New England news & perspectives
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Boston Church Planter now IMB Euro Missionary: An interview with Dan Byrd
Boston-region church planters, Dan and Tara Byrd, now serve as IMB Church Planting Catalysts in Manchester, England. They are well known and loved by many New England pastors. Sam Taylor, BCNE Global Engagement Mobilizer, asked them to report on their work in the UK.
Rejoicing in God’s Work These Last 8 Years
Eight years ago today I began my service as the Executive Director of the BCNE. It is a great joy to serve the churches. From my very first day, my passion has been to help the churches multiply Christ-followers through partnering, equipping, and encouraging. I’m thankful the Lord has chosen to honor my humble efforts with His favor.
Where is the BCNE headed in 2023?
We are rejoicing that the pandemic is finally behind us. Though ministry looks different now than it did before the pandemic, at least it is becoming easier to find the new rhythm that will help us be more effective in the year to come. Perhaps one of the greater changes that we must make for effective future ministry is one of attitude.
From Wales to Vermont
My first connection with Vermont was back in 2011 when Wes Pastor, a member of BCNE and founder of NETS, took a special module at my Bible College in South Wales. I remember him saying that he saw many parallels between the general culture and spiritual climate of New England and Northern Europe; and Wales, in particular. Little did I know then that just over a decade later I would visit him and others in Vermont.
Retirement and protection benefits for pastors and church staff
Did you know BCNE pastors and ministerial staff members who have a retirement account through GuideStone could be eligible to receive an annual retirement benefit of up to $210? It is the desire of the BCNE to invest in pastors who are key leaders in fulfilling the Great Commission through their local churches.
BCNE Board of Directors issues statement on recently released SBC Sexual Abuse Report
On Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the meeting of the Baptist Churches of New England Board of Directors, the most prominent topic of conversation was the recently released Southern Baptist Convention report which included a list of pastors and other church-affiliated personnel accused of sexual abuse.
Pastors' wives and women’s ministry leaders meet for fellowship
It is beautiful when women gather to encourage one another and worship Jesus together. The leaders of Iglesia Bautista Casa de Restauración in Lawrence, MA and Iglesia Bautista Dios con Nosotros in Glastonbury, CT, had two wonderful opportunities in April for women in their congregations to meet and fellowship.
The BCNE changes its name for the first time since it was founded
Names carry weight and significance in scripture. In Genesis 17, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, declaring his destiny in his new name. He went from being known as ‘exalted father’ to a ‘father of many nations’. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter which means ‘rock’, as a proclamation of what the Holy Spirit would do through Peter one day in building and growing the church.
Boston church and its network make largest ever donation to BCNE
In celebration of the 40th anniversary since its founding, the Berkland Baptist Church network of churches (including Antioch Baptist Church in Cambridge, MA) has made a special gift to the Baptist Convention of New England in the amount of $1 million. This donation represents the single largest gift ever received by the BCNE and will be used to fund church planting, church revitalization, and collegiate ministry.