Background

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The most urgent need

Some small British Baptist churches that were once beacons of evangelism are at risk of closing. In many cases, if the Baptist church closes, the community will have no evangelistic outreach. Church decline is alarming! A ten to twenty percent reduction in membership in ten years is not uncommon. Congregations are aging rapidly and young people are becoming scarce. The most urgent need is for visionary pastoral leadership and youth/children’s ministry. Some Baptist churches have declined to the point that they can no longer pay a pastor’s salary and paid youth workers are even less likely for them.

Volunteers are a viable option and American workers have been remarkably effective in British Baptist churches. Experienced American pastors and other staff members have the skills and experience to do the work of a short-term pastor. Perhaps surprisingly, many American lay leaders are also qualified to serve as short-term pastor. And, if God calls them to such a ministry, lay preachers are acceptable to British Baptists. Regardless of the background and experience, the three most important traits are a genuine love for the Lord, love for people, and a willingness to listen.

University students or recent graduates are ideal candidates for youth and children’s ministry in Great Britain. Those who are willing to take the summer or a semester or both off from studies or to delay their career start can serve in assignments of 6 to 24 months.

Financial Arrangements

Short-term pastors and youth workers serve without salary and a “love offering” is not allowed.

For short-term pastors, the church provides a furnished house or flat with utility bills paid, a car with taxes and insurance paid, and reimburse for airline tickets and visa expenses. Short-term pastors pay living expenses and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

For youth workers, the church provides accommodations, meals, local transportation (e.g. bus pass) and a modest living expenses allowance. Youth workers raise funds to pay for airline tickets, visa expenses, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.