Support for a Pastoral Vacancy 

In times of pastoral vacancy, our Regional Team is here to walk alongside your church every step of the way. We will meet with both church leadership and the wider membership to listen, pray, and help discern God’s direction. We’re happy to preach at a Sunday service to get to know the congregation and offer encouragement. Where needed, we can provide experienced moderators to guide specific areas of church life, and we are available to lead away days designed to help your church reflect and plan for the next chapter in ministry.

Navigating a Pastoral Vacancy

A pastoral vacancy can feel daunting, but it is also a God-given opportunity for reflection, growth, and renewed mission. Baptists Together’s When a Minister Leaves guide offers step-by-step wisdom for concluding a ministry well, enabling the church to flourish without a minister, and prayerfully discerning the way forward before appointing new leadership. It covers practical matters such as preaching, worship, mission, pastoral care, and administration, alongside the spiritual call to vision-setting and seeking God together. You can download the full guidance here.

Year-Long Sermon Series Resource

We understand that it can often be challenging to know where to start when planning a preaching series. To help, we’ve created a year-long sermon overview that weaves together key seasons in the Christian calendar as well as special Sundays such as Baptists Together’s Home Mission Sunday and Stewards of the Earth Sunday. The plan also includes connected mini-series that flow from week to week, complete with themes and Bible passages for each Sunday. This downloadable resource is designed to give you a clear starting point while leaving space for your own prayerful adaptation to your church’s context, and can be downloaded here.
You will also find links to speakers who are willing to come to your church here.

 

All-Age Worship

The SCBA team recommends Scripture Unions All-age Lectionary Services; it is a must-have for anyone leading all-age worship. With 60 lively, lectionary-based service outlines (Year A), it’s bursting with interactive ideas, prayers, games, music, and creative openings and closings that work for every generation. Tried, tested, and easy to grab from the shelf, it’s ideal for churches in pastoral vacancy.
You can purchase it here.
 

Small Group Resources

We offer a rich library of homegrown material that can be adapted for small groups, church meetings, or special services. Explore ideas like hosting a Home Mission Sunday with stories and a special offering, leading a service on environmental justice, or discovering our Baptist story through video courses and study notes. You’ll also find Slow Wisdom resources on prayerful and discerning decision-making, and video-based studies to help churches reflect on mission and ministry by learning from the journeys of other congregations. These resources are ideal for sparking discussion, deepening understanding, and inspiring local mission. Find them here.
 

Welcoming Someone into Church Membership

The service of welcoming new members includes affirming their commitment to Christ and the church family. It usually follows a declaration of faith, the church covenant, and a promise of mutual support. The congregation responds with their own commitment to walk alongside the new member(s) in worship, fellowship, discipleship, and mission. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered, and the welcome is often expressed through the right hand of fellowship or another symbolic act of inclusion. Click here to download a guide to Welcoming Someone into church membership.
 

Preparing Someone for Baptism

Preparation for baptism involves teaching the meaning and significance of believers’ baptism: as an act of obedience to Christ, a public declaration of faith, and a symbol of dying and rising with Christ. Candidates should understand the biblical foundation for baptism, be able to share their testimony, and know the practical details of the service. A pre-baptismal meeting with the church leaders can include going over the vows, explaining the sequence of the service, and addressing any pastoral questions or concerns. Speak to your Regional Minister for guidance on baptism preparations and if you need help with the service. 
 

How to Lead a Communion Service

Leading communion involves both theological understanding and pastoral sensitivity. The service includes thanksgiving for God’s saving work in Christ, the retelling of the Last Supper, and inviting believers to the Lord’s Table. Bread and wine (grape juice) are blessed and shared among the congregation. Leaders should ensure clarity of invitation (who may participate), reverence in handling the elements, and space for prayer and reflection. Scripture readings (e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) and traditional or adapted liturgy guide the congregation in remembering Christ’s sacrifice and celebrating the unity of His body. For Communion liturgy, please contact your Regional Minister.
 

Children, Youth & Families Resources

For those working with children, young people, and families, we provide creative and engaging materials to help nurture faith across all ages. These include seasonal activities, discipleship tools, training opportunities, and practical guidance for building safe, welcoming spaces where young people can explore the gospel and grow as disciples. Browse the collection here