen the Church’s witness'  

A new film project that aims to help Baptist churches engage more confidently with science and faith has received national funding

 
The Science and Faith video course will be developed by the Trinity Network in Bristol, led by Baptist ministers by Dr Dave Gregory and Andy Thomas, after being included in the latest Scientists in Congregations awards.
 
Scientists in Congregations is an ecumenical grant programme run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS) which aims to deepen the conversation around science and faith.
 
The new four-part, multi-voice video course is a follow-up to Dave and Andy’s previous project God Saw That it was Good which was led by BUEN - the Baptist Union Environment Network.


 
Each film will be highly visual, designed to connect with a broad, popular audience who may not feel at home in academic or technical discussions.
 
The films will use everyday illustrations, relatable examples, and accessible theology, making complex ideas understandable and inviting to a wide range of viewers.
 
Creative interviews with a number of scientists who are also people of faith will feature prominently, offering real-life stories of wonder, struggle, and discovery that inspire trust and open hearts. 
 
Alongside the films, a dedicated website will host all materials in an accessible format, ensuring churches can easily integrate them into their ministry, whether for services, home groups, or outreach events.
 
Discussion guides for each film will be developed to encourage thoughtful small group engagement.
 
Dave is a former Baptist Union president and the BUEN convenor. Andy leads The Fuelcast, a Christian film production charity.
 
The project co-directors said, ‘Ultimately, we believe that by helping congregations embrace science as a profound source of wonder and insight, not a threat to belief, we can strengthen the Church’s witness, deepen its confidence, and spark new conversations about the beauty and mystery of a divine maker.’

The latest Scientists in Congregations saw nine organisations in England and the Isle of Man have receive funding totalling more than £70,000 to explore the relationship between science and faith.
 
It is an ecumenical programme, and as well as Baptists the range of denominations taking part this year includes Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and Anglican churches.
 
The Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Project Director of ECLAS, said, 'We have given more than 80 Scientists in Congregations awards since 2016, and the diversity and effectiveness of the work that they have produced has been astonishing.
 
'We always knew that using the gifts of scientists, technologists and engineers in local churches would be important – what we did not expect was that when these folk work with church leaders, imaginative mission and ministry emerges in such a fruitful way.'
 

Applications for the next and final round of Scientists in Congregations will open in October 2025.

Interested churches and Christian organisations can apply at eclasproject.org/congregations