SBLPA Conference Pack 2015 - Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers

SCOTTISH BAPTIST LAY
PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION
2015 CONFERENCE PACK
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Our 2015 Conference promises to be the best we've ever had in our 90 year history!
It will be a highly inspiring and hugely engaging day as we come together to worship God,
encourage each other, listen to our guest speaker, David Coffey (pictured) and hear of what
God is doing in and through the Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association.
We've chosen as our theme, 'Back to the Future', drawing on the trilogy of movies produced
in the 80's & 90's which launched Michael J Fox on his film career. Read on to find out why!
Helping us to unpack our theme will be Rev Dr David Coffey, former President of the
BaptistWorld Alliance and prior to that General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great
Britain. David also served for a number of years as Director of Evangelism with the
Baptist Union of Great Britain, and from 1980-1988, served as Senior Pastor of Upton Vale
Baptist Church, Torquay …. following the late Rev Dr Peter Barber.
Worship will be led by Sheila Eves, one of the worship leaders at Newton Mearns Baptist
Church, and the band, and this year, we have improved even further our hospitality in that
we will have a three-course Scottish-themed buffet lunch!
Just on a practical note that if paying by cheque on the day, please make it payable to the
'Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association'. You can also pay by cash - the cost we've been
able to hold again at £10.00 for this year. All monies to the Treasurer, not the Secretary!
Prepare to be refreshed, inspired, challenged and blessed … and prepare for a great day as
as you come to the Conference!
GLEN CARTWRIGHT
General Secretary
DIRECTIONS TO NEWTON MEARNS BAPTIST CHURCH
Newton Mearns Baptist Church is easily accessible by road and rail.
Located on Crookfur Road, the church is less than a minute from the M77 (Exit 4 southbound) and
is approximately 6 miles south west of Glasgow. For sat-nav purposes, the postcode is G77 6FA.
It's just 400 yards from the Premier Inn, in the fastest growing residential community in the UK!
The nearest train station to Newton Mearns Baptist Church is Patterton on the Glasgow - Neilston
line, just a ten minute walk away. We can arrange pick-up from Patterton Station if required - but
you need to make that known to us in advance. The cost of a return ticket is just £3.50.
Trains from Glasgow Central to Patterton are at 8:35, arriving 8:58 and 9:05, arriving 9:28. Trains
from Patterton to Glasgow Central are at 16:36, arriving 16:59 and 17:06 arriving 17:29.
ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER
We are thrilled and delighted to warmly welcome to our Conference this year our guest
speaker, Rev Dr Davd Coffey, former President of the Baptist World Alliance ass well and
prior to that, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. David is very much in
demand as a speaker at churches and conferences across the country and throughout the
world. It's a huge privilege to have David come to Scotland to speak at our Conference!
David was born in Surrey and brought up in Hampshire. After graduating from Spurgeons
College, David was ordained to the pastoral ministry in 1967. Whetstone Baptisdt Church,
Leicester was Davids first church. After serving there, he accepted a call to North Cheam
Baptist Church on the south-west perimeter of London, and after serving there for eight
years, was called to one of the largest Baptist churches not just in the south-west, but in the
country, Upton Vale Baptist Church, Torquay.
Succeeding the late Rev Dr Peter Barber (who went on to serve as General Secretary of the
Baptist Union of Scotland), David was Senior Pastor at Upton Vale for eight years, and
durng that time was President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (1986 -1987). Linking in
with his Presidency, he wrote and published a book, 'Build that Bridge', on conflict and
reconciliaition in the church. In July 1988, David was the keynote speaker at the 11th Baptist
Youth World Conference held at the SECC in Glasgow.
Leaving Torquay, David went on to serve, from 1988 – 1991, as Drector of Evangelism with
the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and then in 1991 took up the reins as General Secretary
of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, a role in which he served for the next 15 years, leading
and steering the Baptist Union through a signficant period of change and transformation.
From 1997 - 1999 , David was President of the European Baptist Federation.
David then became President of the Baptist World Alliance, a global organisation of around
100 million Baptists in 180 countries, and served in this role from 2005 - 2010.
Married to Janet, with two adult children, Niki and Phil, David is grandfather to four
grandchildren. He is an enthusiastic soccer fan and has a particular love for the music of
Edward Elgar. David and Janet live in Marldon, Torquay, overlooking the beautiful Torbay!
ABOUT OUR THEME
Why the theme 'Back to the Future'?
Well, 'Back to the Future', which launched Michael J Fox on his film career, tells the story of
how, as Marty McFly, he travels back in time in a De Lorean time machine. He travels back
in time and he allows his knowledge of the future to determine how he lives in the present.
Because he acquires a knowledge of the future, he seeks to influence people, not least his
own parents, to conform to the future he knows for certain awaits them.
Our prayer is that as we explore the theme of 'Back to the Future', from Matthew 5:1-16
(The Beatitudes,) our awareness of the future, God's future, will shape how we live as
disciples in the here and now - in 2015 - in a polycultural and secular Scotland.
David will unpack the theme and God's Word in three engaging and distinct sessions:•
•
•
the preparation of the preacher
the character of the preacher
the calling of the preacher
Back to the Future is therefore a hugely relevant theme for our Conference, and not least in
this our 90th year, as we look forward to the as yet unwritten chapters and exciting destiny,
redolent with possibilities and potential, which the future holds, held by the One who
knows the future - Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever!
THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
9:00
-
Registration & Coffee
9:30
-
Annual General Meeting
10:30
-
Welcome & Icebreaker
10:45
-
Worship Time (Sheila Eves & NMBC Worship Band)
11:05
-
Interview with David Coffey
11:25
-
Session 1 - 'The Preparation of the Preacher' (David Coffey)
12:10
-
REFLECTING
12:45
-
LUNCH
1:55
-
Worship Time (Sheila Eves & NMBC Worship Band)
2:10
-
Session 2 - 'The Character of the Preacher' (David Coffey)
2:50
-
RELATING
3:15
-
COFFEE BREAK
3:35
-
Session 3 - 'The Calling of the Preacher' (David Coffey)
4:15
-
Worship & Response Time
4:30
-
Close of Conference
THE CONFERENCE MENU
… On your table to start …
Breads and Spreads
Castle MacLellan Orkney Crab Mousse
Smooth Brussels Pate with Garlic
Assorted Mini Bread Rolls
Nairn’s Oatcakes
… From The Buffet …
Hot Jacket Potatoes with an Assortment of Fillings
Freshly Caught Late-Season Haggis
Lincolnshire Haslet
Garlicky Beef Chilli
Scottish Cheddar Cheese
Baked Beans
Coleslaw
Sweetcorn
Crispy Leaf Salad
… Brought to Your Table to Share …
Sharing Dessert Board
Ice Cream Trifle Terrine
Bubbly Chocolate Mousse
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Mini Chocolate Eclairs
AGENDA
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SCOTTISH BAPTIST LAY PREACHERS'
ASSOCIATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2015 AT 9:30AM
AT NEWTON MEARNS BAPTIST CHURCH
1. Welcome & Devotions
-
Douglas Inglis
2. Apologies for Absence
-
Glen Cartwright
3. Approval of the Minutes of the 2014 Annual General Meeting
4. Presidents Report
-
Douglas Inglis
5. General Secretary's Report
-
Glen Cartwright
6. Internal Auditor Appointment
-
Lionel Gibbs
7. Approval of Internal Auditor
-
Douglas Inglis
8. Financial Statement
-
Lionel Gibbs
9. Approval of Audited Accounts
-
Lionel Gibbs
10. Honorary Membership
-
Glen Cartwright
11. Any Other Business
-
Douglas Inglis
12. Date of Annual General Meeting 2016
-
Glen Cartwright
SCOTTISH BAPTIST LAY PREACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON SATURDAY 31st MAY
2014 AT 9:30AM AT NEWTON MEARNS BAPTIST CHURCH
WELCOME
The President, Douglas Inglis (Newton Mearns) welcomed all present to the 2014 Annual General
Meeting of the Association.
PRESENT
Douglas Inglis (President), Glen Cartwright (Secretary), Lionel Gibbs (Treasurer), David Andrew
(Tillicoultry), Hosana Bankhead (Bristo), John Bingham (Newton Mearns), Stanley Bonthron
(Dalkeith), Jim Brownlee (Stenhouse), Trevor Brunning (Selkirk), Marie Cameron (Strathendrick),
David Craig (Ayr), Brian Crockett (Queens Park), Gordon Dickey (Hawick), Mark Donaldson
(Peterhead), Jim Edmiston (Shettleston), Jim Ewen (Bo'ness), Harry Graham (Honorary Member Cathcart), Willie Henry (Newton Mearns) Graham Horne (High Blantyre), Nigel Johns (Ayr,
Southside), Mark Laing (Stirling), Kay Leishman (Helensburgh), Ben Mansfield (Helensburgh),
Alex Marshall (East Mains), Jim McFarlane (Honorary Member - Ladywell), Andrea Mill (Bristo),
Fraser Mitchell (Partick), Riaz Mohammed (Charlotte Chapel), Harry Mooney (Honorary Member
Shettleston), Al Priestnall (Ayr, Southside), George Ramsay (Springburn), Hugh Tannock
(Drumchapel), Iain Telfer (Irvine), George Thomson (Stenhouse), Tony Walters (Fort William), Joy
Weightman (Cambuslang), Nimal Wijesinghe (Airdrie) and Janet Young (High Blantyre).
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Stephen Barton (Culloden), David Bebbington (Stirling), Paul Brightey (East Mains), Jim Brooks
(Queens Park), Lewis Campbell (Elgin), Robert Chisholm (Knightswood), Vi Chisholm
(Knightswood), Jim Ewing (Bearsden), Robert Ferguson (Broxburn), Richard Fettes (Wester
Hailes), Neil Fisher (Dingwall), Donald Forbes (Stirling), Kenneth Forrest (Cathcart), Iain Gillespie
(Aberdeen Christian Fellowship), Peter Heaton (Honorary Member Dingwall), Christine Heron
(Coastline), Kenneth Honeyman (Shettleston), Stephen Ilett (Alness), Christine Kling (Ayr,
Southside), Phillip March (Shettleston), Eric Macarthur (Dalbeattie), Florence Mackenzie
(Aberdeen Christian Fellowship), James Mackenzie (Aberdeen Christian Fellowship), Allan
Macleod (Tillicoultry), David McCaig (Cornton), Andrew McKendry (Calderwood), Jim McNulty
(Islay), Robert Merecz (Abbeyhill), Alan Milnes (Leslie), Maurice Oates (Honorary Member Abbeyhill), Jim O'Hara (Harper Memorial), Jim Parratt (Castlehill), Stuart Pickford (Hopeman),
Deirdre Powrie (Pitlochry), John Reid (Shettleston), Keith Remnant (Lossiemouth), Eric Renfrew
(Cathcart), Christopher Rosie (Queens Park), David Shaw (Harper Memorial), Cameron Sim
(Stirling), Charles Sommerville (Ladywell), Jim Swan (Honorary Member - Irvine), Nick Timmins
(Kirkintilloch), Gary Torbet (Broughty Ferry), Chris Townsend (Strathendrick), Alan Trivett (Ayr,
Southside), Phillip Usher (Sanquhar), Mark Walker (Ayr), Godfrey Warren (Honorary Member Bearsden), Andrew Warrender (Honorary Member - Tillicoultry), Morven Wraight (Portobello)
and Michael Wray (St Andrews).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 11th May 2013 at Newton Mearns
Baptist Church were approved on the motion of Harry Graham (Honorary Member) and seconded
by Hugh Tannock (Drumchapel)
PRESIDENTS REPORT
Presenting his written report, the President conveyed his appreciation to the membership. He
highlighted the impact of the Association in being a significant part of Scottish Baptist life. He
thanked the Secretary and Treasurer for their hard work and the Committee also.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
In presenting his written report, the Secretary made reference to the challenge of preaching in a
year when Scotland will vote in the most important ballot in its history and referred too to his
fivefold prayer for the Association. He paid tribute to Andrew Page (Musselburgh) who had
passed away in November and who had served the Association for 18 years, 5 of which had been
as a member of the Committee. The Secretary also remarked on the value the RELATE gatherings
had brought and highlighted forthcoming events in the Autumn.
WEBSITE REPORT
In the absence of the Webmaster, Nick Timmins (Kirkintilloch) who had agreed to take on the role
following the unfortunate resignation of the previous webmaster, Sean Welsh, the Secretary
presented the website report which had been prepared by Sean Welsh. Highlighting that the
website was the 'virtual window' into the life and ministry of the Association, he referred in the
report to enhancements made to the website, the Members Directory, on-line Preaching Diary,
Devotional Blogs, Network News, Website Links and feedback. Thanks were recorded to Sean
Welsh in abstentia for his good work on the website and to Nick Timmins in abstentia also for
taking on this important role.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Treasurer, Lionel Gibbs, presented the 2013 Financial Statement, remarking that the
Association always sought to secure value for money and exercise wise stewardship of its finances.
Income for the year was £2,171.00, expenditure £2,526.98, with the opening balance being £1,109.45
and the closing balance £753.47, with the £355.98 attributable to the deposit of £525.00 paid by the
Association, in advance, to Gartmore House for the Residential in September 2014. The Financial
Statement was approved on the motion of David Andrew (Tillicoultry) and seconded by Andrea
Mill (Bristo).
APPROVAL OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS
The audited accounts, independently examined by Stephen Ilett (Alness) on 7th March 2014 were
approved, as proposed by Lionel Gibbs (Treasurer) and seconded by Stanley Bonthron (Dalkeith).
MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES
Explaining the background to the creation of the 'Membership Guidelines' and that these had
evolved following a prayerful and careful process of member engagement, the Secretary, presented
the proposed finalised guidelines. These were then unanimously adopted.
MENTORING PROGRAMME
The President spoke to the proposed Mentoring Programme which will go live in 2014-2015 as a
vehicle to assist personal development. An induction event for mentors who have been prayerfully
and carefully selected will be held on 14th June 2014 facilitated by Peter Grainger of the 2 Timothy
4 Trust. A number of helpful suggestions were made by members regarding the value of having
others involved, rather than just the mentor and mentee, and in relation to a different name being
used instead of 'mentoring'. In acknowledging the suggestions made, the President indicated they
would be carefully considered.
RESIDENTIAL 2014
The Secretary highlighted the 24-hour residential which would be taking place at Gartmore House
near Aberfoyle from 12th-13th September 2014, indicating what the subsidised cost of £50 included
and highlighting that the residential was a perfect opportunity to gather for fellowship, mutual
support and informal discussions on the theme of 'Dare to be a Daniel'. He expressed excitement at
the prospect and encouraged all members to be part of it.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
In recognition of 20 years of faithful and active membership, service on the Committee and for 5
years of committed service as President, Jim McFarlane (Ladywell) was affored Honorary
Membership. The President commended Jim, and his wife June, to God in prayer.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
There being no further business, notice was given that the next Annual General Meeting of the
Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association would be held on Saturday 9th May 2015 at Newton
Mearns Baptist Church.
The President, Douglas Inglis, closed the meeting in prayer at 10:15am.
PRESIDENTS REPORT
Another year has passed in which we have again had the privilege of preaching in churches
throughout Scotland and beyond. During this year, as I have seen the list of the preaching
engagements for a coming Sunday, I have often felt a sense of purpose and joy as I have pictured
people and places known to me, and imagined truths underlined, lives changed, disciples
refreshed and churches revived. Such optimism is not based on great preaching as much as it is on
the authentic telling of the faith story - a narrative that has no equal. So thank you for your
faithfulness; it has been a joy to serve you as President for another year.
Glen will expand on the new initiatives introduced in recent times, but allow me to say that I
believe we now have a very well-rounded Association which provides quality opportunities for
training, development and fellowship.
Our programmes are specifically designed to equip and encourage each member. For example, the
“REACH” training days, run every other year, are initiatives that provide tools to help us develop
and improve our preaching gifts; the Mentoring programme will enable members to address
specific preaching issues in a personal and confidential one-on-one partnership; the “Life of the
Lay Preacher” workshops with Roy Searle, address the importance of character as a pre-requisite
to preaching. Add to these the Annual Conferences which have been enormously inspirational in
recent years, the RELATE programme that promotes fellowship in local settings throughout the
land, and the “Residential at Gartmore” which was so successfully launched last year and will be
repeated this year, and I think you will conclude that we have an Association that seeks to address,
in meaningful ways, the needs of its members.
Let me commend to you, Glen Cartwright, and the Committee members who have guided us
through another year. Their commitment to the cause is exceptional.
And let me thank you, the members, for spending hours in the study, for taking the task seriously,
for always seeking the guidance of the Spirit, and for being faithful to the Word. With these as our
framework, the “foolishness of preaching” cannot fail.
As we move forward, and as I sense some changes in the nature of ministry in the local church, I
truly believe that the Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers’ Association will have an even more significant
role to play in the life of our denomination in coming years. Let us be equipped for the task.
DOUGLAS F INGLIS
President
GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT
Introduction
Rev Dr Liam Goligher, Senior Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and well known
to Scottish Baptists and many of us, once said of preaching that it “has been so undermined to make it
more accessible, relevant and more culturally savy, with expository preaching reduced to what's described
very often as a Bible talk”. Perceptive words, challenging, yet in many circles, a sad, truthful reality.
Against that backdrop, the Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association is committed to excellence
in preaching and to developing excellent lay preachers, able to handle God's Word well, with
depth and skill, an Spirit-filled to bring a prophetic element to the exposition of the Word. As lay
preachers we have a prophetic voice that needs to be heard as we credibly and effectively seek to
engage the gospel in a poly-cultural, post-referendum Scotland. While what we preach is timeless,
the wineskin we place it in must adapt, so we are perpetually relevant, rather than becomimg relic.
Membership
Just a few weeks ago, Nimal Wijesinghe (Airdrie) passed into the presence of the Lord. Nimal was
a faithful member of the Association for 14 years, and was not only a gracious, but a godly man.
He was a fine preacher of the Word, edicated to study and always careful to honour His Saviour.
We cherish his memory, salute his service and hnour his example. He will be sorely missed. We
also bade farewell earlier this year to George Cameron (Wick) who died as a result of deteriorating
health. George had served the Association back in the 1990's and was a quiet, faithful member.
At the time of writing we have 89 members, and my prayer since day one is we would grow to 100
members so we can better serve churches well. Once an impossible dream, that is now a realistic
possibility. Since last year, we have welcomed into membership Amie Aitken (Carluke), Andrew
Chalkley (Campbeltown), John Dalrymple (Peebles), Jeffrey Emmott (Milestone), Caroline
Ferguson (Coatbridge), Grant Findlay (Crookston), Stuart Gilmour (Carbrain), Jonathan Groves
(Hillview), George Hunter (Helensburgh), Arthur Jones (Saltcoats), Stuart Lawson (Oban), Caireen
Likely (Sheddocksley), Fiona Merriweather (Queens Park), Ron McKenzie (Broughty Ferry), David
Mclachlan (Dumbarton), Cheryl Nicolson (Ayr), Stuart Prentice (Culloden), Graeme Scott
(Linwood) and Elizabeth Shively (St Andrews).
For various reasons - entering ordained pastoral ministry, geographical moves, ill-health, no longer
in membership of a Scottish Baptist church - we bade farewell to William Butchart (Leslie), now
serving as Pastor of Ellon Baptist Church. Jim Edmiston (Kings Park), now serving as Pastor of
Shettleston Baptist Church, as well as Stuart Andrew (Thurso), Stephen Barton (Culloden), Robert
Chisholm (Knightswood), Vi Chisholm (Knightswood), Grant Findlay (Crookston), Donald Forbes
(Stirling), Allan Macleod (Tillicoultry), Stuart Pickford (Hopeman), Eric Renfrew (Cathcart), David
Shaw (Harper Memorial), Alan Trivett (Ayr, Southside), and Mark Walker (Ayr).
Committee
We have a hard-working, forward-looking Committee comprising David Andrew (Tillicoultry),
Glen Cartwright (Newton Mearns), Mark Donaldson (Peterhead), Lionel Gibbs (St Ninian's,
Stirling), Douglas Inglis (Newton Mearns), Andrea Mill (Bristo), Riaz Mohammed (Charlotte
Chapel) and Hugh Tannock (Drumchapel). During the year, Florence & James Mackenzie
(Aberdeen Christian Fellowship) stood down from serving on the Committee after five years. We
want to thank Florence and James for their dedication to the Committee, not least in travelling
down from Aberdeen to Newton Mearns over the years to participate in the Committee meetings.
It is truly a joy and privilege to have worked over the last year, and to work with, Douglas Inglis
(Newton Mearns) in his role as President. Douglas is a remarkable and inspirational man, one
who is a visionary,, a great encourager, yet a humble man of God. We are so incredibly blessed to
have Douglas as our 'spiritual leader' at this time in our history. Every Secretary and President
need to be able to work hand in glove. Personally I have valued Douglas' close friendship, being
able to confide in and pray with him, his zest and the great coffee from his Tassimo coffee maker!!
Statistics
How can we truly measure the value the Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers’ Association has, in the last
year, added? Spiritually, we will never know the lives which have been touched, the people who
have been encouraged, the men, women, boys and girls who may well have come to faith in Christ
through our ministry. If we are faithful in sowing, we may never know where the seed might fall.
SERVICES UNDERTAKEN 2007 - 2014
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Statistically though, during 2014, we conducted 1,840 services, a 2.9% increase on 2013. Of the
1,840 services undertaken, 3½ times more the number we were conduicting nearly a decade ago,
1,227 were in 109 Scottish Baptist churches and 339 in 100 evangelical churches across Scotland.
We have gained respect within the Scottish Baptist constituency and have worked in cultivating
trusting relationships with many of our churches through personal contact and engagement.
Learning & Development
Being able to handle the Word of God, wisely and well, married with an anointing of the Holy
Spirit in both preparation and preaching, is crucial and core to an effective and God honoring
preaching ministry. That being so, the Committee have taken the decision that every other year we
will arrange a series of high-quality tailored training events/workshops, geared to help us become
not only more proficient in preaching, but culturally savy in order that we might engage well.
More importantly though, what really matters as a preacher, is having a servant-hearted, Spiritfilled and God honouring lifestyle which so sustains and enriches an effective preaching ministry.
To that end, we held a half-day workshop in October at East Mains Baptist Church on 'The Life of
the Lay Preacher' facilitated by Roy Searle, Director of the Northumbria Community, which gave
us a crisper appreciation of our walk with the Lord and how that so impacts on ministry and of the
importance of soul care and nourishment through a commitment to the spiritual disciplines. Such
is our conviction that this is fundamental to ministry, before even 'technical training' (if we can
define it as that), we have arranged a one-day workshop in Edinburgh, for November, which will
be facilitated again by Roy Searle. Lifestyle is everything for without it where is our credibility?
Mentoring Programme
Launched in January, our mentoring programe is an excellent opportunity for particularly, though
not exclusively, less experienced and newer members, to hone and sharpen their preaching skills
with the help of a mentor. We are most appreciative of Peter Grainger of the 2 Timothy 4 Trust for
his help in training the mentors - Mark Donaldson (Peterhead), Florence Mackenzie (Aberdeen
Christian Fellowship), Andrea Mill (Bristo) and Jim O'Hara (Harper Memorial). Four members
have completed the programe - Caroline Ferguson (Cotabridge), Graham Horne (High Blantyre),
Ron Mckenzie (Broughty Ferry) and David Mclachaln (Dumbarton. Currently engaging the
programe are Jeff Emott (Milestone), Jm Ewing (Bearsden), Jonathan Groves (Hillview) and David
McCaig (Cornton). Undertaking the programme is now the default for all probationary members.
Residential
Gartmore House served as the idyllic venue for our first ever 24-hour residential from 12th - 13th
September last year, when 24 of us spent time relaxing together, encouraging each other and
unpacking the thene of 'Dare to be a Daniel'. Brian Muir, Convenor of the BU Public Issues &
Social Action Group shared with us. Such was the success of the residential, we have booked for
the same weekend at Gartmore this year, and would love you to come. Given we are committed as
an Association to being 'intentionally relational', the residential creates for us an excellent and ideal
opportunity to invest time with each other and just minister t each other in an unrushed context.
Relationships
Deepening meaningful relationships, journeying together with The Lord and strengthening our
unity in Christ is what RELATE is about. It is so not another meeting, but an oasis opportunity to
relax together and be intentionally relational. Following a review of RELATE and re-arrangement
of the regions, RELATE was re-launched a couple of months ago, and it is hoped that under active
host leadership, the 'added value' which RELATE brings will be felt.
Representation
Intentionally cultivating effective links are the seedbed for fruitful working relationships. As part
of my representational responsibilities, I serve on, and attended BU Council twice during the year
at Gartmore and Glasgow.. Time taken by Douglas and I to build connections with Pastors and
Church Secretaries has reaped benefits so that the Association is increasingly regarded as the 'one
stop shop' for pulpit supply. Our having a stand as part of the exhibition at the BU Assembly in
Motherwell last year was the catalyst for a number of new members, and it is our plan to have a
stand again at the Assembly, again in Motherwell, this year.
Communication
Gone are the days of hard copy mailings and reams of paper! We are an e-Assocaition,a nd want
to use the technology at our disposal well. Applying his IT skills, Nick Timmins (Kirkintilloch) has
done an excellent job in ensuring our website is always bang up to date and professional looking.
Chris Townsend (Strathendrick) likewise has edited to an outstanding standard, 'Network News',
and we are grateful to both Nick and Chris for the creative and professional flair they bring. Word
for the Week is now out every Sunday with contributors arranged up till the end of the year, and
the Prayer Diary is published on a Friday to enable us to pray for those of our number preaching
on the weekend. We have intentionally moved away from putting member communications on
the website, given not all members regularly visit the website, and instead are now using e-mail as
the default means of quickly and efficiently comminicating with all members.
Acknowledgements
Time zooms past, and it's hard to believe I've served as General Secretary for over 8 years, having
been passed the baton in March 2007. Come May 2017, I'll have served a full second term. I do not
wish nor want to serve a full-third term as secretary and so am indicating my intention now. Two
years from now, I'll have served as your Secretary for over 10 years. To go much further beyond
that will be long enough for me and probably long enough for the Association too!
For the here and now, and certainly the next few years, let me re-affirm to you that I will continue
to strain every sinew, and work tirelessly and faithfully to serve you and the wider Association. To
build for the future has always mattered to me - ensuring we are together effective in all we do,
strong and relational in who we are, and a mainstream ministry within not just the Scottish Baptist
family, but within the Christian community in Scotland! A lot done and some more yet to do!
Finally, permit me to place on record my deep appreciation to two people many of you will never
see who are not lay preachers, but who are the rock of my life : my wife, Adrienne, always there
with her unwavering support, encouragement and love, and whose life is a sermon without words,
and my now nearly 6 year old son, Lewis, for the joy he brings and amazing blessing he is. It may
be that serving as Secretary is (tongue in cheek!) the second most important job I have, but moreso
I cherish even more the first : as a husband and father.
GLEN CARTWRIGHT
General Secretary
TREASURERS REPORT
2014 was a particularly busy year for the SBLPA and as such a busy year financially as can be seen
from the figures. As an Association we were able to continue to offer training days free of charge to
our members as well as a subsidised 24-hour residential which was appreciated by all who
attended. In October there was a one day event led by Roy Searle on the Life of the Preacher and
we have also benefited with input from Peter Grainger who lfacilitated a training programe for our
mentors. Alongside our Annual Conference this led to a very productive year. This is reflected in
our figures, some of which are considerably higher than would normally be the case.
As all funds received by the SBLPA are classed as income, including payments for the residential
and donations towards the work of Stephen Gaukroger and Clarion Trust our income reached a
new high of £4 537. Whilst Stephen was with us there were other meetings arranged for him and
Christian leaders from the area. Although these were of no cost to the SBLPA as they were not
SBLPA events, many of the funds and payments were processed by us as he was here at our
invitation and as our guest. Hence the increase in donations, contributions to us, corresponding
with an increase in gifts and conference fees from us.
As can be seen we finished last year with a slight deficit. Whilst this confirms that we are
continuing to put the funds received to good use, it was also decided on the back of last year’s
success to secure a similar deal with Gartmore House for another 24 hour residential this year. The
deposit for this has already been paid. Gartmore have continued to offer us a similar deal at £20
less per person than their normal fee. This means we can offer the 24hour residential at a large
country house, including all meals, at £60 per person. An excellent deal.
Financial Statement for April 2015
This is a quieter year than last year. With all subscriptions received and only minor costs incurred
so far the SBLPA has received £1 010 since the start of the year and spent £80. This leaves us with a
current balance of £ 1 642∙61. These figures will change once the finances for this year’s conference
are included.
LIONEL GIBBS
Treasurer
YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO
THE 2015 SBLPA RESIDENTIAL!
GARTMORE HOUSE, ABERFOYLE
Friday 11th September – Saturday 12th September
For the subsidised cost of just £60.00, the weekend includes a three-course
evening meal on arrival, qualitty en-suite accommodation, full
Scottish/Continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as your
residential pack and the experience of an awesome weekend in a stunning and
peaceful location in the Scottish Trossachs!
As an Association committed to being 'intentionally relational', and building on the
success of our 2014 residential, this is a perfect and exciting opportunity for us to
spend time together, just relaxing and encouraging each other.
To book your place, send a cheque made payable to the 'Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers'
Association, to Lionel Gibbs, Treasurer, 29b Borestone Crescent, Stirling, FK7 9BQ
'THE LIFE OF THE LAY PREACHER'
An inspiring and informative day workshop with Roy Searle,
Director of the Northumbria Community
SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2015
CHARLOTTE CHAPEL, EDINBURGH
Exploring Biblical principles and practical ways to sustain and enrich an
effective and Spirit-filled preaching ministry in the 21st century!
Produced by the Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association : May 2015