The BNA Consultation February 2017

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BAPTIST?

1.1 What uniquely defines us? Some 44% of respondents state that Baptist Principles is what defines us. The next biggest response is that our commitment to the Word of God is our distinctive. 44%

1.2 What keeps us together? (44%) (32%)

1.3 What could cause the BU to break-up? As to potential causes of a break-up the Union, attention turns to theological differences.

1.5.2 If you feel the Baptist Union could be more unified, what would have to happen to cause that?

1.7 There is still a need for a Baptist Union in South Africa … And to back this all up, we have enormous residual goodwill. There is near unanimous agreement that we do need a Baptist Union, just a better one! 90% Wow!

1.7.1 Why do we still need a Baptist Union? And the reason is we are convinced of the benefit of working together.

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO THE BAPTIST UNION?

2.1 What is the most valuable benefit to your church of belonging to the Baptist Union?

Four dominant benefits to pastors, of membership of the Baptist Union. 2.2 What is the most valuable benefit to you, personally, of your church belonging to the Baptist Union? Four dominant benefits to pastors, of membership of the Baptist Union.

2.5 Do you agree that the BU is evidencing breaks along theological lines? The concern about serious theological division within the Baptist Union is widespread. 73%

2.9 Are you considering withdrawing from the Baptist Union?

2.10 If you were considering withdrawing from the Baptist Union, what would be your main reasons? The main reason is a perception of unacceptable theological compromise.

3. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BAPTIST UNION?

3.1 Is it realistic to expect Baptist pastors to work together on ministries beyond their local churches? There is an almost universal understanding (over 94%) that a Pastor should not limit his ministry just to one local church, but should be involved in collaborative service at a broader level. This is compelling.

3.1.1 If so, what types of ministries? The focus of this collaboration should be on Missions, Evangelism and Church planting, together with training, conferences and help for churches in need

3.1.2 Are “Pastors working together” at the moment? While there is a fair amount of experience in this regard, nearly two thirds are not really involved.

3.2 Do you attend a BNA Pastors’ Fraternal? While over 60% of pastors attend BNA fraternals, nearly 1 in 3 do not.

3.6 Is it realistic to expect churches to team up with other churches? There is also substantial agreement that churches should work together, not just pastors.

3.6.2 Are churches working together at the moment? This intention is not a full reality yet, with over 70% of churches never or only occasionally doing it.

3.8 What are your greatest fears or concerns of belonging to the BU? The biggest concern is that a liberal theology may prevail and that we may neglect the Scriptures.

3.16 Do you see the BNA as the Baptist Union in your region? By and large the BNA is regarded as the local manifestation of the Baptist Union, although some have resistance to the idea.

4. BAPTIST UNION THEOLOGICAL TRAINING

4.1 Do you agree that our Baptist Seminaries should not only train Baptist Pastors but also take in other students who will not go into a Baptist pastorate? Nearly 80% agree that our Colleges should remain open to any student, not just those intending to become Baptist Pastors.

4.2 Do you agree that graduates from our Baptist Seminaries are adequately equipped for the pastorate? But only half the pastors (58%) can agree that students are adequately trained.

4.3 What are the most important things our Baptist Seminaries should be teaching students intending to go into pastoral ministry? While a good theological education is a pre-requisite, a range of practical skills are also required.

6. IS THE BAPTIST UNION STRUGGLING WITH RACIAL AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION?

6.1 How diverse is the congregation in your church? The majority of congregations are racially diverse, to a degree.

Diverse leadership is taking a little longer to achieve 6.3 Does your church leadership reflect the racial diversity of the congregation? Diverse leadership is taking a little longer to achieve

7. SOME STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DELEGATES TO THE CONSULTATION

7.5 Would you say that your ministry tends to any of the following?

Next Steps

Next Steps There are a number of development opportunities for the BNA: Transitional Leadership Promote distinct Baptist Identity Encourage Inter-Pastoral Relationships Deliver Pastoral Support and Care Deliver benefits to Pastors and Churches Build financial support Create superb administration

Transitional Leadership Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association The New Full Time, Permanent Executive President (as recommended by the Working Group) will have the responsibility to develop a vision for the Baptist Union and to lead us to it, providing strong Scriptural challenge and guidance. Initially the elected BNA President will provide leadership as we move to appoint networks of pastors to take responsibility for multi-church missions, evangelism, church planting, as well as delivery of training.

Baptist Identity Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association Develop appropriate material to teach Baptist Principles and their practical application in church life, showing how they work together to create a distinctive positioning. Arrange a Pastor’s Workshop to review and discuss the material and to recommit to follow these principles. Request Pastors to teach this material to their churches and incorporate it into new member classes. Promote the practice of Baptist Principles by all churches.

Inter-Pastoral Relationships Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association Expand and deepen inter-pastoral relationships, especially across theological boundaries, to promote love and unity.

Pastoral Support and Care Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association The Working Group recommends the appointment of a Pastoral Care Developer. The Pastoral Support Committee has adopted a Blue Print for an exciting system of Pastoral Support, Care and Development. Become the Central and Northern Hub for delivery of the Baptist Union Pastoral Support Program throughout the BNA.

Create Networks of Churches for effective delivery of services to Pastors and Churches Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association The Working Group recommends the appointment of a Network Developer. The purpose of this role is to come alongside churches in each region to stimulate collaboration and mechanisms for church-to-church support. Initiate and participate in the development of networks of passionate pastors to deliver outstanding missions, evangelistic, church planting and training initiatives in the Central and Northern Regions.

Build Funding Partnerships Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association Help local churches to build responsible giving practices. Work alongside each church to establish a commitment to contribute to the Baptist Union to fund Pastor and Church support programs. Encourage every church to accept the challenge of increasing that giving every year.

Superb Administration Baptist Union Baptist Northern Association Install software for effective and simplified administration with online links to churches. Establish simple yet effective technology-enabled systems of administration to ensure everything works very well!

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