Younger leaders and scripture focus for new President Steve Finamore 
 

Steve outlined the twin focus of his theme as he was inducted as our President for 2024-25, urging Baptists to focus on developing younger leaders, and to think afresh about the place of the Bible in our worship and teaching

 

This both looked forward and back, he explained.  
 
Steve, who led Bristol Baptist College for 17 years until 2023, said he had a special concern that we try to 'encourage our young people to step into ministry and other forms of service.’
 
‘I would like to encourage you to be intentional in having conversations about ministry and service with your youth and young adults, empower and invest in them, find them and fund them,’ he continued.
 
‘Think about what helped you, and what hindered you.
 
‘The obstacles that you faced within and without – and then think how you could help others.
 
‘I want to encourage everyone to look around, identify and encourage potential young ministers and other young leaders.
 
‘Be prepared to mentor them and support them, and to give them opportunities for service - and invest in them.’
 
The second key thought is that ‘we think afresh about the place of the Bible, in our worship and our teaching, in our following of Jesus, and in our decision making.’
 
This comes from our beginnings as Baptists where we were marked by faithfulness to Scripture, and a commitment to radical obedience to the Bible.’
 
This got Baptists into ‘no end of trouble,’ said Steve, but they knew they had the courage first to seek God’s will in the Scriptures - and then to do it.’
 
Steve began his address by speaking of his love and gratitude to Baptists. 
 
‘I first attended a Baptist church in the early 1980s. It was like coming home, arriving at a place I belonged
 
‘And this network of churches helped shape me, and gave me a place to serve.
 
‘Because of you, this great family, I’ve had the chance to be a deacon and church secretary, to work overseas, to be a pastor and to train pastors.
 
‘And now this… So I will always love and be grateful for  God’s Baptist people.’
 
Steve said as he visits our churches, he ‘see all kinds of great things happening. There’s so much to be encouraged about.’
 
Nevertheless, ‘we need to be honest, and recognise that as a whole we need to be renewed.’
 
This is something only God can do, Steve continued, but ‘there are some things we can do that will help us to be ready’ – hence his two suggestions alongside all the other good initiatives happening.
 
Steve concluded by saying: ‘So, please hear my gratitude for all you have been for me, and for the opportunities of this year; my excitement about all God is doing and that I share the longings of many for renewal.
 
‘Perhaps, in addition to all the other great ideas around we could focus on inspiring and encouraging younger leaders
 
‘And have a renewed focus on God’s Word in the Scriptures, and so look to God in trust for the next stage of our adventure as God’s Baptist people.’

Read in more depth about Steve's theme in the Summer 2024 edition of Baptists Together magazine