Events 

Please note - with all events advertised below, whilst we are publicising them, the views and comments expressed are not necessarily approved by the Association - unless they have been organised specifically by the Association. 

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Everyone Everywhere Chats are a series of interactive Zoom calls for 18-30s and the first one will take place on 24th Nov, 8-9pm. This will be a space to learn from others on a similar journey, ask questions and be inspired in mission. We’ll hear from Savannah Bell about her journey and work as a Baptist pioneer minister. We’d love to see you there! You can sign up on this link: https://bit.ly/EEChatsNov25

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Small Church Connexion: Gifting Workshop

Saturday 7 February 2026, 9.45am-1pm
Union Church, Heathfield, TN21 8LB

This is a 3 hour workshop for the whole church, not just the leaders.

Ephesians 4 v7-12 declares that “Christ ... gave gifts to people ... to prepare God's people for works of service”.

Our observation across a large number of churches, is that many churches and their leaders are not sure of what their gifts are, nor what gifts they need locally to enable the body of Christ to be built up. The aim of the workshop is to build confidence in body ministry of the churches to help them in their mission.

The workshop is based on the 5 gifts from Ephesians 4 v11-12 (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd & Teacher) plus another two (Organiser and Helper). There is teaching, a simple questionnaire and some discussion in gifting groups.

To book your places £5 per person, (cash on the day) contact hilary.taylor2024@gmail.com 07986 7590034

Newly Accredited Ministers

Recognising our NAMS

What a privilege to have 9 ministers completing their time as NAMs in SEBA this year. Here's a few of the photos from the evening in West Bromwich:

Allie Moore, Findon Valley	Andy Eyre, formerly Eden Church	Rachel Watson, Milford
		Ministers presented at the  Baptist Assembly 2025
Simon Evans-White, Halton	Tom Fisk, Swalecliffe	Watch a video of those presented and their prayer requests here

 

 

 

Jobs and Vacancies 

Events Production Coordinator - Essential Christian Management (Uckfield)

Are you interested in sound, video or lighting?  Do you enjoy all things techie?

A brilliant opportunity has opened up for a competent AV technician to join the EC events team, providing technical support for events including Spring Harvest, and building client relationships as they seek to grow their portfolio.

For more information, check out their website.

Closing date for applications is 17 November 2025.

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Families' & Children's Worker (full-time) - Findon Valley Free Church (Baptist)

FVFC are looking to employ a full-time* Families' & Children's Worker; 40 hours per week (£26-28k, depending on experience and qualifications).  

FVFC are in the process of becoming a community Hub, and children’s and family work is a very important part of the vision for this outreach project. Pre-Covid, we had very little F & C work happening amongst families, it took place predominantly through our weekly Toddler group. More recently, this area has begun to develop across whole church life, with activities such as Sunday School, Messy Church, FVFC Kids Summer club, the Toddler Group ‘Open House’ and school liaison/assemblies. We are therefore looking for someone with a vision and heart to develop and build on our already established groups, but also someone who is not afraid to develop new ideas. Someone who is a committed Christian with a mature faith, dedicated, a self-starter who obviously can work within a structure but who has a vision for the church of the future.

Full details are available here.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter by email to administrator@fvfc.org.uk or by post to Richard Moore, Administrator, Findon Valley Free Church, 1-11 Lime Tree Ave, Findon Valley, Worthing, BN14 0DJ. 

*this post was previously advertised as a part-time role - but has been updated to full-time

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Vacancies to represent SEBA across the area

SEBA have some vacancies on groups that you may be interested in (see list below).

• Two SACRE vacancies - on the panels, who provide input into how Religious Education is taught and collective worship is undertaken in our schools - the vacancies are in LEA areas of Surrey and Medway - click here for the role description - and here for the terms of reference. If you would like more information about the role of a SACRE representative, our current East Sussex SACRE rep, Peter White, is more than happy to have a chat - if you would like his details, please contact Steph Tidy (admin@seba-baptist.org.uk) 
• up to two Trustee vacancies for the Kent Workplace Mission - the KWM work in Kent, Medway, Bromley & Bexley supporting people of faith, at work; developing chaplaincy ministries in workplaces and helping local Christian communities to actively engage with their local economic community.  For more information, go to their website kentworkplacemission.org

If you are interested in being involved in this way, please email Steph steph@seba-baptist.org.uk 

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If you would like to add a church-based or Christian charity vacancy to the monthly email please let me know steph@seba-baptist.org.uk

Please note, we cannot post vacancies for Church Minister positions, as these should go through your Regional Minister and the Settlement system.

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Resources and Information 

 

Fresh Streams Leadership Conference

12-14 January 2026
Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre, Staffordshire

Fresh Streams exists to equip, encourage, and connect leaders across the UK, providing a relational network that supports collaboration, spiritual growth, and mission. The annual Leadership Conference is the network’s flagship event and continues to grow in reach and influence each year.

Hosted by the Fresh Streams network, the three-day event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated gatherings for church leaders in the year ahead, with over 200 delegates already booked. This year’s theme, “Awaken” captures a growing hunger among leaders to encounter God afresh and to be renewed in vision, courage, and unity for the challenges of ministry today.

For more information & booking: https://freshstreams.net/events/awaken-leadership-conference-2026

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Youthscape Essentials

Youthscape Essentials provides all-round training for every volunteer youth leader. It’s also ideal for those who are new to youth ministry, those with no formal youthwork training or anyone returning after a gap.

The course covers 30 essential elements of youthwork, delivered across 10 sessions or in a way that works for your context. Each session is divided into three parts; providing ‘Insights’ into the lives of young people, learning ‘Practical Skills ’ to assist with youth work, and reflecting on love as the foundation for youth ministry, to 'develop character'. Whatever your role in youth ministry; whether paid or voluntary, Sunday morning bible studies or mid-week youth groups, regular baptism classes or occasionally helping out, then Youthscape Essentials is for you! 

The next available course dates are:

• 13 Jan 2026 (Tuesdays, 7.15pm-9.15pm (10 Sessions))
• 13 Apr 2026 (Mondays, 7.15pm-9.15pm (8 Sessions))

It’s also possible to host the course for those in your church or community. Just sign up to attend a Hosting Workshop on the YSE webpage to find out more.

Weblink: For further info, check out the FAQs on our webpage: www.youthscape.co.uk/yse 

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The College of Preachers 

 

Preaching the Christmas Story

Saturday 15 November 2025, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
The Christmas story is a familiar one. So much so, in fact, that it can be daunting to preach it. In this workshop, we will look at the Christmas readings from Luke's and John's Gospels, and consider how we can approach these from new angles and fresh perspectives in our preaching.  This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is the Director of Training for the College of Preachers and worked for over 10 years in theological education. She is also a priest in the Church of England, currently serving in a parish in the Diocese of Oxford. Booking closes 12 November.

Preaching the Women of the Gospels

Monday 17 November 2025, 18.30-21.00 | online via Zoom
The gospels feature a number of women and without their stories, the story of Jesus would be incomplete. So why don't we hear about them very often in sermons? This workshop will look at some of these women's stories, how we can preach about them, and why it matters that we do so. This workshop will be led by the Revd Liz Shercliff, tutor at Luther King Centre, Manchester. Ticket prices: general, £12; ministry student, £10. Booking closes 13 November 2025.

Preaching at Weddings

Monday, 12 January 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Jennifer Brown
This workshop will consider the Christian theology of marriage, what preachers hope to achieve through the sermons preached at weddings, biblical texts suitable for weddings, and how to craft a wedding sermon. This workshop is ideal for those starting out in their preaching ministry, and is also suitable for experienced preachers who want to refresh their preaching at weddings. The workshop will be led by the Revd Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is Rector-designate of the parish of Abingdon-on-Thames and former Director of Training for the College of Preachers. She is also an experienced theological educator.  Booking closes 8 January 2026

Preaching in Lent

Monday, 26 January 2026, 14.00-16.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: A.K.M. Adam
In this workshop, we'll explore some of the Lenten themes found in the gospels of Matthew and John, and the ways in which they point us through Lent, toward the resurrection, and how we can effectively communicate these in our preaching in the season of Lent. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr A.K.M. Adam. Dr Adam is a lecturer in New Testament at Oxford University and a Church of England parish priest in the Oxford Diocese. Booking closes 22 January 2026

Preaching Easter to Pentecost

Saturday, 7 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Martin Little
Easter is the great festival of the Christian Church - the heart of the good news of Jesus. But the story of Easter doesn't end at Easter. In this workshop, we will explore how to preach for the three festivals of Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, and will also look at the post-resurrection encounters that take us through the season of Eastertide. This workshop will be led by The Revd Martin Little, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry, Oxford. Martin has previously ministered in an area of significant social deprivation within Somerset where, together with The Revd Jo Stobart, he was part of the initiative Grass Roots Theology, bringing free open-access theology days to locations around Somerset. Booking closes 4 February 2026

Preaching with Power: How to Prepare & Deliver Effective Sermons

Thursday, 12 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Samuel Thomas
Powerful preaching enables us to reach hearts and minds, to challenge, to comfort, and to present the good news of Jesus in a persuasive way. A powerful sermon requires careful preparation, clear structure, and effective delivery. This workshop will look at how we as preachers can prepare and deliver sermons that enable us to preach with power. In our preparation and delivery, Holy Spirit is present with us. The Revd Samuel A Thomas, MTh, FRSA is an ordained bishop and pastor in the New Testament Church of God (UK) Pentecostal denomination, with over 30 years preaching experience. Booking closes 9 February 2026

Preaching with the Lectionary

Thursday, 12 March 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Stephen Wright
For preachers in those denominations that use the lectionary, it can be a powerful tool. But the lectionary can also sometimes feel restrictive. This workshop will look at how we can best use the lectionary to create meaningful sermons that bring the scriptures to life for our congregations today. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Stephen Wright. Prior to his retirement, Stephen was Vice-Principal of Spurgeon's College. He is an experienced tutor in biblical studies and practical theology. He was formerly Director of the College of Preachers, and has authored several books on preaching. Booking closes 9 March 2026

Preaching and Poetry

Monday 16 March 2026, 10.30–13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Michael Hopkins
Poetry has always been part of God’s way of speaking: woven through the psalms, the prophets, and even the words of Jesus himself. Yet in our preaching, poetry can often be overlooked or flattened into prose. This workshop will explore how poetry can deepen our preaching: by sharpening imagery, stirring the imagination, and helping us proclaim God’s truth in ways that touch both heart and mind. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Michael Hopkins. Michael is an ordained minister in the United Reformed Church with more than 25 years' preaching experience. He currently serves as Moderator of the URC's Wessex Synod, and has previously served and Clerk of the URC General Assembly. Booking closes 12 March 2026

How to Use Humour in Preaching

Monday, 23 March 2026, 10.30-12.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Paul Kerensa
You may already use humour in your preaching. You may have run a mile from it. You may know what style of humour works for you. You may have no idea. Let’s look at some ideas for writing comedy and using it in your storytelling - as we bring the greatest story ever told to fresh ears. Come ready to write and get creative - and bring some jokes or tales if you like… but no pressure! This workshop will be led by Paul Kerensa. Paul is a writer, comedian and broadcaster, working in TV, radio, print and the stage. Paul has been on the writing team for numerous BBC sitcoms and other programmes. His books include So a Comedian Walks Into a Church (DLT), Hark! The Biography of Christmas (Lion), and a range of children’s books, including the new Fantastically Faithful series (SPCK). Booking closes 19 March 2026

Preaching to the Non-Religious

Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 18.30-20.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Gus Tanner-Ihm
All preachers will have moments when their congregations will include those who are non-religious. How can we preach in ways that will speak to them and communicate the gospel effectively? In this workshop, we will explore this question, looking at language and style of preaching and how we can reach the non-religious with an invitation to hear and respond to the Good News. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Gus Tanner-Ihm. Gus is a Church of England priest in the Diocese of Manchester. He is actively engaged in racial justice initiatives and efforts to help the Church grow younger by fostering greater engagement with children, youth, and young adults. In addition to his parish ministry, Gus is also a theological educator. Booking closes 10 April 2026

Lessons for the Preacher to Learn from Jack Reacher

Monday, 27 April 2026, 14.00-16.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Laurence Twaddle
We, as preachers, have a lot to learn from the discipline of keeping our content and presentation tight, stripped of padding, focused on the idea. The Jack Reacher style of communication has pace, vividness, and engagement while avoiding jargon, showmanship and ego. In this workshop, we will explore how we, as preachers, can learn to harness this style of communication to convey the great truths of the Gospel. This workshop will be led by Laurence Twaddle. Now retired, Laurence was for many years a Church of Scotland minister whose ministry covered parishes in town and countryside and latterly eight years in Geneva. In the course of his ministry, he supervised several new ministers in training. He is a regular contributor to The Preacher magazine. Booking closes 23 April 2026

Further details, including pricing, and booking links for workshops and the conference can be found on the College of Preachers’ website, www.collegeofpreachers.co.uk/events.

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Baptists Together

 

Baptist Assembly 2026 United in Mission: Gathering and Sharing

Harrogate Convention Centre
15-17 May 2026

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