As we move into a new year, I want to remind you of the Association’s commitment to you. Our desire is ‘to grow healthy churches’, with HEBA’s purpose to stimulate and assist the region’s Baptist churches for their God-given task of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
HEBA’s foundational value is ‘companionship’. Walking with and watching over each other is the very definition of associating. The regional team make the care of ministers and churches their first priority. Ministers are connected and accountable to each other, while churches are committed to building relationships with each other and to living empathetically in their locality. The regional team and trustees are determined to be similarly approachable and supportive in their working together.
Next comes ‘generosity’. A heart and spirit of generosity is encouraged throughout HEBA. We look for reasons to say ‘yes’ to working in partnership with each other, and we seek to encourage a spirit of generosity. After that is ‘diversity’. We share a common purpose in growing God’s kingdom, yet celebrate the reality that in Christ we are a diverse mix of people, communities, context and approach. When we disagree, we do not allow difference to stand in the way of grace and mercy. We will seek to provoke spiritual growth and development. We challenge any barriers to ‘learning’. Lastly comes ‘innovation’. Contemporary culture demands a broad and imaginative approach to ministry and mission. We encourage and facilitate churches and ministers to seek and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit into new ways of being church, and towards creativity in their sharing of Jesus’ love.
May you see God work through you in 2018. Be assured of the partnership with the Association; we commit ourselves to walking with you. Do not hesitate to be in touch and please do let us know what God is doing in your fellowship. Let us together seek God and see lives and communities transformed by the love and grace of God.
Adrian Argile, Regional Minister – Team Leader