Presentation of ministers, pastors and RLMs  

Around 40 ministers who have been transferred to the fully accredited list, Recognised Local Ministers (RLMs) and pastors who have been accorded recognition since the last Assembly were presented and prayed for on Saturday afternoon 

The names of those being recognised were announced in Association order, with many receiving cheers in a congregation featuring many friends and family. Each went up to the stage to be greeted by a representative of their Association, General Secretary Lynn Green, and new President Alex Afriyie. 

Alex then led delegates - the congregation - in making a series of commitments in supporting those receiving their handshake, before inviting the ministers, pastors and RLMs to make their own series of commitments. He then prayed for them.

Lynn Green introduced the section, which came immediately after the In Memoriam. 

'Even as we remember with thanksgiving the accredited ministers who have gone before us, we celebrate the emerging cohort of those similarly called. 

'All of us here are called to follow Jesus. All of us are called to serve. Yet some hear and respond to the Lord’s particular calling to be ministers who exercise oversight among us.'

The accredited ministers and pastors took to the stage first, before Lynn introduced the RLMs, the first cohort to achieve such recognition.  

'Three years ago, we introduced the new category of Recognised Local Ministry. Recognised Local Ministers undertake a two-year programme. It includes a foundation in theology, mentoring, and spiritual formation. 

'It is aimed at equipping women and men for the ministry they exercise in their locality. They faithfully serve their own churches and communities as pastors, chaplains and pioneers. 

'So, though they haven’t been through the longer programme of formation that our Accredited Ministers undertake, we still want to mark the occasion of their being awarded Recognised Local Minister status.'

Turning to the RLMs, she said, 'Thank you for the way you serve the Baptist family and for the work you have put into to prepare yourself for the ministry you exercise.' 


Photos of the presentation will be added in due course