Catriona Gorton: Reflections on Time in BUS
At the end of August Catriona Gorton left her role as Minister of Hillhead Baptist Church to begin a new ministry down south. This is a bivocational role in which she serves half time as Tutor for Ministerial Formation at Northern Baptist College and half time as...
The Liturgy Collective// Our Next Gathering: ‘Waiting & Longing’
Background Over a year ago some of us sensed the need to give more care to the craft of worship and the souls of those who lead. Our sense then was that encouragement and skill could increase among those who give out a lot if we simply found sacred space to seek...
‘From Small Acorns’, by Glen Cartwright
FROM SMALL ACORNS Fifty years ago in a small Sunday School class in Carluke Baptist Church, a man called Ian planted a seed. Ian was my Sunday School teacher. The seed he faithfully planted, like a small acorn, took root and began to grow. Fast forward fifty years,...
First Church Planting Program Launched!
'Through the pouring rain, we gathered in Inchinnan, just outside Glasgow, from around the country to begin a year-long journey of learning about Church Planting. Our first Baptist Union of Scotland cohort to join our training partnership with Forge Scotland...
Increase Gatherings: from a mustard seed…
Well almost from the furthest south to the furthest north, & from west to east in one month - gathering together across our churches to worship & pray together remembering that though the seeds we are planting in prayer may feel as small as a mustard seed - in...
The September Mental Load: how is yours?
The September heatwave seems to have passed, maybe officially leaving summer behind, and I have noticed the phrase 'September Mental Load' being mentioned over coffees, and explored on social media. As courses begin, church clubs start up again, volunteers re-shuffle,...
The Unquenchable Fire; a new book by Rev John Greenshields
The Unquenchable Fire, by Rev John Greenshields Many of you will know John from his time in ministry and in his role here at BUS before retiring, and we are pleased to share that he has recently published a third devotional book, drawing on the writings of Dr. Luke. ...
Paul Beautyman’s new role leading SBC Youth and Community course
Graham Meiklejohn from the Scottish Baptist College has an insightful chat with Paul Beautyman, before the launch of the new Youth and Community course... "In September 2023 the Scottish Baptist College is launching a new stream in our degree programme specialising in...
Asking Better Questions of the Bible
Asking Better Questions of the Bible: Bible Day Conference by Andrew Clarke Exploring the Bible together as communities of believers lies at the very heart of our identity as Baptists. It is embedded in our historic, Scottish Declaration of Principle. The more I...
‘God is Moving in Scotland’, YWAM & Hamilton Baptist
Nine years ago Meghan Gregory from Hamilton Baptist trained and began working with YWAM Orlando, and at the beginning of 2023 she returned to Glasgow leading a team of young people age 17-30 on a two month missions trip, to serve local Baptist churches and surrounding...
‘Conversations by the Sea’; Book Launch by Andrew Rollinson
Connect Interview: ‘Conversations by the Sea. Reflections on Discipleship, Ministry and Mission’ by Andrew Rollinson Andrew, Congratulations on the publishing of your new book! The title is already calling me to head to the beach for a hot cuppa and a blanket to...
Relationships, Sexuality & the Scottish Curriculum
Young people receive all kinds of information and messages regarding relationships, sexuality, gender and health, and one of the controversial discussions spotlighted in the media recently is around what is being taught in schools. Steve McLeister, who is an elder at...
Refresh and Retreat: Reflections
In March the BUS hosted our first Refresh and Retreat opportunity for ministers and those working for church leadership teams, at Airth Castle Hotel. This was a significant time to gather as leaders and Jonathan, Dawn and Josh share their reflections of their...
SBLPA Annual Conference Invite, with Andy Bannister
The Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers' Association is made up of a network of ordinary Christian men and women who are members of Scottish Baptist churches across our nation, who have been called by God to preach His Word. The Association exists to provide mentoring,...
Church Planting Taster Course
Have you been wondering what all this talk about church planting is? Perhaps you have a wee inkling toward church planting and want to think about it more? Has God stirred you about church planting, but you don’t know what the next steps should be? Is your church...
Menopause Masterclasses at Stirling Baptist
In Scotland, approx 400,000 women are of menopausal age and most women will experience menopausal symptoms in a variety of ways. For some, these may be severe and have a large impact on their lives; these symptoms can include memory loss, insomnia, anxiety,...