During the week beginning 13 May, the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland held its annual assembly meetings in Lisburn.
The 118 churches across the island work together in evangelism, church planting, mission, training, women’s and youth work. The assembly kicked off with ‘Association Sunday’, when churches are encouraged to engage in pulpit swaps and joint services.
The women’s event on the Monday evening celebrated 90 years of joint women’s work and heard news of evangelistic and training endeavours such as ‘Walk for Life’ and the women’s ministry course. Ann Benton opened God’s Word and encouraged all present to embrace the limitations that life can bring to us.
Outreach across Ireland
Irish Baptists have a collective interest in mission in Peru, France, Spain and Ireland. The missions night focused particularly on gospel outreach across Ireland. Three couples joining the mission department with the aim of seeing churches planted were introduced. David and Pamela Dickson are ministering in the Loyalist heartland of lower Shankill in Belfast. Len and Joyce Keys are connecting with the community through a coffee shop in Clogher, Co Tyrone, which acts as a springboard for many varied evangelistic events. Richard and Mandy McConnell, in partnership with Grosvenor Road Baptist Church in Dublin, are seeking to establish a new church plant in a gospel-needy area of South Dublin. Reports were also given of the ongoing church planting works in Youghal, Passage West and Kinsale, all in Co Cork and Bundoran, Co Donegal.
At the Irish Baptist College Graduation service on the Wednesday evening family and friends gathered to witness ten individuals graduating from the full-time undergraduate Preparation for Ministry course. Thirty others graduated from the various part-time courses the college offers and four men received awards for postgraduate study. Dr John Benton challenged the graduating students that, in order to lead the people of God in worship, the pastor must first, himself, be a sincere worshipper.
The Tuesday morning is reserved for a time for fellowship for those engaged in gospel ministry. Around 100 pastors and wives enjoyed fellowship over tea & tray bakes and were challenged by Dr John Benton to grow in resilience for gospel ministry.
This partnership of Baptist Churches gives praise to God for his faithfulness.
