How we can help
Our primary goal is to encourage and equip our member churches as they pursue their own distinct vision and calling to the local communities in which they’re based - we aim to do this in a number of different ways.
Regional Ministry
Revd Joth Hunt (Team Leader), Revd Paul Kerley & Revd Andy Twilley are our Regional Ministers.
Together Joth, Paul & Andy offer pastoral care to all Baptist ministers living and working in the region whether they are working in a Baptist church, pioneering situation, training for the ministry or working in other sectors (e.g. as chaplains, or for other organisations or have retired from active ministry).
They are always willing to speak at member churches across the region especially when the minister is not available and for special services such as church anniversaries. They usually lead induction and ordination services, representing the wider Baptist family. They are also happy speak on Baptist Home Mission, give updates on the work of the Association and to be involved in weekends away and other retreats or study/teaching activities.
Generally, they split the responsibility for the pastoral support of churches [in the Association] between the three of them, but there is always flexibility. Ministerial settlement placements are covered by all of them (in the geographical areas they are responsible for - see ); our Partners in Mission equipping programme is run by Andy and Joth; and Paul is responsible for ministerial recognition and training.
Another key area of their work is supporting churches facing challenges where they need some additional help or where there is a dispute between a minister and their church. Where a church is unsure of the way forward, particularly where there is a potential financial, legal or employment issue at stake we would always encourage contacting your Regional Minister sooner rather than later as the earlier they can be involved the more likely it is that the situation can be dealt without getting out of control. Joth, Paul and Andy are always ready to offer advice and guidance to Ministers, Church Leaders, Elders and Deacons over the phone, Zoom or a personal visit.
Support for Treasurers
If you have recently been appointed as a Treasurer and have not carried out the role before it can be quite daunting. We have created these pages in the hope that they will give you some idea of where to start and who to contact for further information.
Help, I'm a church Treasurer!
Partners in Mission
We work in partnership with churches to inspire and equip God's people for His mission. This is a new initiative so please contact one of our Regional Ministers for more information.
Assistance with safeguarding issues
We provide a lot of information on Safeguarding and DBS checks on the
safeguarding pages of our website and there is a lot more available on the
Baptist Union website.
Jo Hayes is our regional Safeguarding Lead - her role is to assist churches with any safeguarding issues that they are uncertain as to how to deal with. Like Joth and Paul, Jo is always happy to offer advice and would much rather be involved at the early stage of any developing situation rather than be called in once it has already got out of hand.