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120 TOG ETHER

ASSOCIATION OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN ABC 120 A4 AW v9:Layout 1 31/03/2015 17:07 Page 2

ASSOCIATION OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN IRELAND

FURTHER READING Baptist in 19th Century Ireland – D P Kingdon The Review of Particular Baptist Life in Ireland 1780-1840 – Dr C Gribben We Irish Baptists – L E Deens Century of Grace – Dr J Thompson Celebrating 100 Years, Home Mission Centenary The Past and Future of Baptists in Ireland – Hugh D. Brown

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I THANK MY GOD EVERY TIME I REMEMBER YOU … BECAUSE OF YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL FROM THE FIRST DAY UNTIL NOW. PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5

INTRODUCTION n the year 2015 the Association of Baptist It is evident that the churches that comprise This booklet tells the story of the Association, IChurches in Ireland (formerly Baptist the Association are very different in style, the factors leading to growth, its distinctive Union of Ireland until 2000) will have been approach, custom and practice. They do ethos and a look at what the future might in existence for 120 years. At the first annual not, however, differ in terms of core beliefs. hold. We pray that you will experience a assembly of the Union in 1895, 29 churches A collective commitment to the Doctrinal sense of thankfulness, encouragement and were recorded as being in membership. The Statement, centring on the authority of joy in seeing how God has been working out number of churches in the Association now Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ His purposes through Irish Baptists and, in stands at 118. highlights that the churches hold the turn, this will lead to a renewed resolve and essentials in common. Indeed, the shared commitment to working together as an vision of the Association is “evangelisation Association of Churches. and the establishing of churches, training for ministry, promotion of fellowship and maintaining spiritual unity”. This doctrinal stance and shared vision, along with the blessing of God, has enabled the churches of the Association to carry on a fruitful and faithful ministry together for 120 years.

CONTRIBUTORS Derek Baxter, Agnes Borland, Trevor Brock, William Colville, Edwin Ewart, David Luke, Dave Ramsey

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1:BORN TOGETHER

t is not possible to identify a date when By 1821, seven , many For 50 years, the BIS sent able ministers to IBaptist ideas first emerged in Ireland but Scripture-readers and school teachers (male and the neediest areas of Connaught and there is ample evidence that we have been female) were working in Ireland, mainly in the Munster. Their dedication to preaching the around since the middle of the seventeenth province of Connaught. One of the objects of the gospel, Scripture education, church-planting century, with early records showing churches Baptist Irish Society was to help with the and famine-relief is a thrilling story which established in Cork (1640), (1642) and education of the many neglected Irish children. underlines the fact that innovative Waterford (1650). They proceeded to set up schools in mostly rented evangelism and church-planting has been or borrowed premises around the country. Those part of Baptist spiritual DNA from the Fast forward 150 years to 1812, and we meet attending were instructed in reading and writing beginning. By 1846, we find that an nine young men from Dublin who share a burden and received teaching from the Scriptures. In the astonishing number of churches (38) had to preach the Gospel to people within a 30 mile 1823 Annual Report of the Society it was been formed. The evidence is clear - Baptists radius of the city. In less than a year the gospel recorded that 8,000 children, plus male and in Ireland founded churches at the rate of had touched towns and villages as far as female adults, were attending nearly 100 day almost one every year in the first half of the Drogheda and there were many conversions. In and evening classes. Reports in 1832 spoke nineteenth century. By 1848, there were 45 a letter to the Baptist Society (BMS) about the ‘triumphs of the Bible distribution churches listed – 20 of them in, what is now in England they said ‘we have much cause to work in Ireland’. known as, . rejoice that God has blessed our efforts in the conversion of at least 70 souls, some of whom had never heard a gospel sermon before.’ A successful appeal for help was made to the BMS and this led to the establishment of the Baptist Irish Society (BIS) in 1814 and the appointment of its first itinerant evangelist.

TIMELINE A feature of the 18th century was that Baptist Irish Society formed in London in 1814. pastors going to a church to take up Acts of Union Church planting became a prominent part of Coleraine ministry supplied a statement of belief, establish the the work – seven new churches established – First Association – Baptist Church – an account of their spiritual experience Moate (1814), Thurles (1815), Ferbane (1816), Cork Baptist nine churches, first in NI still in and an affirmation that they accepted of Great Britain Newry (1817), Kilcooley Hills (1817), Abbeyleix Irish Baptist Church six pastors existence the call offered by the church and Ireland (1822) and Easkey (1823) Association lapsed 1640 1725 1795 1799 1801 1814 1821

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“… INNOVATIVE EVANGELISM HAS BEEN PART OF BAPTIST SPIRITUAL DNA FROM THE BEGINNING.”

Tragically, the ‘Great Famine’ of 1845-49 In 1888, after a meeting of leaders from took its toll on Irish Baptists. It is estimated Ireland and England, it was decided the time that numbers were depleted by more than had come to hand over control of the work in 3,000 both through death and emigration. Ireland to Irish Baptists and so the Irish As a result, quite a number of churches Baptist Home Mission was born to take on a disappeared in the south and west of whole range of activities, personnel and Ireland. This, coupled with the influence of commitments. That God blessed their the 1859 revival, ultimately led to the evangelism is seen in the fact that in 1865 balance of Baptist work shifting from the records show that there were 809 members south to the north. in Baptist Churches and by 1901 there were 2,684 members. During the period from 1857–1864 resources were concentrated on centres of population - By the time the Baptist Union of Ireland (now the view being that the only worthwhile the Association of Baptist Churches in strategy for the changing times was to Ireland) was formed in 1895, Irish Baptists establish some well supported churches in had come through many peaks and troughs. larger cities and towns. As a result, the BIS In fact, there were times when viewed from a helped the churches in , Tobermore, human perspective it looked like they would Coleraine, Ballymena, Banbridge, Portadown, be wiped out but God sustained and enabled Tandragee and Carrickfergus. The plan was evangelising and church planting for over simple with each church becoming a centre 240 years. The Association was born out of from which the gospel was preached to the mission and is characterised by a remarkable surrounding areas. Over a period of time, an urge not only to survive but also to work impressive network of out-stations was together in preaching the gospel and created, supplemented by tent missions, planting new churches. open-air preaching and the distribution of the Scriptures and Gospel literature.

Baptist Irish Formation of the Irish Louis Deens born in Society involved in The Potato Famine First Baptist Baptist Home Mission Athlone. He ‘graced the educational work led to mass church in Belfast – (IBHM) – beginnings of ministry of the Irish Baptist 10,000 pupils in starvation and Great Victoria Irish Baptist formalised independent churches for the better part 91 schools emigration Street 1859 Revival Association revived Baptist work in Ireland of the twentieth century’ 1832 1845 -1849 1847 1859 1862 1888 1889

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2: GROWING TOGETHER

he mission-mindedness that gave birth In 1947, ‘caravangelism’, the brainchild of Frank OVERSEAS GROWTH to the Association continued throughout Forbes (Secretary, BUOI), was launched. Throughout Significant progress and growth took place in Tthe 20th century with evangelism as the the 1950s the caravan toured monthly fairs and areas outside Ireland as a result of Irish Baptists driving force of Association life. Wherever markets in Tyrone and Fermanagh. In the south and working together. Work in the high sierra of Peru churches were planted they became centres for west of Ireland team evangelism was used. In the among the Aymara Indians during the 40s and evangelistic activity. The churches took their duty 50s and 60s the Home Mission sought and 50s resulted in the establishment of over 100 to evangelise most seriously through sustained employed men, gifted and trained for evangelism churches, most of which are still in existence gospel missions, open air preaching and the in a Catholic environment. From open-air preaching today. The emphasis of the work in Peru shifted distribution of Scripture. in Dublin to cottage meetings in Avoca and on to during the 80s to the shanty towns of the markets and fairs in the towns and villages of Moquegua, Tacna and Ilo, where vibrant church INNOVATIVE METHODS Cavan, Longford, Roscommon and Galway, the work planting work continues. Ministry in Throughout the century one set of progressed. Imaginative and innovative means during the 80s through the Marne Le Valle ground-breaking, cutting-edge initiatives continued to be used as well as the traditional. For project was instrumental in establishing over in evangelism followed another. To example, to present the gospel to military personnel 10 churches on the outskirts of Paris. contemporary readers many of these methods in Athlone evening ‘Soirées’ were held. On one may now appear common place or even occasion ‘120 men sat down to a soldier’s tea and outdated but at the time they were risky and a did justice to it!’ The goal of evangelism was always product of thinking ‘outside the box’. Tent church-planting. Christians need teaching and evangelism continued in such places as Crossgar, fellowship. Many of today’s churches started life as Killyleagh, Dromore, Dunseverick, Claudy, a result of Home Mission evangelism - Ballymena, Kilrea, Tobermore, Knockconny, Mountpottinger, Shankill, Lurgan, Londonderry and Mullycar, Coagh and Limewood Park, Belfast. through the 50s and 60s, Cookstown, Grace (Dublin), Stonepark and Enniskillen, to name a few.

Irish Baptist (IBC) The Baptist Union of Ireland is established in Dublin by formed with 29 member World War 1 commences. Hugh D. Brown with an churches. They decide not to Baptist Corporation; Forty-five young men from intake of five students. affiliate with the Baptist Union Annuity Fund, Loan Harcourt Street Church, Dublin Ambrose U. G. Bury of Great Britain. John D. Gilmore and Building Fund Sunday School join the Forces. The church’s appointed . appointed as General Secretary. formed Union founded organist is killed in service. 1892 1895 1902 1913 1914

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RECENT TIMES Lee Valley (Ballincollig), Westside (Bandon) Throughout the 1980s growth continued in and Killarney have also become part of the the north with a church-planting team being project and joined the Association. formed under the leadership of Pastor Jim Henry. An astute strategy was developed to Partnership with , local plant churches in the satellite towns growing churches and like-minded mission groups up around Belfast and in other areas. The in other areas of the Republic has resulted churches in Saintfield, Moira, Crumlin and in churches being formed in Athlone, Ballymoney were formed as a result. Balbriggan, Ballycullen, Carrickmacross , However, there was a subtle shift in some of Cavan, Galway, Nenagh, Tralee and Trim. this growth. Our gospel witness also attracted believers from other church groups Key to the work of the gospel has been with less than clear evangelical convictions. strong local churches reaching out to their In the , with the advent own communities. It is this evangelistic of the Second Vatican Council, a new day impulse – the burning desire to make Christ began to dawn which was to have an known - that has, with God’s blessing, unforeseen impact. By the 1990s this new resulted in the growth of the Association of openness was more than apparent as a Baptist Churches in Ireland and it is this door opened for the gospel right across impulse that continues to be so urgently Ireland. As a result of a joint venture needed today. between Baptist Missions and the Cork Church, churches in Carrigaline, Midleton and Douglas were formed and the Cork-Kerry project was born. The work of the project has seen the founding of churches in Youghal and Kinsale. Churches formed in I WILL KNOW THAT YOU STAND FIRM IN THE ONE SPIRIT, STRIVING TOGETHER AS ONE FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL. PHILIPPIANS 1:27

T. Harold Spurgeon Estimated that The Government of Northern Baptist Irish Baptist appointed IBC Orphan Society there were 1,000 Ireland Act results in Corporation Foreign Mission Principal. established World War 1 ends Baptists in Belfast Partition of Ireland established (IBFM) formed 1916 1917 1918 1920 1921 1924 1924/25

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CHURCHES TOGETHER THE FOLLOWING FOUR MAPS HIGHLIGHT CHURCHES WHICH CAME INTO EXISTENCE

1640 –1894 1895 –1934

BELFAST CHURCHES 5 28 41 30 44 18 29 47 11 32 48 43 8 7 33 52 12 46 16 34 53 39 35 10 36 49 15 37 54 40 4 19 23 45 6 24 22 42 31 50 27 13 9 38 25 14 20 51 55

21 2 17

26

3

1

1 Cork 1640 14 Derryneil 186 4–1964 26 Limerick 1895 41 Monkstown 1924 2 Grosvenor Road 1642 15 Lisnagleer 1866 27 Ballykeel 1896 42 Portadown 1924 3 Waterford 1650 16 Antrim Road 1867 28 Milltown 1896 43 Kilrea 1925 4 Mullycar 174 0–1966 17 *Brannockstown 1870 29 Shankill 1896 44 Limavady 1926 5 Coleraine 1795 18 Clough 1872 –1993 30 Londonderry 1897 45 1926 6 Knockconny 1807 19 Dungannon 1884 31 Lurgan 1899 46 Magherafelt 1926 7 Grange 1811 20 Newry 1889 32 Cliftonpark Ave. 1901 47 Strandtown 1926 8 Tobermore 1814 21 Jamestown Road 1891 33 Bloomfield 1903 –2014 48 Haypark Ave. 192 6–2007 9 *Banbridge 1845 22 Killyleagh 1891 34 East End 1904 49 Coagh 1928 10 Great Victoria St. 1847 23 Mountpottinger 1891 35 Hamilton Road 1908 50 Dromore 1928 11 Ballymena, Hill St. 1859 24 Gortmerron 1894 36 Omagh 1908 51 Warrenpoint 1929 12 Carrickfergus 1862 25 Poyntzpass 1894 37 Grove 1915 52 Church Street East 193 0–1978 13 Tandragee 1864 38 Armagh 1917 53 Windsor 1931 39 Carndaisy 1923 54 Glengormley 1932 40 Newtownards 1923 55 Kilkeel 1933

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193 5–1974 1975 –2015

86 BELFAST CHURCHES 60 56 BELFAST CHURCHES 59 70 93 107 99 61 72 95 92 63 73 66 96 79 94 104 65 82 64 90 115 83 75 111 68 85 74 102 116 97 112 62 110 89 58 77 87 108 126 69 84 109 103 106 78 67 57 76 88 81 71

114 121 105

130 118 98 80 123 127 124

128

91

119 120 125 122 113 117 100 129 101

56 Dunseverick 1935 72 Ballygomartin 1962 88 Sligo 1975 110 Lambeg 1989 –2013 57 Ballynahinch 1939 73 Castlereagh 1964 89 Millisle 1976 111 Clady Water 1990 58 Carryduff 1939 74 Holywood 1964 90 Sion Mills 1976 112 Donaghadee 1991 59 Orangefield 1939 75 Bethany 1965 91 Thurles 1976 113 Midleton 1992 60 Portstewart 1944 76 Downpatrick 1965 92 Glenarm 1977 114 Cavan 1993 61 Rathcoole 1951 77 Comber 1966 93 Calvary 1978 115 Greenisland 1996 62 Cookstown 1952 78 Enniskillen 1966 94 Dunamanagh 1978 116 Crumlin 1997 63 Dundonald 1953 79 Bellaghy 1967 95 Letterkenny 1978 117 Lee Valley 1997 64 *Ballyclare 1953 80 Grace Bible Fellowship 1968 96 Lanntara 198 1–2011 118 Balbriggan 1998 65 Newtownbreda 1954 81 Rathfriland 1968 97 Ballycrochan 1983 119 Tralee 1999 66 Larne 1955 82 *Bethel 1968 98 Swords 1985 120 Killarney 1999 67 Stonepark 1956 83 Antrim 1970 99 Ballymoney 1986 121 Carrickmacross 2005 68 Finaghy 1958 84 Carr 1972 100 Westside 1986 122 Douglas 2005 69 Killicomaine 1958 85 Grace (Tullycarnet) 1972 101 Carrigaline 1987 123 Athlone 2007 70 Gilnahirk 1959 86 Portrush 1973 102 Castlederg 1987 124 Ballycullen 2007 71 Newcastle 1959 87 Central Craigavon 1974 103 Moira 1987 125 Youghal 2010 104 Whitehead 1987 126 Kircubbin 2013 105 Dundalk 1988 127 Galway 2014 106 Saintfield 1988 128 Nenagh 2014 107 Cregagh 1989 129 Kinsale 2015 108 Emmanuel 1989 130 Living Hope, Trim 2015 109 Mullaghmeen 1989

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3:DISTINCTIVELY TOGETHER

he matter of what Christians should 2. BAPTIST PRINCIPLES AND DOCTRINES ARE 3. Our estimation of the ministry – Baptists Tbelieve and practice is readily answered MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER hold tenaciously to the notion of the priesthood by Baptists through appeal to the Most prominent among these are: of all believers. This does not mean that we Scriptures. In common with many believers of reject the importance of order and office in the other traditions, we maintain that the Bible (not 1. Our doctrine of the church – in contrast to local church since we wholeheartedly endorse church or reason) is the final authority in all nominal, formal and sacramental religion, the roles of pastor/teacher, elder and deacon. matters of faith and conduct. On this basis the Baptists stand for a regenerate church However, we reject any idea of a priestly order following claims may be made: membership of people born again by the Holy arguing instead that all believers are priests in Spirit. Members of Baptist churches are, first of the service of God, exercising the right of private 1. THE NAME ‘BAPTIST’ IS MORE all, those who have exercised repentance and faith judgment in matters of belief and practice. APPROPRIATE THAN EVER into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In There is a popular argument nowadays that an age of theological confusion this principle seeks 4. Our view of church government – Baptists denominational labels ought to be dropped in to safeguard the purity of the local church. stand for the autonomy and authority of the local favour of something much less ‘threatening’. church. Local churches in the New Testament However, it is clear that we all have to call 2. Our view of baptism – the baptism for which were not subject to external authority but were ourselves something – ‘Christian’, ‘evangelical’, we contend is not that of adults but of believers. self-governing, meeting independently under ‘born again believer’ and so on. The name Baptists refuse baptism to infants and on the Christ as head. This ‘congregationalism’ has ‘Baptist’ has a long and honourable pedigree basis of the Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19, been characteristic of Baptist life and witness which says something vital about our identity and subsequent New Testament accounts, over the centuries. and convictions and ought to be retained and administer this ordinance only to those who have explained. As a name it has rarely proved to be a faith. Faith therefore, precedes baptism and hindrance but more commonly a help in reaching never the other way round. Furthermore, the out to communities throughout Ireland and baptism we practice is baptism by immersion. beyond. It is a name with positive historical Again, this follows the pattern of New Testament associations and vital doctrinal content which examples (most notably that of Jesus in Matthew carries potential, in a unique way, to represent 3:16). This baptism is illustrative of biblical and glorify Jesus Christ. symbolism (Romans 6:1-4) and is consistent with New Testament language in which the Greek verb to baptise means to dip or immerse.

James Fraser Frank Forbes appointed First IBFM appointed General Secretary of the Baptist Union couple - Mr and Women’s Rosa de Bettin General Secretary Baptist Union of Ireland. offices at 54 Mrs G. Oehring Auxiliary of the becomes the first IBFM of the Baptist 52 member churches in Dublin Road, sent to Peru IBFM formed national worker in Peru. Union of Ireland the Union. Belfast opened World War II begins 1927 1928 1929 1930 1937 1938 1939

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“THE NAME ‘BAPTIST’ HAS A LONG AND HONOURABLE PEDIGREE WHICH SAYS SOMETHING VITAL ABOUT OUR IDENTITY AND CONVICTIONS AND OUGHT TO BE RETAINED AND EXPLAINED.”

5. Our argument for liberty of conscience – 3. BAPTIST CO-OPERATION HAS MORE as Baptists, we claim liberty for ourselves in POTENTIAL THAN EVER matters of faith and conduct and also consider While it is true that there is always something of this to be an inalienable right for others. Just as a tension between independence and we do not accept dictation in the spiritual realm interdependence, yet, in comparison to many from others, neither do we attempt to dictate to similar groups around the world, Irish Baptists others. In order for religion to have any meaning have a basic cohesion that is something to at all freedom of the soul is essential in matters treasure. Our co-operative interest, however, is of religion and conscience. ‘We must obey God in biblical unity and not mere structural rather than men’ (Acts 5:29). ecumenism. This means that churches within the Association can unite around a common 6. Our stance on the separation of church and doctrinal statement and a shared vision for State - in keeping with the last two points outreach, training and fellowship. In a broader above, Baptists take seriously the words of the sense, Irish Baptists have also forged links with Lord Jesus ‘give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and like-minded groups of believers who share our to God what is God’s’ (Matthew 22:21). high view of Scripture and identify with our Christians ought to submit to the civil gospel orientation. In a world where disunity and authorities in all things that are not contrary to fracture are commonplace our Association of God’s law (Romans 13:1-7) but the church Churches has much to offer. should not expect the State to carry out its work (2 Corinthians 10:4) nor should the State impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind.

The Germans launch three raids on Belfast. Baptist Union Republic of Joshua Thompson appointed IBC relocated and Around 1,000 people lost offices move to Ireland Act General Secretary of the reconstituted in Belfast. their lives and many Baptist Youth 3 Fitzwilliam declares Ireland Union. 61 member churches David P. Kingdon were made homeless. Fellowship formed World War II ends Street, Belfast. to be a Republic in the Union. appointed Principal. 1941 1943 1945 1946 1948 1952 1964

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AT THE PRESENT TIME YOUR PLENTY WILL SUPPLY WHAT THEY NEED, SO THAT IN TURN THEIR PLENTY WILL SUPPLY WHAT YOU NEED. THE GOAL IS EQUALITY. PHILIPPIANS 1:27

4:WORKING TOGETHER

he sum of the parts is greater than the them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the BAPTIST WOMEN Twhole”. This familiar phrase is true of Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey They say 'behind every good man there is a good the churches which make up the everything I have commanded you” means that woman.' It is certainly true that in our Association. There are many aspects of ministry every day, Christ is proclaimed, new believers Association 'behind every good church is a good that can only be sustained by working together are being discipled and leaders are being group of women!' Women who help with the and would not be possible for an individual trained and equipped for gospel work, in , hospitality like Martha; women who disciple church by itself. The work of the Association Ireland, Peru and . and teach others like the women of Titus 2; Departments and the various schemes and women who reach-out with their faith like the funds that exist are evidence of this principle at young girl in Naaman’s court; women who work. Indeed, as the Association serves local What can be achieved in theological education render service like Phoebe or women who churches by aiding and supporting gospel when churches work together? Much, because influence and encourage others like Priscilla. outreach this generates a shared sense of to quote one writer ‘if we do not have a good The goal of Baptist Women is to unleash this fellowship and partnership in the gospel. we will inevitably have a bad one’. often untapped resource and equip women in Graduates such as T.J. McNabb, George Weir and the local church to reach their full potential BAPTIST MISSIONS Louis Deens made their impression in a past under God so that the body might be built up Proclaiming Christ and planting churches. This generation. What of today? Of the 62 full-time in the twenty-first century. is what, under God and in the power of his Spirit, students graduating between 2010 and 2014, we are seeking to do in France, Ireland, Peru and 34 are in ministry, 25 as pastors of which 18 are BAPTIST YOUTH Spain. Four gospel needy countries, with ABCI pastors, assistants or associates. Looking Baptist Youth takes the gospel to thousands of combined populations of 150 million people! at the Insight magazine prayer diary there are children and young people across Ireland and Including national workers in Peru, together we 60 individuals currently serving in a variety of further afield each year. Opportunities are are supporting (at various levels), a missionary ministries who have received training at IBC. provided for young people to exercise gifts and team of approximately 21 couples and three One of the founders of the College, H.D. Brown, talents in a variety of settings sometimes single people. By the grace of God, people are said that the aim was to train students who unavailable to them in their own church setting. being brought to repentance and are putting ‘possess qualifications which will last the strain The development of future leaders for our their faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus and wear of pastoral work’. That, more than 120 churches and fostering fellowship are two Christ. Obeying His commission to “Go, therefore years later and in a wider variety of ministries, positive outcomes. Ultimately, through churches and make disciples of all Nations, baptising is still happening. working together we see children and young

The Troubles break out in Northern Decision taken to open up a new field of Norman Shields Ireland. Warm relations between operations in Europe – initial focus on Raymond Pollock Ivor Oakley IBSSU and Baptist Youth appointed Secretary, churches north and south continue Belgium and France. Peter Quigley first IBFM worker appointed Fellowship merge to form IBHM despite political upheaval. appointed as first Baptist Youth worker. in Europe Principal, IBC Baptist Youth 1967 1969 1971 1974 1974 1975

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people setting their hope in God, remembering Those pastors who have recently taken up an his works and keeping his commands (Ps. 78:7). appointment are supported in the first few years of ministry through organised events ASSISTING CHURCHES and the advice and experience of a mentor. The Churches Pastoral Support Scheme exists to help small churches have pastoral oversight and BAPTIST AID care. History has shown that when a church can Provides an avenue for churches to collectively have a pastor the work will move forward. At one help and care for those in need in a practical point or other in their history many of our larger way at home and overseas. In recent years churches (e.g. Shankill, Ballynahinch, Lurgan, various relief endeavours have been supported; Hamilton Road, Ballymena, Portadown, Tobermore) the Asian Tsunami, earthquakes in Peru, faced the difficulty of supporting a pastor. Humanly Pakistan and Haiti and through the ongoing link speaking, without the support of sister churches with the Orphan Care Programme in Zimbabwe. through this scheme or one of its forerunners, they may not have survived. Assistance to churches All these endeavours aimed at encouraging continues to be provided in a variety of other ways churches to work together for the gospel leads (administrative, legal and financial) through the to a great sense of fellowship and unity. The Association office and the Baptist Corporations. totality of this work, carried out in the name of the churches, has an annual cost of over SHARED MINISTRY £1.2 m/ €1.5m and would not be possible Many churches engage in joint services and without the support, generosity and gospel sharing their pastor’s ministry with other partnership that exists within the Association. fellowships throughout the year. There has always been a readiness to help churches with a “vacancy” or those unable to maintain a pastor at all. The annual Pastors’ Conference is a great time of refreshment, encouragement and fellowship for pastors within the churches.

William Lyttle appointed Secretary, IBFM and IBHM merge to The Women’s Auxiliary Derek Baxter appointed Baptist Union Hamilton Moore IBHM. Rea Grant appointed create Baptist Missions. was reconstituted as Secretary, Baptist Missions. offices move to Norman Shields appointed Principal, IBC. Secretary, Baptist Union of Ireland. Roy Gamble appointed Baptist Women’s Mike Ewan appointed 117 Lisburn appointed Acting John Birnie appointed 85 member churches. Baptist Youth worker. Fellowship Secretary, Baptist Youth. Road, Belfast Principal IBC Secretary, IBC. 1976 1977 1979 1985 1987 1988 1990

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5:ADAPTING TOGETHER

od may be gracious to grant Baptist In 2014, Douglas Baptist Church began a work LEADERSHIP AND GOSPEL MINISTRY GChurches in Ireland another 20, 50 or in Passage West, a town of 6,000 inhabitants The Association has a legacy of producing even 120 years. Have you ever with currently no gospel witness. A small team ministers of the gospel and preparing them for wondered what plans He may bring about? has begun the pioneering work of building ministry through the Irish Baptist College. Many Taking a look into the future is fraught with relationships, gaining trust and distributing of the students who have graduated from the many challenges but that should not stop us literature in the town in order to be in a position Irish Baptist College over the past few years from thinking about what might lie ahead. to share the life changing message of the have had the privilege of finding opportunities What will the next chapter of the history of the gospel. The province of Connacht has a for ministry in churches and departments within Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland population of 400,000, yet there are currently the Association. These individuals will have contain? It is possible to think about the future only two Association Churches in that region. around 30 years of ministry in churches across by looking at what is taking place in the here the Island in front of them. Their ministry will and now. The reality is that the future is Fast forward to 2050 and imagine what each of shape churches, break new ground and shaped by the present. these three situations will look like. Will we see a continue the faithful tradition of preaching, network of churches planted from the two praying, shepherding believers and equipping CHURCH-PLANTING churches currently in existence in Connacht? Will them for acts of service. These men will shape The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland there be a thriving congregation of believers the future of the Association through networks is a network of church planting churches and meeting to worship God in Passage West? Will the of fellowship and the shared goal of seeing the undoubtedly this will be a hallmark of the future small church in Nenagh continue to reach into the gospel impact and change lives. The challenge ministry of the Association. Over the last 35 town, see people come to faith in Jesus and begin for the future will be to continue to identify and years, a Baptist Church has been planted in the process of looking to the next neighbouring train those with gifting in preaching and Ireland at the rate of almost one every year. town in the Midlands to begin a new work? leadership; people who will be at the forefront September 2014 saw the constituting of Nenagh of advancing the cause of Christ across this Baptist Church. This is one of the youngest We need to be innovative, pool resources and act island and beyond. Baptist Churches in Ireland. The church in in faith in order to see a mighty movement of God Nenagh came about as the result of significant in planting, forming and establishing churches. input from Baptist Missions and the care of the The potential exists and can be realised through mother-church in Thurles. co-operation and interdependence. The future is being shaped by how we act now.

Baptist Union of Ireland is Association offices and the William Colville appointed Good Friday Agreement is reorganised and changes Irish Baptist College relocate Secretary, Baptist Union of Jackie Whyte signed in Belfast. Isobel Moore Amazing Journey name to Association of to the , Moira. Ireland. Baptist Union of appointed Secretary, appointed first full time Presentation Baptist Churches in Ireland. Gordon Darragh appointed Ireland celebrates centenary. Baptist Youth Secretary, Baptist Women. introduced New work begins in Spain Baptist Missions Director 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2003

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“IN A WORLD WHERE DISUNITY AND FRACTURE ARE COMMONPLACE OUR ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES HAS MUCH TO OFFER.”

MISSION AND EVANGELISM With respect to mission overseas, Irish Baptists CHALLENGES The challenge of maintaining a gospel witness have had missionaries in Peru for almost 90 We live in a Society that increasingly presents in large urban areas such as Belfast, Dublin years and in more recent times in France and many challenges to our Association. and Londonderry will require prayer, tenacity Spain. These are needy areas that will require Secularisation, promotion of liberal moral and the creation of meaningful and perhaps our resolve, commitment and prayers to see the agendas and postmodern thinking are innovative ways of reaching out to urban gospel advance. However, it is evident that challenges that will undoubtedly intensify in the communities, deprived areas and ethnic across the globe the face of world missions is future. However, let us take heart in the purposes groups. The many towns and villages across changing and there is a shift in the direction of of God. Let us utilise the potential that exists the Republic that currently have no Evangelical mission. As the ‘West’ experiences the end of through our co-operation and interdependence. witness should evoke action and a movement ‘Christendom’, immigration is likely to be one of Let us make sure that a commitment to gospel of gospel work that will continue to claim the hopes for vibrant evangelism. Therefore, our ministry, church planting, overseas mission, ground across the south. churches should be prepared to receive believers training and fellowship will mark the future. from Peru, Spain, France and other countries There is a great need to continue our work who may well be equipped to come to Ireland to together as an Association in the present, to reach out in multicultural urban centres and shape the future and in God’s grace to see the among migrant communities. gospel advanced, lives changed, churches established and the Kingdom of God extended right across Ireland and beyond.

IBC Preparation for Dave Ramsey Ministry Course Baptist Centre library Marking 120 years of appointed commenced. Nigel Irish Baptist Life Gail Curry extension. Mervyn Scott God’s faithfulness. Baptist Youth Younge appointed rebranded as appointed Baptist Edwin Ewart appointed appointed Baptist 5 new churches received Director Training Director ABCInsight Women Director IBC Principal Missions Director into membership. 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2014 2015

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