Partnership was the key theme on 20 May as eighty people, including a high proportion of ministers, gathered in Erdington for the Heart of England Baptist Association’s AGM.

Underlying many of the contributions lay a particular concern to help churches in urban areas face the challenges of 21st Century mission.

There was also discussion in small groups on how best to stimulate prayer in and for the Association.

Opening worship was led by Gwen Millns, Minister of Church of the Redeemer in Edgbaston and her husband Andrew, one of HEBA’s Regional Ministers. Together they read from 1 Corinthians 3, highlighting Paul’s call to be co-workers for Christ.

Regional Minister Adrian Argile celebrated developing relationships with Saltmine and Urban Expression. Fifty people recently attended an evangelism training day run by HEBA and Saltmine. Church planters Urban Expression are hoping to see new teams emerge in the HEBA area and have met Association staff several times.

David Locke, Finance Director of BMS World Mission, spoke of his delight at the recent move of HEBA’s Office to the International Mission Centre (IMC) in Selly Oak. “I am excited about the journey God is taking us on together. We’re looking forward to helping more churches in HEBA with things like cross cultural mission”, he said.

Chris Rowberry, who has been undertaking mission research for HEBA in north Birmingham, talked about changes at the re-named Northern Baptist Learning Community where she is Regional Tutor.

Regional Ministers Barrie Smith and Andrew Millns focussed on partnership for ministry and training. Barrie highlighted a new series of Leaders Days, while Andrew outlined plans to run training courses at IMC with Bristol, Northern and Regent’s Park Colleges and BMS World Mission.

An important resolution to create a single loan fund, available for all churches in the Association, was unanimously agreed.

On a lighter note Simon Harry, Minister of Bewdley Baptist Church stepped up to receive the BUGB website design award 2009.

Team Leader Keith Judson unveiled the new HEBA logo, designed to reflect the aim of "Growing healthy churches in the heart of England".

Keith ended proceedings with a heartfelt reminder of Jesus’ words in John 13. Recalling with amusement some of the ways he tried sharing his faith as a teenager, Keith said: “Jesus insisted that our love for one another is what marks us out as his disciples. If we are to see healthy, growing Baptist churches in the heart of England then the hard work of loving and supporting one another is vital!”