One way that churches can encourage and resource one another is by enabling some of their Church Members to use their gifts and skills to serve the wider church through the Association Structures. Now, the four members of staff could run the Association on their own, but they wouldn’t make a very good job of it! The Association is much more effective when lots of other people are involved – and it is important that we see people from many different EMBA churches serving the wider Baptist family in this way.
WITHIN THE EAST MIDLANDS
Board of Directors
This is the group of people who oversee the work of the Association and its staff. Three of the members are ex-officio – the Regional Ministers and the Treasurer – and there are then 12 places for people elected by the churches. On a regular basis we will be looking for new people for this group which meets during the day about 6 times a year. Prior to any election, nomination forms will be sent to Church Secretaries.
Trust Company Trustees
These people are appointed by the Directors and we would be glad to hear from anyone who has some interest and/or expertise in legal matters who might be prepared to join the Board. The Trustees meet during the day three times a year.
Ministry Development Group
Ten members of this group are nominated by the churches and nomination forms will be sent to Church Secretaries at the appropriate time. The main functions of the group are to interview potential candidates for ministry and to interview ‘newly accredited ministers’ at the end of their probationary period. The group meets mainly during the day, as need arises. This will probably be about 3 or 4 times a year.
Association Days Planning Group
This is the group which has the responsibility for the organisation and content of our three Association Days each year. We are always on the look-out for new members! If you would like to be involved – particularly if you have a specific skill which could be useful to us, then let us know.
WIDER STILL
The EMBA is entitled to representation on two national Baptist groups and, in each case, we will need people to be nominated for these.
Baptist Union Council
We are entitled to 9 representatives – 6 of whom need to be nominated by the churches. These should be people who are interested in Baptist life beyond their own church. Costs are met by the Union and the Association. The other three places are taken by the Regional Ministers and the Administrator. BU Council meets twice a year, in March and November, for 2 or 3 week-days each time, at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. BU Council is the Union ’s decision-making body that acts between Assemblies and deals with a variety of issues relating to national Baptist life. Representatives are elected for a three year period and nominations forms sent to churches whenever new representatives are needed.
BMS World Mission Council of Reference
We are entitled to 3 representatives – all of whom need to be nominated by the churches. These should be people who have a vision for world mission and a commitment to the work of BMS World Mission. It is also helpful if they are able to make use of their involvement by promoting the work of BMS in their area.This council meets for one day twice a year to look at the work of BMS World Mission. It provides advice and guidance to the Board on matters of policy as well as receiving up-to-date reports on work around the world. Travel costs are reimbursed by BMS.
Representatives are elected for a three year period and nominations forms sent to churches whenever new representatives are needed.
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